To truly master Instagram hashtag recommendations and boost your organic reach, you need a strategic approach that goes beyond just guessing. Forget the old ways.

It’s about leveraging data, understanding your audience, and continuously testing.

We’re talking about a blend of broad, niche, and hyper-specific hashtags to maximize visibility, engage the right users, and ultimately drive meaningful interactions for your content.

For a powerful tool that helps you optimize your Instagram strategy, including smart hashtag suggestions, check out this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool. This guide will help you understand the current Instagram hashtag guidelines, offering practical Instagram hashtag tips 2024, so you know how many hashtags are good for Instagram, giving you expert Instagram hashtag advice and best practices.

While some might see “instagram hashtag suggestions have been hidden” as a setback, it’s an opportunity to dig deeper and apply smarter tactics, making your content stand out effectively.

Table of Contents

Decoding Instagram Hashtags: Beyond the Obvious

It’s not just about slapping on a few popular terms. it’s about strategic placement and relevance.

The goal is to get your content seen by the right audience who are genuinely interested in what you’re offering.

The Shifting Landscape of Instagram Hashtag Recommendations

Instagram’s algorithm constantly changes, and so do the best practices for hashtags.

What worked in 2022 might not be as effective in 2024. For instance, in previous years, stuffing as many hashtags as possible was common advice. Now, it’s about quality over quantity.

Recent data suggests that posts with 5-10 highly relevant hashtags often outperform those with 20-30 generic ones in terms of engagement rate.

Instagram hashtag suggestions have been hidden directly in the app, pushing creators to do more research.

This shift forces a more thoughtful approach, moving away from reliance on direct in-app suggestions and towards external tools and in-depth analysis.

Why Hashtag Research is Your Secret Weapon

Think of hashtag research as market research for your content.

You wouldn’t launch a product without understanding your target market, right? The same applies to your Instagram posts.

Effective research helps you uncover trending hashtags, identify competitor strategies, and discover niche communities. Instagram hashtag finder tool

Tools that analyze hashtag performance can show you which hashtags are driving the most engagement for your competitors or similar accounts.

For example, a study by SocialInsider found that Instagram accounts with 1K-10K followers get the highest reach rate on posts using 5-10 hashtags, with a 21.6% reach rate, compared to 16.3% for posts using 1-4 hashtags.

This underlines the importance of focused, strategic choices.

Understanding Different Hashtag Categories

Not all hashtags are created equal.

To build a robust hashtag strategy, you need to understand the different categories and how to blend them effectively.

Broad/High-Volume Hashtags: These are general terms with millions of posts e.g., #travel, #fashion, #food. They offer wide visibility but come with intense competition. While they can bring initial eyes, the engagement might be lower due to the sheer volume of content.
Niche/Mid-Volume Hashtags: More specific terms with thousands or tens of thousands of posts e.g., #sustainablefashion, #veganrecipes, #remotework. These target a more specific audience, leading to higher engagement rates and better conversion potential.
Specific/Low-Volume Hashtags: Hyper-focused terms with hundreds or a few thousand posts e.g., #minimalisttraveltips, #halalstreetfoodlondon, #islamicartdesign. These are excellent for targeting super-engaged communities and can lead to direct connections with your ideal audience.
Branded Hashtags: Unique to your brand or campaign e.g., #YourBrandName, #YourCampaignSlogan. Essential for building community, tracking user-generated content, and strengthening brand recognition.
Community Hashtags: Used by specific groups or niches e.g., #MuslimahsInTech, #BookstagramCommunity, #ArtistsOfInstagram. These are powerful for connecting with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of belonging.

Crafting Your Instagram Hashtag Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building an effective hashtag strategy isn’t a one-time task.

It’s an ongoing process of research, implementation, and analysis.

This systematic approach will help you optimize your Instagram hashtag recommendations for maximum impact.

Step 1: Analyze Your Niche and Audience

Before you even think about specific hashtags, you need to deeply understand your content niche and who you’re trying to reach.

What topics does your audience care about? What problems do they need solved? What language do they use? Instagram feed pic size

Audience Demographics: If your audience is primarily young entrepreneurs, hashtags like #startupgrind or #businesstips will resonate more than #classiccars.
Content Pillars: Identify 3-5 core themes or content pillars for your account. For a halal food blogger, these might be #halalrecipes, #halalrestaurants, #muslimtravel. Each pillar needs its own set of relevant hashtags.
Competitor Analysis: Look at what hashtags successful accounts in your niche are using. Don’t just copy. understand why they’re using them. Are they broad? Niche? Community-specific? Tools like Sprout Social or Hootsuite can help track competitor hashtag performance.

Step 2: Brainstorming and Researching Hashtags

Once you have your niche and audience defined, it’s time to brainstorm. Start broad and then refine.

