{"id":26799,"date":"2022-08-19T01:24:07","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T15:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plannthat.com\/?page_id=26799&preview_id=26799"},"modified":"2024-07-01T14:49:55","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T04:49:55","slug":"instagram-hashtags-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.plannthat.com\/instagram-hashtags-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Instagram Hashtags in 2024: The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 1<\/p>\n

What Are Hashtags ?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Hashtags are like traffic signs directing people to your Instagram profile. With the right keywords, you can get your content in front of relevant users who are craving the exact posts you\u2019re sharing![\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23796″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Trying to expand your audience? Want to increase the engagement and reach of your posts? Using the best hashtags can help you do just that on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Hashtags are an important part of your marketing strategy to ensure your posts are getting the attention they deserve! Whether you are trying to boost the visibility of your brand to a wider audience or simply find your niche on Instagram, we know it can be daunting to find the right hashtags for each post.<\/p>\n

With so many conflicting resources out there, it\u2019s easy to find yourself getting tripped up over. How many hashtags should you use? How do you know which hashtags are working? Should you place hashtags in the\u00a0 caption or first comment?[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835403071{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

<\/b>The Basics of How Hashtags Work<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 2<\/p>\n

Why Use Hashtags<\/b>?<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Hashtags are like traffic signs directing people to your Instagram profile. With the right keywords, you can get your content in front of relevant users who are craving the exact posts you\u2019re sharing![\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23944″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Trying to expand your audience? Want to increase the engagement and reach of your posts? Using the best hashtags can help you do just that on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Hashtags are an important part of your marketing strategy to ensure your posts are getting the attention they deserve! Whether you are trying to boost the visibility of your brand to a wider audience or simply find your niche on Instagram, we know it can be daunting to find the right hashtags for each post.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835622172{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

The Basics of How Hashtags Work<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 3<\/p>\n

Where Should I Post My Hashtags?<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It can be difficult to know where to put your hashtags. In your caption, or as the first comments? There\u2019s really no right way of adding comments. At the end of the day, it\u2019s your feed and your choice!<\/p>\n

By putting hashtags in your first comment it keeps the image caption clean and clear and allows the first caption full of hashtags to disappear after a few comments on your image.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”25239″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]However we know some people like to keep everything together in the caption as they feel it adds to the overall conversation, and others like to keep their Instagram caption clean by adding all 30 into the first comment.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23947″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Even though you\u2019re allowed to use up to 30 hashtags per post, some users feel uncomfortable having them all on display, and some even like to delete them after a few days when their work is no longer trending in that hashtag.<\/p>\n

To make things easier, you can use Plann to autopost your hashtags into the first comment.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835771494{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

Should You Put Hashtags in the First Comment
\n<\/a>Autopost Your First Instagram Comment<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 4<\/p>\n

Top Instagram Hashtags<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Figuring out how to find Instagram hashtags to use is one of the biggest pain points and where many users get tripped up. How many hashtags should you be using? And how do you know which are the right ones to use, to get you discovered by your ideal audience.<\/p>\n

Never fear, we\u2019re here to help you navigate the maze of hashtags so you can select just the right ones to get your content seen by just the right people.<\/p>\n

Hashtags are a bit of a Goldilocks situation. You don\u2019t want to use ones that are too big, or too small \u2014 but rather, a mix of small-to-medium competition ones that are just right<\/i>. If you’re using hashtags that are too popular (think, hundreds of thousands of mentions), you risk your content being swallowed up in a sea of posts and nobody seeing it. But, if you are using hashtags that are so niche and specific that it only has a handful of mentions, it\u2019s unlikely anyone will be searching for it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26356″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]To figure out the number of photos posted on a specific hashtag, simply type the word you\u2019d like to use as a hashtag into the search bar on Instagram. Then check the number under the hashtag, as shown in the photo below. This number tells you how many photos using this hashtag are floating around Instagram right now.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835856018{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

How to Find Instagram Hashtags to Attract Authentic Followers <\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 5<\/p>\n

