Instagram Hashtags 101: How To Use Hashtags On Instagram

In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries and strategies behind a vital yet often misunderstood aspect of the platform: hashtags. So, let’s dive into how to use hashtags on Instagram and the top 50 best hashtags for the platform in 2024. 

On Instagram, hashtags serve a more practical purpose to boost your visibility. They function as a tool to improve SEO, but for social media, they guide users to your content and help you reach far beyond your followers into the wide unknown of potential audiences. 

But beware of the hashtag fuzz—use them wisely, not hastily! The more relevant your hashtags are to your post’s content, the more the right kind of audiences will encounter, appreciate, and engage with your posts. So, let’s dive into what the best hashtags for Instagram are and how they work to reach peak audience engagement and likes. 

On Instagram, hashtags categorize content, making it discoverable to users even if they’re not your followers. When users click on or search for a specific hashtag, Instagram leads them to a page showing all posts tagged with that word or phrase. 

The posts that get the most likes, comments, or shares emerge on top in two sections: “Top Posts” and “Recent Posts.” You could consider “Top Posts” as the VIP section in the club of hashtags, where the most popular, engaging posts are displayed.

Choosing the right hashtag is like deciding on the right outfit—it depends greatly on the occasion (content) and your desired audience. Just like you wouldn’t wear a Halloween costume to a black-tie event, even though we know you would just rock it,  you wouldn’t want to put irrelevant hashtags on your posts.

So, what’s the difference between being under-dressed or over-dressed in the hashtag world? Let’s dive into how many hashtags you can use for your posts and how to pick the right ones to invite the correct folks to your virtual party.

How to use hashtags on Instagram to increase traffic

Hashtags hold the key to hiking up your traffic. Here are some tips for using hashtags to increase your Instagram traffic and make your profile visible to new audiences. 

Make a list & check it twice.

A well-curated list of hashtags will work wonders to reach the right audience. Don’t throw hashtags around like confetti; be strategic with your targeting. Consider your niche, explore competitors’ tags, and seek out relevant communities. Divide your list into primary (general) and secondary (specific) hashtags to tap into multiple layers of audience.

Keep the spotlight on content.

Hashtags are for discoverability, not distraction. Move the hashtags to the first comment when your caption gets too crowded. It’ll keep your caption focused and hashtags equally effective.

Ride the hashtag-trend wave.

Climb aboard trending hashtags that fit your content and watch your engagement grow. The rising tide lifts all posts. But remember: relevance is key. Don’t hijack a hashtag if your post has nothing to do with it.

Evolve & adapt.

Change is the only constant on social media. Keep monitoring, tracking, and experimenting with the best hashtags for Instagram to refine your strategy. Swap worn-out tags for fresh ones, and don’t forget to measure their impact. Ultimately, hashtags are the traffic signals guiding users towards your amazing content. So treat them like a GPS, keep your audience on the right track, and your engagement will increase 100% of the time. 

How to choose hashtags on Instagram

Let’s take a look at how to pick the hashtags that will spice up your posts and beckon Instagram crowds your way.

Relevance is king.

First, the golden rule: Don’t choose hashtags just because they’re popular. Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, they must be a perfect fit! Let your content steer your decision. The more relevant your hashtags, the more likely you’ll reach an audience genuinely interested in your content. Quality over quantity!

Communities are your friends.

Look for hashtags used by your community. Instagram isn’t about shouting into the void; it’s about connecting with like-minded folks, so create posts for your niche. 

Watch the leaders.

Take a look at the successful Instagram accounts in your niche. What hashtags do they use? Learn from the top dogs, but pick carefully to suit your unique brand voice. Don’t just parrot; adapt and perfect!

Be specific & unique.

Broad hashtags might have a broader reach, but they also face broader competition. Adding specific and unique hashtags helps you to reach a niche audience that might be more likely to engage with your content.

Test, monitor, & adjust.

Using the right hashtags is an art, and like with any artistic pursuit, it’s not about getting it right the first time. It’s about trying, learning, and adapting. Test out different hashtags, monitor their performance, and adjust your strategy based on the results.

How many hashtags should I include on Instagram?

Remember the adage, “Less is more”? Or how about, “Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing”? They apply to hashtags, too. Hashtags are powerful, but knowing when to stop using them is equally important. Let’s find your hashtag sweet spot.

Is there a hashtag limit

Instagram enforces a cap of 30 hashtags per post. However, don’t treat this as a target. It’s a boundary, not a goal.

Consider the ‘Goldilocks zone.’

Research varies on the ideal number of hashtags, but the general consensus suggests around 5 to 10 hashtags per Instagram post. Why this magic range? If there are too few, you may not garner enough visibility; if there are too many, your post might appear spammy or desperate. Aim for the just-right “Goldilocks” zone.

Less can be more.

Consider posting fewer but more targeted hashtags in the main caption, then adding more in the first comment. It helps keep your post clean and visually appealing yet maximizes reach.

Mix it up.

Don’t copy-paste the same set of hashtags into every post. This can make Instagram’s algorithm view your content as spam. Keep it fresh and adapt hashtags to suit each unique post.

Best hashtags for Instagram in 2024

Predicting the future is a challenge, but when it comes to predicting popular hashtags for Instagram, we’ve got the crystal ball of research and trends. Buckle up as we unveil 2024’s hottest hashtags that’ll make your posts shine, your impressions skyrocket, and your engagement soar!

Best hashtags for Instagram travel

Best hashtags for Instagram food

Best hashtags for Instagram fashion

Best hashtags for Instagram music

Best hashtags for likes

Key takeaways for making the most out of the best hashtags for Instagram

You’ve learned to select the best hashtags for Instagram and say goodbye to those that belong in the hashtag graveyard. But if you’re ready to rock the Instagram world with your engaging content and unstoppable hashtagging game, let these key principles be your guide:

Remember, it’s not just about beginning; it’s about maintaining the momentum. So keep posting and experimenting!

Frequently Asked Questions

This article originally appeared on Grin.co and is available here for further discovery.