How to Find the Best Instagram Hashtags

Instagram is filled with content every second. Millions of posts, Reels, and Stories compete for attention, so standing out is not easy. Hashtags are one of the simplest tools that can help your posts reach new people. They help you connect with audiences who share the same interests or search for specific topics.

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This guide will help you understand how hashtags work, how to find the best ones for your posts, and how to use them strategically. You’ll also learn what types of hashtags perform well in 2025 and how to choose the right mix for your brand, niche, or personal page. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator, this article will show you how to use hashtags to grow your visibility on Instagram effectively.

What Are Instagram Hashtags 

Hashtags are short words or phrases preceded by the pound symbol (#). They act like labels that organize content into searchable topics. When users tap a hashtag, they can explore all posts that use the same tag, whether it's broad lifestyle content or something more niche like garden captions, making it a simple way to find new accounts or ideas.

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For creators, marketers, and small businesses, hashtags are a free way to expand reach. They help your posts appear in feeds beyond your followers and connect you with people who care about the same subjects. Using them wisely can transform your Instagram content from unseen to viral.

Clickable keywords 

Hashtags are like clickable keywords that guide users toward the content they want to see. When you add tags like #Photography or #TravelGoals, your post becomes part of a larger conversation. People who search those terms might discover your post and decide to follow you.

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This small step helps brands and creators reach specific communities on Instagram. For example, if you post creative visuals, tags like Best Photography Hashtags or #CreativeShots attract people looking for photography inspiration. Choosing the right tags can make your account easier to find and more engaging for your target audience.

Audience connection 

A good hashtag doesn’t just organize content, it builds a connection. It helps you find people who care about your niche, whether that’s food, fashion, or travel. Using niche hashtags creates a sense of belonging, where followers feel part of a shared interest or community.

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If you’re into lifestyle trends or the alt aesthetic on Instagram, using related tags helps you attract people with the same vibe. Hashtags also allow brands to connect emotionally with audiences by showing they understand what their followers love and value.

How they boost discoverability 

Discoverability is what makes hashtags powerful. When you use relevant and popular tags, your post has a higher chance of appearing in Explore pages or search results. This increases the likelihood that new users will engage with your post.

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For example, if you share short videos or tutorials, tags like #InstagramVideoLength or #QuickReels can help your post appear for people looking for similar content. If your content supports partnerships or collaborations, using hashtags alongside Instagram content ads can enhance how well branded posts reach the right viewers. The right hashtags act as signals that help Instagram’s algorithm understand what your post is about, improving its reach.

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Benefits of Using Hashtags 

Hashtags offer more than visibility. They bring strategy and structure to your posting habits. Using hashtags helps you analyze what kind of content performs best, discover new trends, and track your brand’s online activity.

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They also increase engagement. Posts with hashtags typically receive more likes, saves, and comments because they reach users interested in that specific topic. Whether you use broad tags like #PopularHashtagsForInstagram or specific ones related to your field, hashtags can make your posts more effective and noticeable.

How Instagram Hashtags Work 

Understanding how hashtags function helps you choose smarter ones. When you add a hashtag, Instagram uses it as a clue to categorize your content. The system then shows your post to users who interact with similar topics. The more relevant your hashtags, the more accurate your audience targeting becomes.

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Hashtags also interact with Instagram’s algorithm. The algorithm tracks how users engage with posts under each tag and rewards content that keeps people engaged. That’s why it’s important to select hashtags that are both specific and active.

Algorithm signals 

The Instagram algorithm uses hashtags as ranking signals. It studies which hashtags your content includes and compares them with user behavior. If users enjoy posts with the same hashtags, your content gets promoted more often.

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This is why avoiding banned hashtags is crucial. If you accidentally use restricted or overused tags, your post might not appear in searches. Always check that your chosen tags are active and safe before posting to maintain your visibility.

Relevance and visibility 

Relevance is what determines how your hashtags perform. When a hashtag closely matches your post’s topic, Instagram understands its purpose and recommends it to the right audience. A good match leads to more profile visits and better engagement.

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For example, a post about travel shouldn’t include fashion hashtags. Instead, pick travel-related options like #TravelVibes or #AdventureGoals. Mixing relevant and trending tags ensures that your content reaches both broad and niche audiences effectively.

