Exactly what are hashtags?

[hannahlovesVS!]

haha I have a twitter and this is probably like the most basic thing but can someone explain to me what exactly a hastag is and how to use it? More on how to use it, I pretty much know what it is but do you have to like follow it or...what?! haha thanks(:

[LastHorcrux]

Hashtags, i.e. #amazing, will create links on your Twitter, Youtube & Instagram. When you enter that tweet or comment and click on the hashtag link, it'll take you to a page where other Twitter users have used that SAME hashtag.

[Ana K]

Hashtags are used to emphisize words and sometimes, make topics trend. Hashtags are sometimes like the main idea of your tweet. For example: #STOPKONY2012 Lets get rid of this monster!!! or, I'm ready to #BELIEVE ! ..... And no, you dont follow it or anything.. Hope I helped!