Initial Brainstorm: Write down every possible keyword related to your post and your niche. Use a thesaurus to find synonyms.
Instagram Search Bar: Type your keywords into Instagram’s search bar under the “Tags” section. It will suggest related hashtags and show you their volume number of posts. This is where you find those hidden gems that aren’t immediately obvious.
Related Hashtags: When you click on a hashtag, Instagram often suggests “Related” hashtags at the top. These are goldmines for discovering relevant terms you might have missed.
Influencer & Competitor Hashtags: As mentioned, analyze accounts similar to yours. What hashtags are they using on their high-performing posts?
Third-Party Tools: Many free and paid tools provide detailed hashtag analytics. Later, Planoly, or even specialized hashtag generators can give you data on popularity, engagement, and related terms. Some even offer Instagram hashtag suggestions.

Step 3: Curating Your Hashtag Sets

Instead of using the same set of hashtags for every post, create multiple themed sets.

This prevents your content from looking spammy and helps you target specific aspects of your diverse content.

Thematic Sets: If you’re a modest fashion blogger, create a set for “Eid outfits,” another for “modest swimwear,” and another for “everyday hijab styles.”
Mix and Match: Each set should be a blend of broad, niche, and specific hashtags. A good ratio might be 1-2 broad, 5-7 niche, and 3-5 specific/community hashtags.
Performance Tracking: Keep a spreadsheet or a digital note of your hashtag sets. After a few weeks, review their performance. Which sets are driving the most reach and engagement? This ongoing optimization is crucial for effective Instagram hashtag advice.

Instagram Hashtag Best Practices: Mastering the Nuances

Beyond just choosing the right hashtags, how you use them can significantly impact their effectiveness.

These Instagram hashtag guidelines are designed to maximize your reach and engagement.

Optimal Number of Hashtags: How Many Hashtags Are Good for Instagram?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

The answer isn’t a fixed number but rather a range based on your account size and content.

General Recommendation: For most accounts, 5-10 highly relevant hashtags are often more effective than the maximum allowed 30. Recent studies from platforms like SocialInsider 2023 data suggest that 5-10 hashtags yield the best engagement rates for most accounts. Larger accounts over 100K followers might see slightly better performance with 1-4 hashtags, but for the average user, a balanced approach is key.
Quality over Quantity: Focus on relevance. Using 7 perfect hashtags that genuinely describe your content and target your audience is far better than 30 generic ones. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes relevance, so irrelevant hashtags can actually hurt your reach.
Testing is Key: The best way to find your optimal number is through A/B testing. Post similar content with different numbers of hashtags e.g., one with 5, one with 10, one with 15 and analyze the reach and engagement metrics in your Instagram Insights.

Where to Place Your Hashtags

The placement of your hashtags can subtly influence how your post is perceived and consumed.

In the Caption at the end: This is the most common and generally recommended placement. It keeps your caption clean and readable, while still making the hashtags discoverable. Add a few line breaks dots or dashes before your hashtags to separate them from your main caption.
In the First Comment: Another popular strategy is to put all your hashtags in the first comment immediately after posting. This keeps your caption pristine and uncluttered, appealing to a more minimalist aesthetic. There’s no definitive evidence that one placement performs better than the other in terms of algorithm reach. it largely comes down to personal preference and brand aesthetics.
Avoid in the Middle of the Caption: Do not embed hashtags directly within your caption’s sentences unless it’s a branded hashtag or a specific call to action. It breaks up the flow of text and can make your caption difficult to read.

The Importance of Relevance

Relevance is paramount.

Using irrelevant or misleading hashtags can lead to shadowbanning or a reduction in your content’s reach. Instagram feed size in pixels

Match Content: Every hashtag you use should directly relate to the image/video or the message of your post. If you’re posting about a halal recipe, don’t use #travelblogger unless the recipe genuinely ties into a travel experience.
Avoid Spammy Hashtags: Steer clear of hashtags like #like4like, #follow4follow, or excessively generic terms that are associated with spam accounts. Instagram’s algorithm is smart enough to detect these and can penalize your content.
Niche-Specific is Gold: These are the hashtags that bring in truly engaged users. If you’re a Muslim lifestyle blogger, #Muslimahpreneur, #IslamicArt, or #HalalLiving are far more valuable than just #lifestyle.

Advanced Instagram Hashtag Tips 2024: Staying Ahead of the Curve

To maintain your edge, you need to be aware of the latest trends and advanced strategies for Instagram hashtag recommendations.

Utilizing Hidden Hashtag Suggestions and Analytics

While direct in-app hashtag suggestions might seem “hidden” or less prominent, the data is still there if you know where to look.

Instagram Insights: Your professional dashboard offers crucial data. Look at the “Reach” section for individual posts to see “Reach from Hashtags.” This tells you exactly how many accounts discovered your content through hashtags. Track this over time to identify which hashtag sets are performing best.
Third-Party Analytics Tools: Tools like Later, Sprout Social, or Iconosquare provide more in-depth hashtag analytics, including discovery rates, top-performing hashtags, and even competitive hashtag analysis. This data is invaluable for refining your strategy. Some tools can also help you identify Instagram hashtag suggestions that you might not find manually.
Manual Tracking: If you’re just starting, a simple spreadsheet can do wonders. Note down the hashtags you used for each post and regularly check your post insights to see how many impressions came from hashtags. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge.