Engagement influence 

Engagement plays a key role in hashtag success. The more likes, shares, and saves your post receives, the more Instagram trusts your content. This means your post will stay visible longer under the chosen hashtags.

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Tracking which hashtags bring more engagement helps you improve your strategy over time. Tools and analytics can show you which tags attract the most interaction. For instance, pairing your visual posts with ideas for Instagram hashtags based on engagement data can help you adjust future captions for better performance.

How to Use Hashtags

Hashtags work best when you use them with purpose. Instead of filling your post with every trending tag, choose ones that truly match your topic. Good hashtags help Instagram understand what your post is about and show it to people who are interested in that subject.

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It also helps to plan your hashtags before posting. Think about what your photo or video represents. A mix of specific and general hashtags often works best. Specific ones help you reach your niche, while general ones make your post visible to more users.

Find niche tags

Niche tags are smaller and more targeted. They connect you to people who share your exact interests. For example, if you post landscape photos, use tags like best photography hashtags or ideas for Instagram hashtags to reach people who love that topic.

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These niche hashtags might not have millions of posts, but they often bring more meaningful engagement. Smaller audiences are usually more active, which means you’ll get more genuine comments and followers instead of random likes.

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Add context to post

Hashtags also add context to your post. They give Instagram more information about your image, video, or caption. When the tags match your content, your post has a better chance of appearing in relevant searches.

For instance, if your photo shows a cozy outfit, hashtags like #basicboyaesthetic or #casualstyle can describe the mood. And if you’re sharing a video, understanding Instagram video length can help you choose the right format so your hashtags and content work together. Adding tags that fit your image makes your post feel more natural, not forced.

Use captions or comments

You can place hashtags in either your caption or in the first comment. Both methods work. Putting them in captions can make your post easier to discover right away, while using comments keeps your caption clean and simple.

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If you prefer a minimal style, post your caption first and then add hashtags in the first comment. This way, your audience focuses on your message while the hashtags still work in the background to increase reach.

Hashtag count balance

Finding the right number of hashtags matters. Too many can make your post look messy, while too few may not give enough visibility. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should always use all of them.

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A good balance is around 10 to 20 well-chosen tags. These should mix popular and niche options. Avoid using the same set of hashtags every time, as this can reduce engagement over time. Changing them regularly helps your posts stay fresh and more visible, a tactic supported by insights into social media discovery that show how varied, relevant keywords improve visibility and audience reach.

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Tracking and refining

Tracking your hashtag performance helps you understand which ones actually work. Look at the insights for your posts to see which hashtags bring more views, likes, or profile visits. Keep a list of the most effective ones and reuse them in future posts.

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Many creators also use tools like Kicksta to discover and refine hashtags. Kicksta can help you analyze which tags attract the most engagement for your content type. It’s a smart way to learn what works best for your audience without guessing.

Monitor engagement

Once you find hashtags that perform well, monitor how they continue to influence your reach. Engagement levels can change as trends shift. A tag that was popular last month may not perform the same today.

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Pay attention to how your audience reacts to each post. If engagement drops, update your hashtag list with newer or more relevant ones. Tools that track hashtag reach can save time by showing what’s worth keeping and what to replace.

Smarter hashtags with Kicksta

Kicksta offers an easy way to find the right hashtags for your content. It offers a hashtag generator. Also, it looks at what’s trending in your niche - including styles like the basic boy aesthetic - and helps you select tags that are active but not overcrowded. This increases your chance of standing out in search results.

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By combining hashtag data with performance tracking, Kicksta helps you build a smarter strategy. It saves time and gives you a clear picture of which hashtags are actually helping your posts grow. For creators and small businesses, this makes Instagram marketing much simpler.

Hashtag Research Strategies

Hashtag research is key to finding what fits your brand or niche. The best hashtags are not always the most popular ones. You need a mix that matches your audience, your content style, and your goals. Start by exploring what successful creators or competitors in your field are doing.

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It also helps to keep a record of hashtags that perform well. Create a few lists organized by topic or content type. This saves time when posting and helps you stay consistent with your strategy, similar to the approach used in keyword trend analysis that helps you understand what people are searching for and how interest shifts over time.

