How Many Instagram Hashtags Should You Use? (Instagram’s New Algorithm Update)
How Instagram Hashtags Work
Hashtags have been the most effective way of increasing exposure and engagement on Instagram for a ridiculously long time. Yet to get the most out of them, they need to be used correctly.
By putting hashtags in your captions, you get discovered by more people. How many do you put on each photo? Do you put as many as possible? Or is there a number that is best?
This guide will be examining the best number of hashtags based on Instagram’s new algorithm, some background as to how hashtags are being used, and the do’s and don’ts of how to optimize them for their use.
How Instagram Hashtags Function
Hashtags serve as a filter in Instagram to allow individuals to discover content based on interest. Including hashtags in posts allows the algorithmal in Instagram to catalog the post in such a way that other individuals interested in what they are searching for are able to locate posts.
Instagram also rolled out a new feature recently—semantic keyword search—to users so they could search for content through keywords in the caption, as opposed to hashtags. So, one wondered whether hashtags were declining. However, hashtags are a critical feature on Instagram and remain central in making posts discovered and driving engagement.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram
Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post, but you don’t have to use them all. Best practice, according to the most recent news from Instagram, is to utilize 5-10 hashtags per post rather than the 30 available.
Why? Because less hashtags allow Instagram to better classify your post and therefore to better have better reach. More hashtags can be a consideration in helping impressions, but oftentimes become spammy and less effective on your message.
That approach is however only optimal when Instagram itself suggests posts to users in feeds. Until such time, if you have to create the most engagement, using as many relevant hashtags as possible still applies.
Best Instagram Hashtags
The following are some of the most widely used hashtags that create high engagement:
- #love
- #interiordesign
- #design
- #fashion
- #instagood
- #style
- #inspiration
- #art
- #travel
- #summer
For instance, the hashtag #love has more than 2.1 billion searches and is one of the most widely used hashtags on Instagram. Utilizing popular and niche-based hashtags in your posts will assist in ensuring the correct audience.
Types of Instagram Hashtags
In order to receive maximum exposure, it is important to learn about various types of hashtags:
- Location Hashtags
- Example: #bryantpark
- Best to use while discovering places and gaining local followers.
- Branded Hashtags (Example: #oscars, #grammyawards).
- Utilized for campaigns, events, or business promotion.
- Industry Hashtags (Example: #photography).
- Best to use to target groups belonging to a niche.
- Community Hashtags (Example: #saveanimals).
- Best to use to connect with like groups and create awareness.
- Descriptive Hashtags
- Example: #sheabutterproducts
- Best to use when trying to identify your business, product, or service.
- Mixing the right combination of these types is actually going to enhance visibility and engagement to your post.
Last Thoughts
For enhancing engagement and visibility on Instagram, the use of hashtags comes into effect. Rather than draping your captions with a bunch of hashtags, opt for quality over quantity by choosing the best hashtags for your post.
If you are an Instagram user, always think about the topic of your post and select hashtags based on that. Don’t use too many, just a few—just enough to show up on the explore page and reach more people. By doing these little things, you can maximize your Instagram presence and grow your following more effectively
