Written by: Jules Samuel | Est. 12 min.
Hashtags are one of the most powerful tools in your Instagram arsenal. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of influencing or a seasoned content creator looking to expand your reach, understanding how hashtags work on Instagram can be a game-changer. Instagram is a constantly evolving platform where algorithms shift faster than fashion trends. Still, hashtags have remained a steady, reliable way to get more Instagram followers and connect with a broader audience. This article is designed to help you with everything you need to know about using Instagram hashtags effectively in 2025.
How Instagram Hashtags Work
Hashtags are more than just a string of words following a pound sign; they are Instagram’s lifeblood of content discoverability. When you add a hashtag to your post, you’re not just tagging your content but actively participating in a larger conversation that spans the entire platform. Each hashtag you use is a direct link to a broader community of users with similar interests. For instance, if you’re sharing a post about your morning yoga routine, incorporating hashtags like #yogalife or #morningroutine can place your content in front of thousands of users interested in the same topics.
Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, which provides a significant opportunity to reach various segments of the platform’s user base. But it’s not just about adding any random popular hashtag; the effectiveness of hashtags lies in their relevance. Instagram’s algorithm is designed to prioritize content that aligns with users’ interests, meaning that hashtags should be thoughtfully chosen to match the content of your post. For example, if your post features a vegan smoothie recipe, using a broad hashtag like #food might get lost in the noise. Instead, opting for #veganrecipes or #plantbaseddiet targets a more specific and engaged audience, increasing the chances of higher interaction and follower growth.
Hashtags also influence your visibility on key areas of Instagram, such as the Explore page, Stories, and Reels. By including hashtags in your Reels, like #InstaReels or #ViralReels, you can tap into the growing popularity of short-form video content, a hot Instagram trend. The Explore page is another crucial spot where well-chosen hashtags can propel your content into the limelight, introducing your posts to users who have never encountered your profile.
Benefits of Using Instagram Hashtags
Increased Visibility and Reach
Hashtags serve as gateways to larger audiences. When you use the right mix of hashtags, your content has the potential to reach users beyond your immediate followers. This is particularly useful for new accounts looking to build an audience from scratch. For example, incorporating hashtags like #travelgram or #wanderlust into your travel posts can help discover your content. Travel enthusiasts are always looking for new adventures. This increased visibility often translates into more likes, comments, and follows as your content resonates with people who share your passions.
Community Building
Hashtags are also powerful tools for encouraging community around your brand or persona. By using community-centric hashtags like #fitfam or #plantbasedcommunity, you can tap into established groups of users who engage with content similar to yours. This enhances your posts’ engagement and helps you build a loyal following that interacts with your content regularly. Community hashtags are like social glue—they bind your audience, creating a space where like-minded individuals can connect and interact with your posts.
Enhanced Engagement
Engagement is Instagram’s currency, and hashtags can significantly boost your account’s engagement metrics. Strategic use of hashtags can lead to more interactions—whether it’s likes, comments, shares, or saves. For instance, hashtags like #beautyblogger or #fashionista can attract a crowd deeply interested in beauty and fashion, leading to meaningful interactions and discussions on your posts. This helps grow your follower count and build a vibrant community around your content.
SEO and Discoverability
Hashtags play a critical role in Instagram’s internal search engine. When users search for specific hashtags, your posts can appear in the search results, providing another avenue for discoverability. For example, if you’re a digital nomad sharing your travel adventures, hashtags like #digitalnomad or #workandtravel can help your posts surface in searches related to those terms. This increases your chances of being discovered by users looking for content like yours, leading to a more targeted and engaged following.
Types of Instagram Hashtags
Branded Hashtags
Branded hashtags are unique tags that represent your brand or campaign. These hashtags are essential for building brand identity and encouraging user-generated content. For example, if you’re launching a new product line or a campaign, creating a branded hashtag like #SummerWithSamantha can help you track the campaign’s success and engage with your audience more directly. Branded hashtags also foster a sense of exclusivity and community among your followers as they become part of a collective experience.
