Back in August 2007, when “Umbrella” (ella…ella) dominated the airwaves, product designer Chris Messina suggested to Twitter that they “use #(pound) for groups.”

Twitter’s response? They deemed it too geeky, predicting it would never gain traction. Fast forward 15 years, and hashtags are now ingrained in social media, especially on Twitt..erm…X, TikTok, and our focus today: Instagram. Let’s explore how to leverage Instagram hashtags to expand your audience, boost engagement, and solidify your brand.

Table of contents

What exactly are hashtags?

A hashtag is simply a word, phrase, or acronym preceded by the pound symbol (#). On platforms like Instagram, tapping or clicking a hashtag unveils all posts associated with it.

This facilitates content categorization and discovery amidst the deluge of social media posts. Hashtags are prevalent across major platforms like:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter

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Why bother with Instagram hashtags?

While other platforms incorporate hashtags, Instagram is where they truly shine. Let’s delve into the multifaceted benefits of using them.

• Wider reach: Hashtags make your Instagram posts, Reels, and Stories discoverable by users exploring the platform, creating multiple avenues for reaching a larger audience.
• Increased engagement: Instagram posts incorporating hashtags experience a 12.6% increase in engagement boost in engagement compared to those without. Some even report a 29% increase.
• Growing your followers: By connecting you with niche audiences, hashtags can contribute to gaining more Instagram followers—high-quality followers with the potential to convert into customers.
• Brand strengthening: From branded hashtags that encourage user-generated content to lighthearted ones for aesthetic purposes, hashtags help express your brand voice and build trust.

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A Look at Different Types of Instagram Hashtags

The hashtag universe on Instagram is vast and varied. However, most fall under these categories.

Location Hashtags

These are crucial for local social media marketing and attracting local customers. Keep in mind that using a location hashtag isn’t the same as adding a location on Instagram!

• #detroitrealestate
• #landscaperboston

Popular Hashtags

These tend to be very broad, so they might not attract the most relevant interactions. Nevertheless, they can still offer some exposure.

• #waybackwednesday
• #dogsofinstagram

Trending Hashtags

These hashtags stem from current events, encompassing both one-time occurrences and recurring events.

• #marchmadness2024
• #solareclipse

Branded Hashtags

Businesses often create unique hashtags for their brand or campaigns to foster engagement and user-generated content.

• #goldiesquad (@goldieblox)
• #myDSW (@dsw)

Daily Hashtags

Instagram boasts a plethora of popular hashtags associated with each day of the week.

• #thurstythursday
• #sundayscaries

Holiday Hashtags

Holidays and hashtags and Instagram marketing go hand in hand.

• #instahanukkah
• #seasonsgreetings

Community Hashtags

Community hashtags embody the “social” in social media, enabling users with shared interests to connect.

• #runners
• #photographersofinstagram

Adding Hashtags on Instagram: A Simple Guide

Adding a hashtag to your Instagram content is as straightforward as it gets—just place the pound symbol before a word or phrase! You’ll often spot hashtags within Instagram captions, like so:

However, they can also live in other areas, like your Instagram bio. We’ll even unveil some clever ways to subtly incorporate hashtags into your posts. Here are a few pointers for hashtag placement:

• No punctuation allowed: Avoid using punctuation or spaces within your hashtag (e.g., #don’t-hate or #do-not-hate won’t work, but #donthate will).
• Clarity is key: Capitalizing the first letter of each word in hashtagged phrases enhances readability and accessibility (e.g., #findyourpassion vs. #FindYourPassion). Note: Capitalization doesn’t affect the hashtag’s link destination.
• Watch for unintended word combinations: Combining words without spaces might create unintended words.
• Avoid hashtag repetition: Using the same hashtag multiple times within a post doesn’t improve your discoverability or search ranking.

Unveiling the Top Instagram Hashtags

While popular hashtags might not make you stand out, blending them with more niche tags can provide extra visibility. They also serve as a good “base” hashtag that you can tailor for relevance. According to top-hashtags.com, here are the top 20 most-used hashtags (along with their usage count):

1. #love (2.1B)
2. #Instagood (1.7B)
3. #Instagram (1.1B)
4. #fashion (1.1B)
5. Photooftheday (1.0B)
6. #art (1.0B)
7. #photography (1.0B)
8. #beautiful (829M)
9. #nature (791M)
10. #picoftheday (723M)
11. #travel (708M)
12. #happy (702M)
13. #follow (699M)
14. #cute (668M)
15. #style (646M)
16. #instadaily (645M)
17. #tbt (584M)
18. #repost (559M)
19. #summer (555M)
20. #beauty (532M)

