In a nod to the power hashtags are having beyond Twitter, Google has rolled out a hashtag auto-complete function for Google+.

Tag it and bag it

Google+ users who type # in an update or chat session will now have the hashtag auto-completed for them, similar to the way Google Instant auto-completes search queries.

Hashtags are selected for their on popularity and relevance.

Hashtags move beyond Twitter

Hashtags are increasingly becoming a powerful method for sharing content quickly, and are often used to generate buzz for everything from movies to elections.

They also have the ability to rally users around a common issue, and recently hashtags such as #qantasluxury and #vilekyle have become major news pieces (and headaches) for brands.

The auto-complete feature shows Google wants to make it easier for Google+ users to interact with one another. By selecting the appropriate hashtag users will ideally gain access to a wider circle of fellow Google+ users and content.