Location-Based Hashtags
For influencers targeting specific regions or local audiences, location-based hashtags are invaluable. These hashtags, such as #NYCFoodie or #LAStyle, help your content reach users in specific geographic areas. This is particularly useful for promoting events, local businesses, or region-specific content. By using location-based hashtags, you can connect with a community that’s physically close to you, enhancing the relevance and engagement of your posts.
Industry and Niche Hashtags
Industry-specific and niche hashtags are critical for reaching a targeted audience within your particular field. If you’re a fitness influencer, using hashtags like #fitspiration or #healthyliving ensures that your posts are seen by users specifically interested in fitness and wellness. Niche hashtags, such as #minimalistliving or #sustainablefashion, allow you to engage with a highly focused audience, leading to stronger connections and higher engagement rates.
Event and Occasion Hashtags
Timing is everything, and event-based hashtags can help you stay relevant by aligning your content with trending topics or special occasions. Hashtags like #WorldCup2025 or #PrideMonth can boost your posts by tapping into the broader conversation around these events. Experimenting with these hashtags keeps your content fresh and timely, increasing its chances of being seen and shared by a larger audience.
Daily and Popular Hashtags
Daily hashtags such as #MotivationMonday or #ThrowbackThursday are still popular and influential in 2025. These hashtags give your content a recurring theme, making it easier for followers to engage with your posts on specific days. Popular hashtags like #instagood or #photooftheday continue to drive significant engagement, as millions of users widely recognize and follow them.
Top Trending Instagram Hashtags for 2025
Staying on top of trending hashtags is crucial for maintaining relevance on Instagram. Here’s a list of the top hashtags for 2025, categorized by industry:
Fashion and Beauty
- #styleinspo
- #makeupgoals
- #skincareroutine
- #Fashion
- #FashionBlogger
- #Fashionista
- #OOTD
- #FashionStyle
- #InstaGood
- #Blogger
- #FashionAddict
- #FashionWeek
- #FashionDiaries
- #Fashionable
- #Beautiful
- #Style
- #Beauty
- #Hair
- #Model
- #Fit
- #OutfitOfTheDay
- #InstaFashion
- #Pretty
Food and Beverage
- #foodphotography
- #coffeeaddict
- #instayum
- #Food
- #FoodPorn
- #Instafood
- #Yummy
- #Foodie
- #Delicious
- #Dinner
- #Breakfast
- #Cake
- #Yum
- #Foodstagram
- #Lunch
- #FoodBlogger
- #FoodLover
- #Tasty
- #Pizza
- #Cooking
- #Restaurant
- #IceCream
Travel
- #travelbucketlist
- #exploremore
- #globetrotter
- #TravelPhotography
- #Tourism
- #TravelPhoto
- #TravelPics
- #WorldTraveller
- #TravelPhotographer
- #WorldTravelPics
- #TravelPhotos
- #Wanderlust
- #Wonderlust
- #Cruising
- #Sailing
- #SailingLife
- #WonderlustWednesday
- #BeautifulDestinations
- #Wonderful_Places
- #WonderfulPlaces
- #BestVacations
- #BeautifulPlaces
- #BestPlacesToGo
Fitness
- #fitspo
- #healthyliving
- #trainhard
- #Fitness
- #Gym
- #Workout
- #Fitsporation
- #Bodybuilding
- #FitnessMotivation
- #Yoga
- #GymLife
- #CrossFit
- #FitnessModel
- #FitnessAddict
- #PersonalTrainer
- #FitnessGirl
- #GymMotivation
- #FitnessJourney
- #Physique
- #Powerlifting
- #Gymtime
- #Pilates
- #Instafitness
Lifestyle
These are the top Instagram lifestyle hashtags
- #Lifestyle
- #Love
- #Life
- #InstaGood
- #Motivation
- #Fitness
- #Happiness
- #Fashion
- #LoveYourself
- #Inspiration
- #PhotoOfTheDay
- #Goals
- #Yourself
- #SelfLove
- #Mindset
- #PicOfTheDay
- #InspirationalQuotes
- #Positivity
- #Entrepreneur
- #Training
The lifestyle category is quite broad, as evidenced by the popular hashtags. There’s a lot of crossover with other sectors, such as fashion, business, and fitness. Include #Lifestyle in each post, and then choose extra hashtags appropriate to that particular photo.