Daily Dose of Instagram Hashtags

While we have a dedicated post on hashtags for each day of the week, here’s a quick rundown to get you started: Monday: #mindfulmonday, #mondaymood, #mondayquotes

• Tuesday: #tooltiptuesday, #traveltuesday, #tuesdaytrivia
• Wednesday: #waybackwednesday, #wellnesswednesday, #woodworkingwednesday
• Thursday: #throwbackthursday, #thankfulthursday, #thursdaythought
• Friday: #fearlessfriday, #flashbackfriday, #featurefriday
• Saturday: #saturdaysweat, #saturdayselfie, #saturdaysale
• Sunday: #sundayfunday, #spotlightsunday, #sundaysweets

#thursdaythoughts

Growth-Oriented Instagram Hashtags

The most effective Instagram hashtags for growth are those tailored to your specific niche. Consider customizing them further by incorporating your location or business name. We’ve got you covered with over 300 more industry-specific hashtags to choose from, but here’s a sneak peek:

• Real Estate: #newlisting, #openhouse, #mortgagetips, #townhouse
• Education: #highered, #virtuallearning, #alumni, #go[schoolname]
• Automotive: #carsforsale, #cardealership, #collisionrepair, #tirerotation
• Healthcare: #getyourcheckup, #telehealth, #cancerawareness, #hearthealth

#carmechaniclife

Instagram Hashtags for Small Businesses

Instagram marketing is paramount for small businesses. These hashtags can help mom-and-pop shops gain visibility on the platform. #shoplocal, #buylocal, #supportsmallbiz, #familyowned, #smallbusinesssaturday, #smallbusinessweek, #smallbusinesslove, #smallbusinesstips, #smallbusinessowner, #handmade, #handcrafted, #etsyshop

#smallbiz

Uplifting Hashtags for a Dose of Motivation

Everyone appreciates a bit of encouragement. Incorporate these motivational hashtags into your Instagram strategy to resonate with your followers. #hustle, #motivationonoftheday, #ifnotyouwho, #justdoit, #alwaysbekind, #workhard, #bebolder, #nevergiveup, #walkyourtruepath, #starttoday, #carpediem, #ifnotnowwhen, #accountability, #bethechange

#bethechangeyouwanttosee

Hashtags Tailored for Instagram Reels

Think of Instagram Reels as mini-movies akin to TikTok’s short-form content. Include a Reels-specific hashtag to increase your videos’ visibility when users search for this type of content. #reels, #funnyreels, #reelsvideo, #reelsinstagram, #reelsviral, #reelsexplore, #trendingreels, #reelstrending, #reelsdance, #instagramreels, #instareels, #reelsofinstagram, #reelsdaily, #reelschallenge, #reelsfashion

#viralreels

Festive Holiday Hashtags for Instagram

You can dream up a hashtag for practically any holiday (#NationalCreamsicleDay, anyone?). In fact, we’ve compiled over 140 end-of-year holiday hashtags for your convenience. Here’s a glimpse of holiday hashtags spanning the calendar: #christmasspirit, #naughtylist, #NYE, #lightthemenorah, #halloweenvibes, #Tdayfeast, #memorialdayweekend, #thankyouvets, #thefourth, #happyfourthofjuly, #shamrock, #stpattysday, #Valentinesdaylove, #bemine

#worlddreamday Explore these posts for a plethora of holiday hashtags:

• Memorial Day
• Thanksgiving and Halloween
• Fourth of July
• St Patrick’s Day
• Valentine’s Day

Hashtags to Garner Likes on Instagram

That little heart tap signifies more than just appreciation for your post; it signals to the Instagram algorithm that your content deserves a wider audience. These hashtags are sought out by users looking for likes (and followers) and are often open to a #like4like exchange. #likes, #likeforlike, #instacool, #like4follow, #follow4followback, #instalove, #shoutout, #follow, #f4f, #followback, #liker, #instafollow, #pleasefollow, #likeforlikeback

#followtrain

Hashtags for Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness has taken center stage across various domains, so it’s no surprise to see related hashtags gaining traction on Instagram. #stigmafree, #mentalhealthadvocate, #mentalhealthawareness, #anxietyisreal, #endthestigma, #selfcare, #acceptyourself, #gowithin, #mindsetshift, #selfacceptance, #youareworthy, #healthyboundaries, #itsokaytonotbeokay

#itsokaytonotbeokay

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Through Hashtags

Hashtags in this realm have flourished in light of recent events. Here are some of the more widely used diversity and inclusion hashtags: #empowerment, #inclusion, #socialimpact, #community, #loveislove, #accessible, #disabilityawareness, #diversityequityinclusion, #pride, #blacklivesmatter, #allmeansall, #bettertogether, #unityindiversity, #loveforall, #minorityowned, #veteranowned, #womanowned, #blackowned

#prideispermanent

Uncovering Trending Hashtags on Instagram

To incorporate use hashtags into your Instagram content effectively, research is key. Wondering where to begin? Here are a few starting points:

Leverage a Hashtag Generator

Hashtag generators are valuable tools for crafting both general and targeted hashtags. Most function by analyzing a keyword you input and generating a list of relevant hashtags, often accompanied by their popularity score.