Competitor analysis

One of the easiest ways to find good hashtags is by studying competitors. Look at the tags used by creators or brands in your field. See which ones get the most engagement and which seem too crowded.

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You can adapt the best-performing hashtags for your own posts. This doesn’t mean copying others directly, but learning from what already works in your niche. It’s a simple and effective research step for anyone new to hashtags.

Influencer insights

Influencers are a great source for discovering active hashtags. They often know what’s trending before it becomes mainstream. By checking what they use, you can spot upcoming trends early.

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If you follow influencers who share your interests or target audience, pay attention to the tags they repeat often. These hashtags are likely performing well, which means they could help your posts get noticed, too.

Data-driven tools

Several apps can help you find data-backed hashtags. These tools analyze engagement levels, audience size, and posting frequency. 

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Apps like Kicksta are helpful for this. They show you hashtags by popularity and help you spot which ones match your audience size. Using data takes the guesswork out of your hashtag strategy, much like the insights provided by social media analytics tools that help marketers understand patterns and make smarter decisions.

Top Instagram Hashtags for 2025

Hashtag trends change every year, and 2025 is no different. The most effective ones balance creativity, clarity, and community. Instead of just following the biggest trends, it’s better to choose hashtags that fit your message and style.

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Here’s a look at some of the most relevant hashtag groups for the year ahead.

Popular tags

General hashtags continue to work well when paired with niche ones. Tags like best Instagram hashtags or Instagram hashtags trending are used by many creators but still bring visibility. They help boost discoverability when combined with your more specific tags.

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Just avoid using too many broad ones at once. The competition is high, so pair them with smaller, topic-focused hashtags to reach your exact audience.

B2B and marketing

Businesses can use hashtags that focus on branding, growth, and marketing strategy. Examples include #SocialMediaMarketing, #BrandGrowth, or #DigitalStrategy.

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These hashtags are ideal for companies or creators sharing insights, tutorials, or business updates. They attract professionals looking for marketing ideas or new tools, similar to how discussions around B2B marketing trends help brands stay informed and connect with industry-focused audiences.

Fashion and beauty

Fashion and beauty hashtags are among the most searched on Instagram. Use ones that describe style, texture, or mood. For example, #StreetStyle, #MakeupLooks, or #Fashion2025.

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Pairing these with aesthetic-related tags, such as #AltAestheticOnInstagram, helps you reach younger, trend-aware audiences who follow evolving looks.

Fitness and wellness

Health-focused hashtags are perfect for fitness trainers, wellness coaches, or lifestyle creators. Use options like #FitnessGoals, #HealthyHabits, or #WellnessJourney.

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You can also combine them with trending visual themes, such as workout reels or relaxing wellness clips. This helps boost engagement and reach on both static posts and Reels.

Food and restaurants

Food-related hashtags are some of the most engaging on Instagram. People love seeing beautiful meals, recipes, and restaurant moments. Use tags like #Foodie, #TastyEats, or #InstaFood to connect with hungry audiences who enjoy visuals of dishes and ingredients, a trend reflected in the growing world of food culture online where diners, creators, and chefs share their passion through vibrant, mouth-watering content.

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If your account is about cooking, restaurants, or café culture, mix in location-based tags such as #NYCFood or #LondonEats.. Pair them with creative visuals or short clips showing recipes or plating ideas for more engagement.

Tech and apps

Tech creators and app developers can also use hashtags to reach curious audiences. Hashtags like #TechNews, #AppDesign, or #FutureTech help posts appear in technology searches. They are especially useful for brands releasing new tools or digital services.

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Adding short clips that show how your app works or how users interact with it can increase engagement. Combining visuals with tags like #InstagramContent or #InstagramVideoLength helps reach users interested in digital media and app design.

Travel and lifestyle

Travel hashtags are ideal for creators who love exploring new destinations or sharing experiences. Use tags like #Wanderlust, #TravelGoals, or #HiddenPlaces to attract people who enjoy travel inspiration. You can also add region-specific tags such as #EuropeAdventures or #AsiaTrips.