Music
The following are the most famous music industry hashtags on Instagram:
- #Music
- #Musician
- #Songwriter
- #Musically
- #MusicVideo
- #Musical
- #NewMusicAlert
- #Musicians
- #MusicLife
- #MusicProducer
- #Artist
- #NewMusic
- #Beats
- #Love
- #HipHop
- #Art
- #Rap
- #MusicLover
- #MusicPhotography
- #MusicIndustry
Use the hashtag #MusicLife to give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your lifestyle. This tag, which both solo musicians and brands use, is an excellent method to garner some eyes on your posts and reels. Music labels can benefit from hashtags like #Musicians and #MusicProducer.
Sports
These are the top trending Instagram hashtags for sports:
- #Sports
- #Football
- #Sport
- #Fitness
- #Motivation
- #Basketball
- #Fit
- #Training
- #Soccer
- #Gym
- #Workout
- #Baseball
- #MLB
- #Athlete
- #Nike
- #FitnessMotivation
- #SportsPhotography
- #BallIsLife
- #CollegeFootball
- #Sportswear
#Sports and #Fitness are expected to be popular in 2025. These are basic, generic tags that may be used by anybody from professional athletes to lifestyle businesses to sports marketing firms. In this example, a Muay Thai clothing company employs both tags. In 2025, businesses specializing in a single sport, such as #Basketball or #Soccer, will benefit from more niched-down tags.
Entertainment
The following are the most popular entertainment hashtags:
- #CelebrityNews
- #OnlineEntertainment
- #Podcast
- #TalkShowHost
- #Producer
- #FunnyVideo
- #StageShows
- #Updates
- #Entertain
- #Entertainer
- #Hollywood
- #Actress
- #Celebrity
- #LiveMusic
- #Comedy
- #Entertainment
- #EntertainmentNews
- #EntertainmentBlogger
- #EntertainmentBlog
- #EntertainmentCenter
Using trending hashtags on Instagram can help entertainment organizations like a film company, a local theater, or a DJ acquire much more business. Remember, to give your Instagram followers a good experience, always use hashtags relevant to your business (for example, don’t use #Podcast unless you genuinely have a podcast).
Makeup and Beauty
Here are the top hashtags:
- #Makeup
- #MakeupArtist
- #MakeupAddict
- #MakeupLover
- #MakeupJunkie
- #MakeupTutorial
- #MakeupForever
- #Portrait
- #MakeupOfTheDay
- #Model
- #Selfie
- #Beauty
- #Hairstyle
- #Skincare
- #Lipstick
- #DressYourFace
- #WakeUpAndMakeup
- #MakeupLife
- InstaMakeup
- #Nails
The most popular beauty and makeup hashtags demonstrate that you don’t have to use many hashtags to obtain good results. The most popular, #Makeup, is as straightforward as it gets. Be descriptive when choosing hashtags for your beauty posts: If you’re sharing a tutorial, use #MakeupTutorial; if you’re sharing favorite products, use #MakeupAddict; and #MakeupOfTheDay if you’re showing off a brand-new look, use #MakeupOfTheDay.
How to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Content
Finding the most effective hashtags for your content doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some strategies to streamline the process:
Research on Instagram Explore Page
The Explore page is a goldmine for discovering trending hashtags within your niche. Spend time browsing this section to see which hashtags are used by popular accounts and which are gaining traction. For instance, if you’re in the beauty industry, you might find that hashtags like #beautytips or #makeupinspiration are currently trending, and adding these to your posts can boost visibility.
Using Hashtag Generators
Hashtag generators are tools designed to help you identify the best hashtags for your content. Tools like Later’s Hashtag Suggestion Tool or Best-Hashtags can provide relevant hashtags based on your input keywords. For example, if your post is about vegan recipes, a hashtag generator might suggest tags like #veganfoodshare or #plantbaseddiet, which can help you reach a more engaged audience.
