Hashtags are one of those things on Instagram that can really make or break your growth. They’re the bridge between your content and a wider audience, helping your posts get discovered by people who aren’t following you yet. But with Instagram’s constantly changing algorithm and the many conflicting opinions on how relevant hashtags are these days, it can be hard to figure out the best way to use them.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular strategies for using hashtags to boost your Instagram visibility and growth. From understanding how many hashtags to use to crafting the perfect hashtag strategy, we’ll show you exactly how to harness their power.
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Why Hashtags Matter on Instagram
Hashtags might seem like a simple tool, but they’re a powerful way to increase your reach on Instagram. At their core, hashtags allow users to discover your content, even if they’ve never heard of you before. When you add relevant hashtags to your posts, you’re essentially telling Instagram’s algorithm, “Hey, this content is related to these topics,” helping it surface your post in the feeds of people interested in those themes.
The more targeted your hashtags are, the higher the chances of reaching users who resonate with your content. For example, if you’re posting about fitness, using hashtags like #fitspo or #gymmotivation can connect your posts with people actively searching for fitness-related content. This increases your chances of getting noticed and followed by users who share similar interests.
Additionally, hashtags help you tap into broader conversations and trends happening on Instagram. Using popular or trending hashtags can give your posts a better chance of appearing in the “Explore” section, exposing your profile to a larger audience.
Simply put, hashtags are key to unlocking visibility on Instagram. Without them, you’re essentially limiting your reach to just your followers. But with the right strategy, hashtags can be a game-changer for growth.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram?
One of the most common questions Instagram users have is, How many hashtags should I use on Instagram? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some general guidelines that can help you get the most out of your hashtags.
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but just because you can use that many doesn’t mean you should. Research suggests that using between 9 and 11 hashtags tends to result in the best engagement. Too many hashtags can look spammy and might even hurt your reach, while too few could limit your visibility.
It’s also important to note that Instagram’s algorithm has evolved over time, and some experts argue that the quality and relevance of your hashtags matter more than sheer quantity. Instead of stuffing your post with random, popular hashtags, focus on choosing hashtags that are closely related to your content and audience. A mix of broad, niche, and branded hashtags will likely help you achieve better results.
Ultimately, the right number of hashtags depends on your specific goals, audience, and content. Experiment with different amounts, analyze your results, and adjust accordingly to what works best for you.
How to Use Hashtags on Instagram to Gain Followers
Using hashtags strategically is one of the most effective ways to gain followers on Instagram. When done right, hashtags can help you reach people who are actively searching for content like yours, making it easier to grow your audience. But how exactly do you use hashtags to boost your follower count?
Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Popular hashtags like #love or #instagood may get a lot of attention, but they’re also incredibly competitive. Instead of relying solely on these, incorporate more niche-specific hashtags that are tailored to your audience. For example, if you’re a travel blogger, instead of just using #travel, you could try something more specific like #solotravel or #travelbloggerlife. Hashtags that mention a specific location can also give you the results you want.
Niche hashtags might not have the massive reach of more popular ones, but they’ll help you connect with a more targeted group of potential followers. Pick your niche if you haven’t already, and get specific with your Instagram hashtag strategy.
Use Branded Hashtags
Branded hashtags are a great way to build your own community and track engagement around your content. Create a unique hashtag that reflects your brand or the theme of your posts. Encourage your followers to use it in their own posts, which can help you gain visibility and attract new followers who are interested in your brand.
Stay Relevant
Make sure the hashtags you use are relevant to the content you’re posting. Irrelevant hashtags not only waste your time but can also irritate users and lead to negative feedback. For example, using a hashtag for a fitness post like #healthychoices works, but using one like #foodie when posting a gym workout can come across as inauthentic.
Leverage Trending Hashtags
When you see a trending hashtag that’s relevant to your brand, don’t hesitate to jump in and join the conversation. Trending hashtags often attract a large volume of users who are actively participating in the trend, which means you can expose your content to a wider audience. But remember, only use trending hashtags when they make sense for your post—otherwise, it can look like you’re just hopping on a bandwagon.
Instagram Hashtag Strategy for Success
Building an effective Instagram hashtag strategy is essential for maximizing your reach and growing your followers. It’s not just about slapping a bunch of random hashtags on your posts—it’s about being strategic and thoughtful in how you approach them. Here are a few key steps to creating a successful Instagram hashtag strategy:
Research Your Audience and Competitors
Understanding your target audience is the first step to creating a winning hashtag strategy. Think about the hashtags your followers are likely to search for or engage with. You can also look at what your competitors are using to get inspiration and discover which hashtags are working well in your niche. Tools like Instagram’s search bar or third-party hashtag research tools can help you find trending and relevant hashtags.
Avoid Overused or Irrelevant Hashtags
Using popular hashtags is tempting, but if they’re too overused, your post might get buried in a sea of content. Similarly, using irrelevant hashtags just to boost your reach can harm your engagement and may even get your post flagged by Instagram. Make sure every hashtag you use directly relates to your content and aligns with your brand.
Track Your Performance and Adjust
Instagram’s algorithm is always changing, so your hashtag strategy should evolve, too. Track your performance by monitoring the engagement your posts get with different sets of hashtags. Use Instagram Insights to see which hashtags drive the most traffic and engagement and tweak your strategy based on the data. This will help you continue refining your approach and find the perfect balance that works for your account.
Final Thoughts
Hashtags can truly unlock your Instagram growth, but it’s all about how you use them. By strategically mixing popular, niche, and branded hashtags, keeping them relevant to your content, and regularly checking what’s working, you can boost your visibility and attract the followers you’re looking for.
Remember, while hashtags can expand your reach, pairing them with other tactics—like consistent posting, engaging with your audience, and sharing quality content—is key to lasting success.
Navigating Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Ready to make your Instagram stand out? Let us help you boost your followers, likes, and views.
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