Explore these popular hashtag generators:

• Sistrix
• All Hashtag
• RiteTag
• Hashme

Hashtag generators aren’t the only use for AI. Download this guide to AI in marketing and learn several reasons why artificial intelligence could be a real smart move for your business.

The Power of Instagram Search

Simply start typing hashtag ideas into the Instagram search bar and observe the auto-fill suggestions. It’s that easy.

Draw Inspiration from Your Competitors

Keep a close eye on your competitors and industry influencers. When in doubt about effective hashtags, analyze what’s working well for others in your field. It’s a great springboard for shaping your own strategy.

Mastering the Art of Hiding Hashtags on Instagram

If your post warrants a hefty 20-30 hashtags, there are subtle ways to incorporate them without overwhelming your caption.

• Utilize a comment: Include a select few hashtags in your caption and tuck the rest away in a comment on your post.
• Push them down: After composing your caption, create line breaks with just a period on each line. Once you have enough white space below your caption, paste in your hashtags.
• Camouflage them: In Instagram Stories, match your hashtag text color to your background or cleverly conceal them with a sticker.

Image source

The Hashtag Conundrum: How Many is Too Many?

While Instagram permits up to 30 hashtags per post, the “ideal” number depends on who you ask. A study from way back in 2017 suggests that using an even 10 hashtags yielded the widest reach. Fast forward to 2021, Instagram itself proclaimed (via Instagram, naturally) that you should stick to 3-5 hashtags hashtags per post. However, in that same year, Later revealed that 20-30 hashtags actually reign supreme (for Feed posts). Their recommendations?

• Optimal reach rate: Aim for 20 hashtags.
• Optimal engagement rate: Go for 30 hashtags.

Image source So, what’s the takeaway? Limit your caption to three or fewer hashtags, consider discreetly embedding a couple within your image, and relegate the rest—up to 30 in total—to a comment. Just prioritize relevance to your content above all else.

Mastering Hashtag Usage on Instagram

Hashtags offer a potent way to organically promote your Instagram account. Let’s explore some effective strategies:

Strike a Balance with Hashtag Types

Consider hashtags as the SEO keywords of the Instagram world. A well-rounded approach involves using high-volume hashtags for broad exposure alongside lower-volume, higher-intent hashtags to attract potential followers and customers. For instance:

• Broad, low intent: #landscaping, #backyard
• Less broad, medium intent: #landscapinghouston, #residentiallandscape
• Specific, high intent: #landscapingserviceshouston

Create a Go-To Hashtag List

While repeating hashtags within the same post is a no-go, you can (and should) reuse effective hashtags across different posts. Keep a handy list for easy copy-pasting. Remember: Relevance is paramount. If a hashtag doesn’t apply, remove it. Irrelevant posts appearing under a hashtag can harm your brand’s credibility and make you appear untrustworthy or desperate.

Craft Your Own Hashtag Campaigns

Some of the most impactful Instagram marketing campaigns revolve around hashtags—the unforgettable #IceBucketChallenge is a prime example. The ALS Association’s marketing team not only raised awareness but also garnered a substantial ($115 million in donations! Consider how you can replicate this success by making your hashtag desirable, encouraging organic spread and brand awareness among Instagrammers. Hashtag campaigns don’t have to be fleeting contests or trends. In fact, some of the most successful branded hashtags, like Chewy’s #petsbringustogether, stand the test of time.

Cultivate User-Generated Content with an Evergreen Branded Hashtag

Take inspiration from the sneaker company Allbirds. Instead of relying on generic hashtags, they consistently use #weareallbirds, which their satisfied customers have adopted to showcase their new footwear.

Tips for crafting a winning branded hashtag:

• Uniqueness is key: Incorporate your brand name and be specific.
• Keep it concise and catchy: Overly long or complex hashtags (e.g., #nexus-securitymakesadvertisingeasy) are difficult to remember and use.
• Do your due diligence: Always research your chosen hashtag to ensure it’s not already in use—especially for something inappropriate or insensitive.

