What is a Hashtag used for ?
Hashtags are used on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook they are used to quickly find/link anything that uses the tag for example #myweddingday putting the # before the word will "tag" it. These have become popular at weddings where the couple will set a hashtag up (usually with their names) they then ask their guests to tag them in posts on social media with photos they have taken. This does work but here we will explain why it really isn't the best option to get photos from your guests
One thing you need to be aware of if you are using hashtags for your event photos, you are going to struggle to get them printed.
Instagram is a mobile based app that you cannot save the photos from, Facebook will allow you to save a photo but the quality is reduced.
THERE ARE BETTER OPTIONS AVAILABLE
We of course are talking about our Virtual Photo Service, NO APPS, NO DOWNLOADS and NO HASHTAGS are required.
We provide you with a unique website address, your guests simply open the website where they will see a personalised screen for your event, they will see “Upload A Photo and Upload A Message” buttons.
Once they upload the photos and messages they are saved for you in a personalised overlay, you can also view them live as they are sent (details of this on request)
Many events especially weddings the host doesn’t want photos posting on social media before the couple have done so themselves, with our service the photos are saved and given to you, they don’t get posted anywhere unless you want us to.
All of the photos and messages are sent to you via a download the day after your event, you are then free to do as you wish with them, we do also offer print packages
NOT EVERYONE HAS INSTAGRAM
The most common social media platform to use hashtags on is Instagram, and those that do use Instagram will need their accounts to be public if you want your other guests to be able to see what is sent.
THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE
So you have chosen your # and passed it to your friends and family and they have started to send you photos (well the ones that have instagram have) but any stranger that sees that # can also use it.
We did a trial in 2019 with hashtags for a different service we were considering offering, we was shocked at some of the images that was linked to the hashtag. Do you really want some not safe for work images in the middle of your wedding photos?
You CANNOT make a hashtag private, they are free for anyone to use and abuse
MORE PRIVACY INFO
If someone sends images using your # you cannot delete the images, you have zero control over who uses it and who sends what using it.
The overall idea of hashtags is after your event you search the # you setup and view the photos your guests have sent, if that hashtag has been used in the past or is used in the future your photos will be grouped with other photos that have been sent by strangers.
If you do decide to use hashtags make it something that is unlikely to get used, and test it before you send it to people, whilst there may be no other photos on it during your test remember the above
The Virtual Photo Service
This service does NOT need Hashtags and you don't even have to download any apps It also includes a virtual guest book so your guests can send photos and messages to help you remember your special day.
