Whether you’re just starting out with Instagram marketing, or you’re looking to fine-tune your strategy with some hashtag research to optimize your Instagram hashtags game,

You are at the right place!

This guide will assist you at every juncture to enhance your Instagram hashtag prowess.

Table of Contents

What are Instagram Hashtags?

Instagram hashtags are a powerful tool used on the Instagram platform to categorize and discover content. They are words or multi-word phrases prefixed with the symbol “#”.

In essence, they turn any word or group of words that directly follow them into a searchable link. This allows users to organize and categorize images and videos based on themes or content.

Key Functions of Instagram Hashtags:

1. Discovery and Visibility:

Hashtags allow users to discover content that they might be interested in. When someone searches for a specific hashtag, Instagram will show all the posts tagged with it. This can lead to increased visibility, especially for creators and brands trying to reach a wider audience.

2. Engagement:

Posts with hashtags often see higher engagement than those without. This includes likes, comments, and shares, as users who discover content through hashtags might interact with it if it appeals to them.

3. Create and Join Trends:

Trending hashtags can be a way for users to see what’s currently popular or buzzing on Instagram. Participating in trending hashtags, when relevant, can boost the visibility of a user’s post.

4. Build Communities:

Hashtags can be used to foster and engage communities around specific topics, interests, brands, or activities. For example, #vanlife has a whole community of people living in vans, sharing their experiences.

5. Content Curation:

Brands or influencers can create specific hashtags for campaigns or user-generated content, making it easier to collate and showcase content from their followers or participants.

Top Instagram Hashtags for [2024]

Here are the top 50 most popular Instagram hashtags:

#love
#instagood
#fashion
#photooftheday
#beautiful
#art
#photography
#happy
#picoftheday
#cute
#follow
#tbt
#followme
#nature
#like4like
#travel
#instagram
#style
#repost
#summer
#instadaily
#selfie
#me
#friends
#fitness
#girl
#food
#fun
#beauty
#instalike
#smile
#family
#photo
#life
#likeforlike
#music
#ootd
#follow4follow
#makeup
#amazing
#igers
#nofilter
#dog
#model
#sunset
#beach
#instamood
#foodporn
#motivation
#followforfollow

Best Instagram Hashtags For Likes & Followers

#likes #like #follow #likeforlikes #love #instagood #instagram #followforfollowback #followme #photooftheday #bhfyp #instalike #photography #l #instadaily #me #picoftheday #beautiful #myself #likeforfollow #fashion #smile #followers #likeforlike #followback #f #followforfollow #comment #likesforlikes #bhfyp

Cool Instagram Hashtags For Reels

#ReelItIn – A common tag for users sharing their Reels, indicating that viewers should check out the content.
#ShortStory – Ideal for Reels that tell a story or share an experience in the limited time they have.
#QuickTutorials – If your Reel is a tutorial or how-to, this is a perfect tag to group it with others sharing similar content.
#ReelChallenge – Challenges are huge on social media platforms. Use this if your Reel is challenging viewers in some fun or innovative way.
#DanceWithMe – For all dance-related Reels. Dancing is a massive trend on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
#ReelComedy – If you’re sharing something humorous, this is your go-to tag.
#TravelInReels – For showcasing travel locations, experiences, or even quick travel hacks.
#ReelInspiration – For motivational or inspirational Reels.
#ReelFacts – Great for trivia, facts, or interesting knowledge-based content.
#ReelReviews – If you’re reviewing a product, place, or service in your Reel.

instagram hashtags trending

#trending #trendingnow #trendingtopic #trendingmemes #whatstrending #trendingfashion #malaysiatrending #tamiltrending #tiktoktrending #malemodeltrending #trendingnews #artstrending #nowtrending #trendingvideos #stfoodtrending #trendings #trendingdances #kasuttrending #tshirttrending #trendingvideo #trendingpku #trendingstyle #trendingtopik #trendingpost #almeriatrending #trendingtopics #trendingatsephora #bajutrending #trendinghair #trendingjewellery #instatrending #trendingnakhra #nairobitrendingteens #trendingsong #medantrending #trendingmusic #trendingmalaysia #trendingshoes #alwaystrending #hairtrending

Top [2024] Instagram hashtags by category

Below, you’ll find the best Instagram hashtags, sorted by categories.

