Throwback Thursday on Instagram: Complete #TBT Guide
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Throwback Thursday on Instagram: Complete #TBT Guide
Throwback Thursday (#TBT) is a weekly social media tradition where people share old photos and memories every Thursday. With over 500 million posts on Instagram using the #TBT hashtag, it's one of the most popular recurring content themes on the platform.
Quick #TBT Overview
- What: Share old photos, memories, or nostalgic content on Thursdays
- Hashtags: Use #TBT and/or #ThrowbackThursday
- Best time: Thursday morning (9 AM–12 PM)
- Why it works: Nostalgia triggers emotional engagement
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Start your free trialWhat is Throwback Thursday?
Throwback Thursday is a social media trend where users post old photos, memories, or nostalgic content every Thursday using the hashtags #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday.
Brief History of #TBT
The term "Throwback Thursday" first appeared in blogs around 2006, with early uses in sneaker blogs featuring vintage shoes. The first Instagram post with #ThrowbackThursday is credited to a user named Bobby Sanders in February 2011. The trend went mainstream in 2012-2013 when celebrities like Kim Kardashian started participating regularly.
Today, #TBT is one of the most-used hashtags on Instagram with over 500 million posts.
Why Does #TBT Work?
Nostalgia triggers emotional responses that drive engagement:
- Emotional connection: People feel positive emotions when reminiscing
- Easy participation: Everyone has old photos they can share
- Story potential: Old photos naturally invite storytelling
- Community: Followers often share their own related memories in comments
For brands, TBT content humanizes the business by showing history, growth, and the people behind the company.
How to Post a Throwback Thursday
1. Choose Your Photo
Pick a photo that:
- Has an interesting story behind it
- Shows genuine nostalgia (not just from last month)
- Is clear enough to view on mobile
- Relates to your brand or personal story
2. Write Your Caption
Include:
- Context: When and where the photo was taken
- The story: What was happening in that moment
- Why it matters: Why you're sharing this memory
- A question: Encourage followers to share their own memories
3. Add the Right Hashtags
Essential hashtags:
- #TBT – the abbreviated version
- #ThrowbackThursday – the full hashtag
- #Throwback – general throwback content
Optional additions:
- #Memories or #GoodTimes
- Year-specific tags like #90s or #2010s
- Industry or topic hashtags relevant to the photo
4. Post at the Right Time
Best times to post on Thursday:
- 9 AM–12 PM (morning, before lunch)
- 12 PM–1 PM (lunch break scrolling)
Post early enough that it's still Thursday for most of your audience across time zones.
Throwback Thursday Content Ideas
For Personal Accounts
For Business Accounts
Brand Examples That Work
Here are types of #TBT posts that brands commonly use:
Then vs. Now Comparisons
- Camera companies showing old equipment vs. new
- Software companies showing old interface vs. current design
- Fitness brands showing client transformations
Vintage Marketing Materials
- Old advertisements, brochures, or packaging
- Original logos compared to current branding
- Vintage product catalogs
Company Milestones
- Anniversary posts showing founding photos
- First product launch vs. latest release
- Original office/store vs. current location
Team and Culture
- Early team photos
- Past company events or celebrations
- Founder origin stories
#TBT Caption Examples
Here are caption templates you can adapt for your own posts:
For Personal Posts
"Found this gem from [year]. [Brief context of what was happening]. Can't believe how much has changed since then! What's your favorite memory from that era?"
"Throwback to when [describe the moment]. This was the start of [something meaningful]. Who else remembers [relatable experience]?"
"Taking it back to [year/occasion]. This was before [current situation], and I had no idea [insight or lesson learned]."
For Business Posts
"Throwing it back to [year] when we [milestone or early moment]. We've come a long way since then. Thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey."
"Before the [current product/service], there was [old version]. Here's where it all started. [Brief story about the early days]."
"This was our team in [year]. Since then, we've grown to [current size]. Here's to everyone who helped build what we have today."
Tips for Better Captions
- Start with context: When and where was this taken?
- Tell the story: What was happening in that moment?
- Make it relevant: Why are you sharing this now?
- Invite engagement: Ask a question that encourages comments
Instagram Features for #TBT
Stories
Use Instagram Stories for TBT content with interactive elements:
- Polls: "Guess what year this was taken?"
- Questions: "Share your own throwback memory"
- Quizzes: "Which [decade/trend] does this belong to?"
- Countdowns: For anniversary throwbacks
Reels
Create short video throwbacks:
- Then vs. now transitions
- Photo slideshows with music
- Voiceover storytelling over old photos
Carousels
Use multiple images to tell a fuller story:
- First image: The throwback photo
- Second image: The same scene/person today
- Additional slides: Context or related memories
Other Daily Hashtag Trends
#TBT isn't the only recurring weekly hashtag. Here are others you can use:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have to be Thursday to post #TBT?
The hashtag is designed for Thursday posts and will get the most visibility when used on Thursdays. However, you can use #Throwback or #Flashback any day. Some people also use #FlashbackFriday as an alternative.
How old does a photo need to be for #TBT?
There's no official rule, but generally a few months to several years old works best. A photo from last week doesn't capture the "throwback" spirit. The most engaging TBT posts typically feature photos from at least a year ago.
Should I use #TBT or #ThrowbackThursday?
Both work well. Many people use both in the same post to maximize visibility. #TBT is shorter and more commonly used, while #ThrowbackThursday is the full phrase.
Is #TBT still relevant?
Yes. With over 500 million posts on Instagram, #TBT remains one of the most popular recurring hashtags. Nostalgia-driven content continues to perform well because it triggers emotional engagement.
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