Monitoring Competitors and Influencers
Keep an eye on what successful profiles are using hashtags in your niche. If a top fitness influencer is using hashtags like #wellnessjourney or #fitlifestyle with great success, it’s worth considering these for your posts. By analyzing the hashtag strategies of competitors and influencers, you can gain insights into what works best for your target audience.
Optimal Hashtag Strategy
Crafting the perfect hashtag strategy involves a balance of quantity, placement, and relevance. Here’s how to get it right in 2025:
How Many Hashtags to Use
While Instagram suggests using 3-5 hashtags per post, data shows that using 20-30 hashtags can significantly enhance your reach, especially when these hashtags are a mix of popular and niche tags. For instance, combining widely used hashtags like #fashionblogger with niche ones like #vintagefashion can help you attract both a broad and a targeted audience.
Where to Place Hashtags
There’s a debate between placing hashtags in the caption versus in the first comment. Placing them in the caption can make your post immediately discoverable, as the hashtags are immediately visible. However, adding them in the first comment can keep your captions clean and focused on your message. Both methods are effective, and it might be worth experimenting to see which works best for your audience.
Balancing Popular and Niche Hashtags
A mix of high-volume and low-volume hashtags ensures that your content reaches a broad audience while connecting with specific communities. For example, pairing a popular hashtag like #fitness with a niche like #yogainspiration allows you to tap into both large and small groups of users, maximizing your engagement potential.
Advanced Hashtag Tactics for 2025
For those looking to take their hashtag strategy to the next level, consider these advanced tactics:
Creating Viral Content with Hashtags
Some posts achieve viral status thanks to the strategic use of hashtags. For instance, a well-crafted post that uses #transformationtuesday alongside a unique branded hashtag can gain significant traction, especially if the content resonates with a broad audience. By analyzing past successful posts, you can identify patterns in hashtag usage that contribute to viral growth.
Experimenting with Hashtags in Stories and Reels
Hashtags aren’t just for static posts; they can also influence Stories and Reels. By incorporating hashtags into your Stories, you can increase the likelihood of your content appearing in the Explore section for Stories. Similarly, hashtags like #InstaReels in your Reels can help these videos reach a broader audience, taking advantage of Instagram’s current emphasis on short-form video content.
Avoiding Banned Hashtags
Using a banned hashtag can severely limit your post’s reach. Instagram periodically bans hashtags that are overused or associated with inappropriate content. To avoid this, always check the status of a hashtag before using it. For example, a popular hashtag like #beautyblogger might be banned at times, so staying updated and avoiding any that could negatively impact your visibility is essential.
Tools and Resources for Hashtag Research
Finding the right hashtags doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here are some tools that can help:
Recommended Hashtag Generators
Tools like Later, Best-Hashtags, and SISTRIX offer comprehensive lists of relevant hashtags based on current trends. These tools analyze data to suggest the most effective hashtags for your content. For instance, if you’re posting about eco-friendly living, these generators might suggest hashtags like #sustainableliving or #ecofriendly, which are highly relevant and likely to attract an engaged audience.
Analytics Tools
To measure the effectiveness of your hashtag strategy, tools like Keyhole or Hootsuite’s analytics provide detailed insights into how your hashtags are performing. These platforms track reach, engagement, and follower growth metrics, helping you refine your strategy over time. By monitoring the performance of hashtags like #smallbusinessowner or #digitalmarketing, you can adjust your approach to maximize impact.
Recap
A carefully crafted hashtag strategy is a powerful tool for Instagram growth. By understanding how hashtags work, selecting the right ones for your content, and staying on top of trending tags, you can significantly enhance your reach, engagement, and follower count on Instagram.
FAQs
How many hashtags should I use?
Using 20-30 hashtags is often more effective than the recommended 3-5, especially when combining popular and niche tags.
Where should I place hashtags?
Hashtags can be placed either in the caption or in the first comment. Both methods are effective, so experiment to determine which works best for your audience.
What are the most popular hashtags in 2025?
Top hashtags include #fashion, #travelgram, #fitspo, and other trends based on current industry data.
What’s your favorite hashtag strategy? Share your tips in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more Instagram growth strategies, check out my other posts on how to make the most out of your social media presence. Let’s continue the conversation and help each other grow!
You may also like: