Instagram hashtags are a way to categorize posts on the platform. When you use a hashtag accompanied by a keyword, Instagram will create a link to other posts, photos, and videos tagged with the same keyword.
In fact, you can use hashtags in your Instagram account bio, Instagram posts, and stories, as well as captions and comments. While you can use Instagram hashtags on the caption, most people prefer to do so on the first comment, just so there is a distinction between the caption and the comments.
For your Instagram stories, you have two options to incorporate relevant hashtags. The first is by typing in the hashtag symbol followed by the keyword. Lastly., you can use the hashtag sticker from the sticker menu. A list of hashtags similar to your keyword will appear as you type.
Best Practices for a Winning Instagram Hashtag Strategy
Use the right hashtags, and use them right, and you can confidently look forward to the content you post getting more attention even among new audiences. Additionally, hashtags drive engagement among your target audience. As such, it is easy to see why there will be ongoing conversations around trending hashtags on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms.
- Use the Best Instagram Hashtags
There is a whole range of different hashtags you can use for your posts. It’s all about using the right one. For example, you can use the hashtag #picoftheday#or #photooftheday# to caption your selfie. Similarly, use branded hashtags to promote your brand or specific product.
Start with a hashtag search on the app itself, and you will get suggestions for popular hashtags related to your niche and search. You can also get suggestions for your posts from a hashtag generator.
Find out what niche hashtags your competitors are using. Again, you also want to consider the lifestyle and interests of your target audience and related hashtags. Such will easily catch the attention of your target audience and inspire them to explore the page and your Instagram feed. For instance, #instagood, #instalike, and #instadaily are some most popular hashtags for different audiences.
Stay away from spammy hashtags that aren’t relevant to your posts. The new Instagram algorithm can quickly pick up on these irrelevant hashtags.
Additionally, you will want to stay clear of #like4like, #likeforlike, #likesforlikes, #followforfollow, #followforfollowback, and other quick-fix strategies. In the end, such fixes will not drive any meaningful engagement for your content or repost of your stories.
- Use Just Enough Hashtags
You want to avoid overdoing it with Instagram hashtags. You have a limit of 30 hashtags to use per post. This limit applies to the hashtag you put on your captions and comments. On the other hand, you get a limit of 10 hashtags per story.
The limit notwithstanding, Instagram has recently advised using 3-5 hashtags per post. While there is every reason to go with more, you can get away with using fewer hashtags as long as they are hyper-relevant.
- No Punctuations
Using any punctuation in your hashtags will only break the link. However, you can use as many top hashtags as long as you keep sight of the limit and ensure you don’t use punctuation.
- Mix It Up
By all means, and as may be relevant, you can use numbers and emojis in your hashtags. These colorful and creative hashtags can be great content for your lobby signs.
- Keep up with the Trends
What current topics are trending in the news or Google? Think of what’s making headlines across your industry and the world in general. Additionally, think of social media trends that cater to specific days, such as #throwbackthursday.
Indeed, these time-sensitive Instagram hashtags will help you increase your reach. You will find that these are the most popular Instagram hashtags at that particular time, and you will do well to join in.
- Schedule Your Hashtags
There are several tools to help you schedule your hashtags. In other words, you can set your hashtag data to automatically publish alongside your videos and photos. This way, you can avoid the hassle of typing out 10 to 30 Instagram hashtags if you are, say, on the move and using your phone to post content on your account.
- Keep Track of Your Hashtag Strategy
The performance of your hashtags is an important metric to track. There are several analytics tools you can use to monitor and track your hashtag strategy. These tools will track your usage, identify what specific hashtag is trending in your niche, and help you post engaging content with the right hashtags.
The Bottom Line
Instagram hashtags work quite well to drive engagement and increase outreach, and inspire action, especially when you have the right content. For example, #followme and #followback hashtags are a call to action, and you can increase your followers and reach. While Instagram is gearing towards keyword search and SEO, a great hashtag strategy is still unbeatable.