Types of Popular Hashtags<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Not all hashtags are created equal. When you\u2019re looking at hashtags to put in your own collections\/hashtag sets, pay attention to how many mentions they currently have. If you use hashtags that are too popular (think, over 500,000 posts, you risk your posts being swallowed up into the abyss).<\/p>\n

But on the other hand, if you use ones that are too niche or specific (say, only a few hundred posts) it\u2019s likely nobody will be searching for it! Mid-size hashtags \u2014 say, around 10,000-50,000 tend to be the sweet spot for landing your content in the coveted \u2018top posts. That said, don\u2019t be afraid to also throw smaller or location-based hashtags into the mix if they\u2019re super relevant to your content.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26353″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]To attract people who are really interested in your posts, we recommend that you find Instagram hashtags that have under 500,000 posts on them (unless you have a bigger following or a REALLY engaged audience, then definitely try working with bigger hashtags). And don\u2019t be shy of including some that are 20,000 or under \u2014 these can really be the sweet spot for super-engaged users.<\/p>\n

Another reason to find Instagram hashtags sitting in the mid-range and smaller hashtags is visibility. When someone does a search on Instagram, the most popular photos sit in the \u2018Top Posts\u2019 section. The rest of the photos reside in chronological order in \u2018Most Recent.\u2019[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26355″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Why you should avoid spammy hashtags<\/strong><\/p>\n

The big culprits that attract spammers are hashtags such as #instagood, #happy, #love and #followme to name a few. These hashtags should be avoided if you don\u2019t want to be spammed to death with a whole lot of smiley faces or \u201cfollow me for free followers\u201d comments.<\/p>\n

You can easily recognise the hashtags to avoid as they will have well over 100,000,000 posts on them. Checking how many photos have been posted on a specific hashtag not only helps you weed out the spammy ones, but also allows you to find those smaller to mid-range hashtags which will help you stand out.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835926233{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

How to Ensure You\u2019re Using the Best Hashtags for Your Brand<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 6<\/p>\n

How Many Hashtags to Use on Instagram <\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We know that Instagram has recently changed its advice around hashtags and recommends sticking to five or so tailored hashtags per post. However, we also know that your content won\u2019t be penalized for using the full 30 hashtags and we want to help you reach as many people as possible on social media.<\/p>\n

Our tip? Use all 30 to gain maximum visibility on your Instagram content! Because hashtags increase visibility on your posts, ensuring your content is discoverable to your target audience is the key to boosting your reach and engagement (and getting your brand in front of relevant users).[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26157″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Changing up your hashtags<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Instagram algorithm finds it easier to categorize what type of account you are (and recommend you to others) if you\u2019re regularly using recognizable hashtags \u2026 but you don\u2019t want to use the same 30 hashtags over and over again! Not only is the Instagram algorithm said to look unfavorably on this, it also means you\u2019re likely always attracting the same people.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to keep things fresh and regularly mix up your hashtags. The best way to do this? Hashtag sets!<\/p>\n

In Plann, you can create smaller collections of hashtags, that you can easily pick and choose from every time you post to hit your total of 30. We recommend using around 5-10 hashtags per set, in alignment with your strategy themes (which you can set in Plann\u2019s \u2018strategy\u2019 section.)<\/p>\n

By saving target hashtag sets saved in Plann according to your content \u201cstrategies\u201d or content pillars you easily copy and paste into your captions with the click of a button. Easy peasy![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660835980983{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

How to Find Instagram Hashtags to Attract Authentic Followers<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 7<\/p>\n

How to find Trending Hashtags on Instagram <\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]So, how do you go about actually finding<\/i> hashtags to use in your Instagram posts? The best place to start is to actually think about what type of content your target audience is likely to be searching for.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23945″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Say you sell products for cats, and your demographic is cat owners and cat lovers. A great place to start is the #cats \u2014 this might be a little too high-competition. So, you\u2019d want to find related<\/i> hashtags associated with that one.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26352″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The way you do this is by heading to your Instagram feed, and typing \u2018cats\u2019 into your search bar. This will bring up a dropdown menu of other\u00a0 similar hashtags related to that search term, as well as how many posts they\u2019ve been used in.<\/p>\n