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Lifestyle creators can pair travel hashtags with mood or theme-based ones, such as #ChillDays or #CozyVibes. Combining these with visual storytelling builds a personal connection with viewers who enjoy following authentic journeys.

Best Practices

Finding hashtags is only part of the process. The real success comes from how you use them. A few simple practices can make your posts more visible and engaging over time.

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Consistency matters the most. Keeping your hashtags organized and relevant builds a strong identity. Always make sure your tags reflect what your followers expect from your page. If you’re looking for additional guidance on strategic, sustainable growth, exploring a best Instagram growth service like Kicksta can help you understand how professional tools approach visibility and audience targeting.

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Mix of high and low competition tags

It’s smart to combine high-volume hashtags with smaller ones. Popular hashtags bring visibility, while low-competition ones help you appear in more focused searches. This balance keeps your post active for longer periods.

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For example, you might combine #PopularHashtagsForInstagram with smaller ones related to your niche, such as #BestPhotographyHashtags. This helps reach both broad and specific audiences.

Hashtags in comments

Many users prefer adding hashtags in the first comment instead of the caption. It keeps the main message clean and still lets Instagram read the tags for search results.

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If you post several times a week, this method can help you keep captions more natural. Hashtags in comments work just as well, and you can edit or remove them anytime without changing your caption, a tip often shared in discussions about Instagram posting techniques that focus on improving clarity while keeping your reach strong.

Branded hashtags

Creating a branded hashtag helps followers connect with your business or campaign. For example, if you’re a café, you could use #TasteAtHome or #MorningWithUs. These tags make it easy to collect all user-generated content in one place.

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Encourage followers to use your branded hashtag in their posts. It strengthens the community and helps new people find your page through others’ posts.

Multiple lists

It’s useful to keep a few separate hashtag lists ready for different post types. For instance, you might have one list for product posts, another for quotes, and one for Instagram story layout ideas.

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Rotating between lists helps you stay fresh and prevents Instagram from marking your content as repetitive. This approach also makes posting faster since you won’t have to search for new hashtags every time.

Hashtags in Stories

Adding hashtags to Stories helps them reach a wider audience. You can use one or two visible tags or hide them behind stickers or GIFs. This makes your Story look clean while still benefiting from the reach boost.

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Hashtags can also be combined with Instagram GIFs or Instagram swipe up feature to make your Story more interactive. Using them creatively can increase your Instagram Stories viewers and attract new followers from Explore.

Trending hashtags

Keep track of hashtags that are becoming popular in your niche. They can give your posts a temporary boost in reach and engagement. However, make sure they match your content’s tone and purpose.

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You can use Instagram’s explore page or hashtag tools to find what’s trending. Pairing new hashtags with your usual ones helps your content stay updated while keeping your identity consistent, a tactic similar to following social media trend insights that highlight rising conversations and help creators stay relevant.

How many hashtags should I use?

The ideal number of hashtags depends on your content and audience. Most experts suggest using between 10 and 20 hashtags per post. Too many can look spammy, while too few might limit visibility.

Do hashtags still work on Instagram?

Yes, hashtags still help increase reach and engagement. While the algorithm has changed, relevant hashtags still improve discoverability when used correctly. Instagram uses them to categorize content and show it to users who follow or search for similar topics.

What hashtags help boost likes?

Tags related to your content type usually work best. For example, if you post photography, the best photography hashtags will attract people who love similar visuals. It’s better to focus on hashtags that truly match your content and attract genuine followers.

How often should I change my hashtags?

Changing your hashtags every few weeks helps keep your posts visible. Using the same ones repeatedly can reduce performance over time. Update your hashtag lists based on new trends, content types, and audience insights. 

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Conclusion

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Hashtags are more than just labels. They are tools that connect your content to people who care about it. Finding the right ones takes time and testing, but once you understand what works, your reach and engagement will grow naturally.

Focus on creating a healthy mix of popular and niche hashtags that truly represent your content. Stay consistent, track your results, and keep experimenting with new ideas.

With the help of smart research, clear visuals, and tools like Kicksta, anyone can create an effective hashtag strategy that strengthens their brand and community. Whether you’re a beginner or a marketer, learning how to use hashtags well is one of the best ways to keep your Instagram content thriving in 2025 and beyond.