Elevate Your Giveaways with Hashtags

Structure your Instagram giveaways by asking participants to share a picture, tag your business, and use a designated hashtag. This not only streamlines entry tracking but also populates your branded hashtag with engaging content.

Foster Community with Hashtag Challenges

Hashtag challenges are a fantastic way to connect with your audience and build a community around your brand. A great example is the collaboration between Lululemon UK and Stava. Their challenge encouraged followers to complete a 40-80K run and share their achievements using #4080challenge. However, as always, hashtag research is crucial. Searching for #4080challenge on Instagram currently yields more car-related results than runners.

#4080challenge…a Lululemon campaign and a car.

Strategically Tag Other Brands

Beyond tagging other brands in your posts, incorporate their branded hashtags as well. It’s a gesture of support for their Instagram marketing efforts, and you might even earn a feature or reciprocal hashtag use in return.

Stay in the Loop by Following Hashtags

Here are a few hashtag categories worth following on Instagram:

• Your branded hashtags: Monitor engagement and safeguard your brand reputation. Users might not always tag your business directly when using your hashtag.
• Competitors’ hashtags: Stay informed about their activities.
• Industry hashtags: Keep your finger on the pulse of news and trends in your niche. To follow a hashtag, simply search for it and click the “Follow” button in the search results.

Demystifying Instagram Hashtag Analytics

Let’s talk data. Evaluating the effectiveness of your hashtags requires insights from the numbers. Fortunately, several tools are at your disposal. Let’s examine three:

1. Harnessing Instagram Insights

First up is Instagram’s native analytics platform, accessible on mobile with an Instagram business account. You can even delve into an individual post’s hashtag performance by tapping “View insights” beneath it.

2. Unlocking Deeper Insights with Sprout Social

For more granular hashtag performance data, investing in a dedicated reporting tool like Sprout Social is worth considering. This comprehensive social reporting tool enables you to generate Instagram hashtag performance reports for various purposes, including:

• Comparing the performance of your most-used hashtags with those generating the highest engagement.
• Analyzing the performance of branded hashtags against broader ones.
• Utilizing their tagging feature to create campaign-specific hashtag reports.

3. Exploring the Power of Iconosquare

While Iconosquare comes with a slightly higher price tag, it offers a wealth of features, from scheduling social posts and tracking/responding to comments to accessing in-depth analytics—all within a single platform. Regarding hashtag tracking, this tool provides sophisticated analytical data on hashtag engagement and whether specific hashtags are contributing to brand or campaign growth.

Addressing Common Instagram Hashtag FAQs

We’ve covered a lot of ground. Let’s recap some frequently asked questions about Instagram hashtags:

Which hashtags are best for Instagram?

The most effective hashtags are those your target audience actively searches for. Prioritize relevance to your message and offerings, and ensure they have a reasonable usage volume, indicating active searches.

How do hashtags gain viral status on Instagram?

Certain hashtags explode in popularity right out of the gate (think #icebucketchallenge). This can be attributed to factors like high-profile celebrity endorsements or association with widely discussed events. However, virality is generally too unpredictable to be a primary goal. Instead, prioritize crafting exceptional Instagram content and pairing it with relevant hashtags.

What’s the recommended hashtag count for Instagram?

You can include up to 30 hashtags per post. Aim for five or fewer within the caption itself and relegate the rest to the first comment.

Which hashtags are best for Instagram Reels?

In essence, hashtags for Reels operate similarly to those for your in-feed posts. Opt for hashtags that align with your content and have a decent search volume. Additionally, consider incorporating variations of #Reels to attract users seeking short-form video content.

Elevate Your Instagram Game with Hashtags

Who knew that a single symbol could unlock such potential for expanding your reach, attracting followers, and propelling business growth? As we’ve established the undeniable importance of Instagram hashtags, let’s summarize some key takeaways:

• Utilize hashtag generators and the Instagram search bar to uncover valuable hashtags.
• Discreetly incorporate additional hashtags within comments.
• Maximize your hashtag usage (up to 30) while maintaining relevance.
• Strike a balance with a diverse range of hashtag types to optimize reach and engagement.
• Double-check the meaning of your chosen hashtags and ensure they don’t form unintended words.
• Maintain a readily accessible library of frequently used hashtags.
• Craft engaging hashtag campaigns and challenges.
• Harness the power of hashtags to encourage user-generated content (UGC).
• Leverage hashtags to fuel your giveaways.
• Strategically tag other brands to amplify reach and brand awareness.