If you’re here, you’re probably wondering exactly how many hashtags to use on Instagram posts to get the best engagement. Instagram Hashtags are a crucial part of growing your visibility on the social media platform, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many you should use. Finding a balance for your content, audience, and goals is the key.
Why Do Hashtags Matter for Instagram Posts?
Before we jump into the numbers, let’s quickly cover why hashtags are so important for your Instagram posts. Hashtags are how Instagram categorizes and surfaces content to users who are searching for or following specific topics. By using the right hashtags, your posts become discoverable to people who aren’t already following you.
For aspiring influencers, particularly those building a presence, hashtags are one of the best tools to organically grow your audience. Whether you’re sharing fashion looks, fitness tips, or travel photos, hashtags help get your posts in front of the right people.
The Ideal Number of Hashtags for Instagram Posts
Now, let’s address the big question: how many hashtags should you use on an Instagram post?
3 to 5 Hashtags
If you’re running a larger account, or if you already have good engagement, sticking to 3 to 5 highly targeted hashtags could be enough. This approach helps keep your posts clean and focuses on very relevant, specific hashtags. Instagram’s own Creators account recommends this range because it keeps things concise while still targeting the right audience.
10 to 15 Hashtags
For most aspiring influencers or those growing a following, this is the sweet spot. Research shows that posts with around 10-15 hashtags tend to perform better than those with fewer hashtags. This gives you room to use a mix of both broad and niche hashtags, maximizing visibility without overloading your post.
20 to 30 Hashtags
If you’re still finding your niche or trying to maximize your post’s reach, using the full 30 hashtags can be beneficial. While 30 hashtags might seem like overkill, data suggests that the more (relevant) hashtags you use, the greater your reach. However, be careful to use only hashtags that are relevant to your post—random or spammy hashtags can hurt your engagement.
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Where to Place Hashtags in Your Posts
Knowing how many hashtags to use is one thing, but where you place them in your posts also matters.
In the Caption
Many influencers choose to place their hashtags directly in the post caption. This is a straightforward approach and ensures that your hashtags are immediately visible. However, for aesthetic reasons, some people prefer to separate their caption from their hashtags with line breaks or dots so that the caption doesn’t look cluttered.
In the First Comment
Another popular option is to place your hashtags in the first comment after you post. This keeps the caption looking clean and focused on your message, while still ensuring your post benefits from the visibility hashtags offer. Instagram doesn’t penalize posts for putting hashtags in the first comment, so this is a safe strategy.
No matter which option you choose, the placement doesn’t seem to affect engagement or reach significantly. The most important thing is to make sure the hashtags you use are relevant and match your content.
How to Choose the Right Hashtags for Your Posts
Choosing the right hashtags is just as important as knowing how many to use. When selecting hashtags for your post, aim for a mix of popular and niche tags. Here’s why:
Broad Hashtags
Popular hashtags like #love, #instagood, or #photooftheday are widely used and can get your post in front of a large audience. However, because these hashtags are so competitive, your post might get lost in the shuffle. They can be a good way to attract some quick attention but shouldn’t be your only strategy.
Niche Hashtags
Niche hashtags are more specific to your content or audience. For example, a beauty influencer might use #cleanbeauty or #skincarecommunity instead of just #beauty. These hashtags target a smaller but more engaged audience, increasing your chances of meaningful interactions like comments, shares, or follows.
To find the right hashtags for your posts, consider using hashtag generator tools like Hashtag Expert or Keyword Tool, which suggest relevant hashtags based on your content.
Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid in Posts
Even if you’re using the right number of hashtags, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that could hurt your post’s performance:
Using Irrelevant Hashtags
Make sure all of the hashtags you use are actually related to your post. Using irrelevant or overly generic hashtags won’t bring meaningful engagement and can make your post seem spammy.
Using Banned or Overused Hashtags
Instagram regularly bans certain hashtags for being associated with inappropriate content or spam. Using banned hashtags can drastically reduce your post’s visibility. Always check if a hashtag is active and safe to use before adding it to your post.
So, How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram Posts?
In summary:
- 3 to 5 hashtags work well for larger accounts or those with established engagement. Focus on very relevant, high-impact hashtags.
- 10 to 15 hashtags is the ideal range for most users, especially if you’re growing your account. This gives you enough space to use a mix of broad and niche hashtags to target the right audience.
- 20 to 30 hashtags can be useful for maximizing reach, especially for smaller accounts or niche content. Just make sure all hashtags are relevant to your post.
Remember, there’s no one right answer for every account or every post. Test different strategies, track your engagement, and find what works best for your specific audience.
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