Best Food and beverage hashtags

#foodie #yummy #foodporn #instafood #delicious #foodphotography #foodblogger #homemade #healthyfood #foodgasm #tasty #eat #foodpics #cooking #foodstagram #foodlover #foodies #cheflife #gourmet #yum #drink #foodgram #recipe #dinner #lunch #breakfast #foodlove #beverages

Check More Food Hashtags

Best travel hashtags

#travel #wanderlust #travelgram #instatravel #travelblogger #adventure #travelphotography #explore #vacation #travelling #trip #traveler #nature #traveltheworld #tourism #destination #worldplaces #passportready #globetrotter #travellife #seetheworld #getaway #traveladdict #explorer #traveldeeper #travelgoals #places_wow #nomad #jetsetter

Check More Travel Hashtags

instagram hashtags for photography

#photography #photooftheday #instaphoto #photographer #picoftheday #photoart #snapshot #capture #moment #exposure #composition #focus #shutterbug #photogram #visuals #throughthelens #camera #photopassion #photochallenge #portrait #landscape #macro #streetphotography #naturephotography #blackandwhite #photostudio #lightroom #photoshoot #canon #nikon

Check More Night Photography Hashtags

Best fashion hashtags

#fashion #ootd #style #instafashion #fashionblogger #fashionista #streetstyle #stylish #mensfashion #womensfashion #fashiondiaries #lookbook #fashionweek #fashionstyle #streetfashion #outfitoftheday #trend #fashionable #fashiongram #lookoftheday #fashionaddict #designer #clothes #fashionpost #styleblogger #fashionlover #fashiondaily #trendy

Check More Fashion Hashtags

Best fitness hashtags

#fitness #fitfam #workout #gym #fitlife #health #exercise #fitspo #bodybuilding #fitnessmotivation #fitgoals #trainhard #noexcuses #getfit #cardio #strength #gains #fitbody #gymlife #fitnessjourney #personaltrainer #fitnesstips #fitnessaddict #muscle #active #weightloss #training #crossfit #fitinspiration #healthyliving

Check More Fitness Hashtags

Best pet hashtags

#pets #petsofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #catsofinstagram #petlove #furryfriends #animallovers #petphotography #petsagram #rescuepet #pawsome #petoftheday #cuteanimals #petlovers #animalworld #petscorner #adorablepets #petlife #puppylove #kittenlove #adoptdontshop #petstagram #petfriendly #fluffypet #petslife #petcare #wildlife #lovemypet #petsrule

Check More Pet Hashtags

Best holiday hashtags

#holiday #vacation #travel #getaway #holidayvibes #holidayfun #relaxation #holidaymode #wanderlust #paradise #sunshine #holidaytrip #holidaytime #beachholiday #mountainescape #holidaymemories #adventure #holidayseason #escape #destination #holidaymood #traveldiaries #summerholiday #winterbreak #holidaygoals #familyholiday #holidaymagic #holidaycountdown #exoticgetaway #holidaylove

More Instagram Hashtags

You can find more niche-specific instagram hashtags here:

April Fools Day Hashtags

Bachelor Party Hashtags

Bachelorette Party Hashtags

Black And White Hashtags

Bridal Shower Hashtags

Burj Khalifa Hashtags

Christmas Tree Hashtags

Church Hashtags

Cinco De Mayo Hashtags

Construction Hashtags

Digital Marketing Hashtags

Good Morning Hashtags

Good Vibes Hashtags

Grace Hashtags

Graduation Hashtags

Graphic Design Hashtags

Healthy Food Hashtags

Illustration Hashtags

Influencer Hashtags

Insurance Hashtags

Interior Design Hashtags

Microblading Hashtags

Mirror Selfie Hashtags

Palm Springs Hashtags

Personal Trainer Hashtags

Portrait Photography Hashtags

Red Lipstick Hashtags

San Francisco Hashtags

Social Media Hashtags

21st Birthday Hashtags

Star Hashtags

Sticker Hashtags

Strawberry Hashtags

Street Photography Hashtags

Thanksgiving Hashtags

Washington DC Hashtags

Wedding Photography Hashtags

Top Instagram hashtag generators

If none of the keywords we compiled above fit your business (or you want to find more options), you can use a hashtag generator tool to help.

#1 Sistrix Instagram Hashtag Generator

The Sistrix hashtag generator tool is easy to use—but only allows limited use with a free account. You can get 25 free queries a day before you’ll need to pay for a premium account.

#2 Inflact

Inflact is an AI-based hashtag generator that can help come up with hashtag ideas based on a keyword, photo, or existing Instagram post.

Importance of Instagram Hashtags Research

Instagram hashtags are more than just a trend. They play a pivotal role in:

Discoverability: Hashtags categorize posts, making them discoverable to users interested in specific topics.
Engagement Boost: Posts with at least one hashtag receive higher engagement than those without.
Building Communities: Hashtags connect like-minded individuals, fostering communities around shared interests.

Types of Instagram Hashtags

We can classify Instagram hashtags into several distinct categories:

Branded Hashtags: These are specific to a particular brand or campaign (e.g., #NikeRun).
General Hashtags: Widely used tags that cater to broad audiences (e.g., #photooftheday).
Niche Hashtags: Targeted tags for specific communities or interests (e.g., #veganrecipes).
Location Hashtags: Highlight a geographical location (e.g., #NYCskyline).
Event Hashtags: Tailored for events, seminars, or festivals (e.g., #Coachella2023).

The Art of Selecting Relevant Hashtags

To ensure maximum reach and engagement:

Research: Identify the most popular and relevant hashtags in your niche using tools like Iconosquare or Hashtagify.
Diversify: Use a mix of general, niche, and branded hashtags to broaden your post’s appeal.
Observe Trends: Stay updated with trending hashtags, but only utilize those relevant to your content.

Strategies for Maximum Hashtag Reach

Limit Quantity: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. However, a study suggests 9-11 hashtags garner optimal engagement.
Positioning: While hashtags can be included in the post caption, many brands prefer placing them in the first comment to keep captions uncluttered.
Rotate Hashtags: Using the same set of hashtags for every post may decrease visibility. Rotate between different sets to avoid being flagged as “spammy.”

Monitoring Hashtag Performance

To refine your hashtag strategy:

Instagram Insights: Track post engagement and visibility via Instagram’s built-in analytics for business accounts.
Engagement Rate: Monitor likes, comments, and shares per post to determine which hashtags resonate with your audience.
Third-party Tools: Platforms like Sprout Social offer in-depth insights into hashtag performance.

How To Choose Instagram Hashtags: A Step-By-Step Guide

Choosing the right hashtags for your posts can significantly amplify their reach. Here’s a methodical, step-by-step guide to make the task simpler for you.

1. Define Your Goal

Before diving into hashtag selection, ascertain what you aim to achieve:

Brand Awareness: Introduce your brand to a wider audience.
Engage a Niche Community: Reach out to specific interest groups.
Promote an Event or Campaign: Increase visibility for a particular initiative.

2. Understand Hashtag Categories

Differentiate between the different types of hashtags:

Branded: Specific to your brand or campaign (e.g., #NikeJustDoIt).
General: Widely popular, catering to a vast audience (e.g., #instagood).
Niche: Tailored to specific groups (e.g., #veganbaking).
Location-Based: For posts related to geographical locations (e.g., #LondonEats).