Another hashtag research strategy is to check out the Instagram accounts of other people in your industry, to see what hashtags they\u2019re using and repurpose some of them for your own use.<\/p>\n

Hashtags from feature accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another type of hashtag to look out for is one started by someone else who curates photos and re-posts them on their Instagram page. The way this works is that you add their specific hashtag to your photo, and if the account likes your photo, they will repost it along with a link to your Instagram page.<\/p>\n

These sorts of Instagram accounts usually have a huge following, so getting featured by them is kind of a big deal that opens you up to a whole new audience. An example is using the Huffington Post weddings hashtag #HuffPostIDo on wedding photos.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660836074537{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

How to Find Instagram Hashtags to Attract Authentic Followers<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 8<\/p>\n

Using Hashtags on Stories and Reels<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Do you want more people to see your stories, Instagram profile and all the hard work you put in? OH YASS you do, that is the whole point, right? Try using hashtags to increase visibility of your video content.<\/p>\n

Instagram Stories<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are several ways of adding hashtags to your stories. Just like with posts, they can be added strategically to double-down on your niche, for context, build branding, create a community or they can be used to support a brand or partnership e.g. #PlannPartner<\/p>\n

The easiest way to add hashtags to Stories is to add the hashtags sticker. Your guide to every story sticker.<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26746″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]How to Add Invisible Hashtags to Your Instagram Story<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you have uploaded your story and added your hashtag, go back in and simply tap the pen. We love this pen since it can match the text to any color visible in the photo.<\/p>\n

Drag the pen across the screen (to the background of the text) until the hashtag matches the background. TA-DA, no one can see your invisible hashtags! (they still work wonders!)[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26745″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Remember though, that even if you add hashtags to your stories they won\u2019t always show up on the hashtag page (think of the volume!). The Instagram algorithm is selective, so always make sure that your Story content is engaging and good quality before<\/i> adding hashtags.<\/p>\n

Instagram Reels<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just like when you\u2019re posting an image or a video to your grid, make sure you\u2019re adding hashtags to your Reels captions when you post your Reels and ensure you tailor these hashtags to the topic of your video. Don\u2019t forget that adding hashtags to Reels can also help Instagram\u2019s algorithm better categorize your content on the Explore page, basically so they know when to show your Reels and to who = higher engagement and better reach.<\/p>\n

Unlike TikTok, there are no \u201ctrending hashtags\u201d that allow you to see all the Reels in one place. Currently, only one Reel appears per hashtag search page, and one for every screen full of posts on the Explore page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Experiment with different tags to see what works best for you (and what doesn\u2019t.)[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660836171722{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

How to Add Invisible Hashtags to Your Instagram Story <\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”chapter-row”][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”chapter-headers”]<\/p>\n

CHAPTER 9<\/p>\n

Ready-to-Use Hashtags in Plann<\/b><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]You can now choose from over 300+ hashtag sets and thousands of individual hashtags in Plann. These hashtags are researched by professional marketers who know what they\u2019re doing, so you\u2019ll never have to spend hours doing your own hashtag research again.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”25987″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Forget switching between Instagram and Plann, stalking your competitors\u2019 and peers\u2019 posts, or paying for subscriptions to hashtag apps that don\u2019t help \u2013 we\u2019ve got you!<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find everything you need to speed up your hashtag game, ensuring it\u2019s even easier for you to post more often without having to worry if you\u2019ve got the right tags, all within Plann.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”23957″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Remember! The aim of hashtags is to increase your discoverability, so think about what your audience may be looking for and tell them what your content is about. Hashtags aren\u2019t necessarily used to label exactly what is in your post, but rather to get yourself in front of what your target audience might be searching for on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Simply adding tons of hashtags to your content won\u2019t automatically improve its reach. Your content must be valuable and engaging and send the algorithm all the right signals! The algorithm must see that people are liking it, commenting on it, sharing it, and spending time consuming your content.<\/p>\n

Login to Plann now, or try Plann for free for 7-days<\/a> to experience this hashtag magic for yourself![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1660836232221{margin-top: 50px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/h6>\n

Ready-to-use Instagram Hashtags <\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n