Twitter turns 10: A look at some of the biggest hashtags, retweets

In this Feb. 2, 2013, file photo, a smartphone display shows the Twitter logo in Berlin, Germany. (AP / Soeren Stache)

Twitter turns 10 Monday and what a decade it has been. The social media site that limits posts to 140 characters has changed the way people share breaking news, organize social movements and come together in times of tragedy.

Created in 2006 by Evan Williams, Noah Glass, Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone, the platform now has 320 million monthly active users.

One reason for its popularity is that “hashtags” allow people to track topics with just a click, and anyone can create one by hitting # on their keyboard.

Twitter creates year-in-review websites showcasing the most used hashtags each year. As it celebrates its birthday, here’s a look at the most popular hashtags and retweets since hashtags took off in 2009 and retweets in 2010.

2015

The top retweeted tweet ended up being one from One Direction’s Harry Styles after Zayn Malik announced he was leaving the group.

2014

Ellen’s infamous Oscars tweet was the most retweeted and liked tweet of 2014 – and of all time – with a selfie including actors Bradley Cooper and Brad Pitt and actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep.

2013

News of The Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker’s death was the most retweeted tweet of 2013, linking to Walker’s Facebook page.

2012

U.S. President Barack Obama celebrated his re-election with a the most popular retweet of 2013 featuring a picture of him and the First Lady with three simple words.

2011

The most popular tweet was a promoted tweet from the fast-food chain Wendy’s, asking for RTs to support kids in foster care.

2010

In light of the #GulfOilSpill, comedian Stephen Colbert tweeted his thoughts on the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

2009

Bonus

A top retweeted tweet of 2010, now deleted, was a simple one from Kanye West, expressing his regret for storming the stage while Taylor Swift accepted the award for Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. He proceeded to let everyone know that Beyoncé had the best video. The tweet simply said, “I’m sorry Taylor.”