3. Conduct Hashtag Research

Investigate to uncover the best hashtags for your content:

Instagram’s Search Function: Type a keyword in Instagram’s search bar, then select the ‘Tags’ tab.
Look at Competitors and influencers: Check out the hashtags used by others in your niche.
Use Hashtag Tools: Platforms like Iconosquare, Hashtagify, and RiteTag can suggest hashtags based on content and popularity.

4. Check the Relevance

Always ensure that your chosen hashtags align with your post content and brand voice:

Avoid Overused Hashtags: Tags like #love or #photo can be too broad and might bury your content in a sea of posts.
Stay Authentic: Don’t just use a popular hashtag because it’s trending. It should relate to your post.

5. Diversify Your Hashtag Sets

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket:

Combine Different Types: Use a mix of branded, general, niche, and location-based hashtags for a wider reach.
Create Multiple Sets: Prepare different hashtag groups for varied content themes.

6. Test and Analyze

Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your hashtags:

Instagram Insights: If you have a business profile, Instagram provides analytics on the performance of your posts and hashtags.
Third-Party Analytics Tools: Tools like Sprout Social can provide deeper insights into how each hashtag is performing.

7. Adjust and Iterate

The digital landscape evolves rapidly. Regularly update your hashtag strategy:

Stay Updated with Trends: New hashtags emerge and gain popularity; be on the lookout.
Retire Underperforming Hashtags: If certain tags aren’t getting traction, replace them with others.

Hashtag Top Tips to Grow Engagement on Instagram

Here’s a breakdown of some top hashtag tips to supercharge your engagement.

#1 Instagram Hashtags in Stories

Boost Discoverability: Using hashtags in your Stories can place your content in the Stories section of that hashtag, opening it up to a broader audience.
Stay Relevant: Use hashtags that are directly related to the content of the story to ensure it reaches the right audience.
Limit Usage: Instagram allows up to 10 hashtags per Story, but less is more. One or two relevant hashtags can be more effective than a barrage of loosely related ones.

#2 Hashtags in Your Bio

Personal or Brand Identity: A hashtag in your bio can be a concise way to communicate your brand’s essence or a current campaign.
Clickable Links: Instagram made bio hashtags clickable, leading users directly to a feed of that hashtag, further fostering engagement.

#3 User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage Engagement: By creating a unique branded hashtag and encouraging your followers to use it, you can foster a community of user-generated content.
Showcase Loyalty: Reposting UGC not only promotes community but also shows appreciation for your followers, fostering loyalty.

#4 Keep an Eye on Hashtag Trends and Social Media Holidays

Stay Current: Engaging with trending hashtags can boost your content’s visibility, especially when they align with popular events or social media holidays.
Avoid Bandwagoning: While it’s beneficial to stay updated, only use trends that align with your brand. Authenticity is key.

#5 Follow Instagram Hashtags

Stay Updated: By following hashtags relevant to your niche, you’ll be constantly updated with content from others using the same tag.
Engage and Network: This opens up opportunities to engage with posts from non-followers and even potential collaboration opportunities.

#6 Schedule Your Hashtags

Consistency is Key: Regular posting with consistent hashtag use can keep your audience engaged and foster steady growth.
Use Scheduling Tools: Platforms like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite allow you to schedule posts and hashtags, ensuring you maintain a consistent posting rhythm.

Bonus Tip: Analyze and Refine

Review Performance: Use Instagram Insights or third-party tools to track which hashtags are driving the most engagement.
Iterate: Based on analytics, refine your hashtag strategy. Ditch underperforming hashtags and experiment with new ones to see what resonates best with your audience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Instagram hashtags requires a blend of research, strategy, and testing. By following this structured approach, you’re well-equipped to boost the visibility and engagement of your posts.

As always, remember to keep your audience at the forefront, ensuring authenticity and relevance in your hashtag choices.