Leveraging Trending and Niche-Specific Hashtags

Balance is key when it comes to trending and niche hashtags.

Trending Hashtags with Caution: Jump on trending hashtags only if they are genuinely relevant to your content. For example, if there’s a trending challenge related to cooking, and you’re a food blogger, it’s a perfect fit. If it’s completely unrelated, forcing it will backfire. Trending hashtags can provide a temporary boost in visibility, but their shelf life is short.
Niche Hashtags for Community Building: These are your long-term play. Niche hashtags e.g., #IslamicFinanceTips, #ModestFashionInspo, #HalalTravelGuide attract highly engaged communities. They might have lower overall volume, but the quality of engagement and potential for conversion is significantly higher. These hashtags are excellent for building a loyal following.

Hashtag Strategy for Reels and Stories

Hashtags aren’t just for feed posts.

They are increasingly important for Reels and Stories as well, helping your content get discovered on the Explore page.

Reels: For Reels, you can include hashtags in your caption, just like regular posts. Consider using 3-5 highly relevant hashtags. Since Reels are highly discoverable, well-chosen hashtags can significantly amplify your reach.
Stories: While less commonly used, you can add 1-3 relevant hashtags to your Instagram Stories using the hashtag sticker or by typing them in. They can help your Story appear in searches for that hashtag, offering another discovery avenue. Remember to keep them unobtrusive.

Common Instagram Hashtag Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common hashtag traps.

Being aware of these pitfalls can save you a lot of time and effort, ensuring your Instagram hashtag advice is sound.

Overuse of Banned or Broken Hashtags

Using banned or broken hashtags can severely impact your reach and even lead to shadowbanning, where your content becomes invisible to non-followers.

How to Check: Before using a new hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If you see a message like “Recent posts from # hashtag name are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s content guidelines,” then it’s a banned hashtag. Avoid it at all costs.
Why They Get Banned: Hashtags are often banned if they are consistently used to promote spam, hate speech, inappropriate content, or illegal activities.
Regular Review: Periodically check your commonly used hashtags. What was safe yesterday might be banned today. This ongoing vigilance is crucial for healthy account growth.

Repetitive Use of the Same Hashtag Sets

Copy-pasting the exact same 30 hashtags on every single post is a recipe for disaster.

Instagram’s algorithm is designed to detect this kind of repetitive behavior and can flag your content as spam, reducing its reach. Instagram best trending hashtags

The “Spammy” Signal: If your account consistently uses the same hashtags, Instagram might assume you’re a bot or a spam account.
Solution: Rotate and Diversify: Create at least 5-10 different hashtag sets relevant to your content pillars. Rotate these sets. This shows Instagram that your content is varied and you’re making an effort to use relevant terms for each unique post. Mix and match elements from different sets.

Focusing Only on High-Volume Hashtags

While high-volume hashtags like #love, #fashion, or #photography might seem appealing due to their massive reach, they are incredibly competitive. Your content will quickly get lost in the noise.

The Needle in a Haystack: Imagine your post as a single grain of sand in a desert. It’s almost impossible to be discovered among millions of other posts.
Prioritize Niche: Focus on a blend of mid-volume and low-volume, highly specific niche hashtags. These hashtags have less competition, and the users searching for them are usually more targeted and engaged. For example, if you’re a modest fashion brand, #modestfashion might be competitive, but #hijabstyleinspo or #sustainablemodestwear will attract a more dedicated audience.

Measuring Hashtag Performance and Iteration

Data is your best friend when it comes to refining your Instagram hashtag recommendations.

You need to know what’s working and what’s not, and be prepared to iterate.

Leveraging Instagram Insights for Hashtag Performance

Instagram’s native analytics tool, Instagram Insights, provides valuable data that can help you gauge the effectiveness of your hashtag strategy.

Accessing Insights: If you have an Instagram Business or Creator account, simply tap “View Insights” on any post.
Discovery Section: Look for the “Impressions from Hashtags” metric. This number tells you how many times your post was seen by accounts that found it directly through hashtags. A high number here indicates your hashtags are working.
Audience Data: While not directly hashtag-related, understanding your audience’s active times and demographics helps you time your posts for maximum visibility, further enhancing the impact of your hashtags.

A/B Testing Your Hashtag Sets

A/B testing is the scientific method applied to your Instagram strategy.

It involves comparing two versions of something to see which performs better.

The Process: For similar content, post one version with Hashtag Set A and another with Hashtag Set B. Ensure all other variables time of posting, caption length, image quality are as consistent as possible.
Analyzing Results: After a few days, compare the “Impressions from Hashtags” for both posts. Which set generated more reach? Which led to more profile visits or saves?
Continuous Improvement: This isn’t a one-off exercise. Regularly test new hashtag combinations, ratios of broad to niche, and even different placements caption vs. first comment to continually optimize your strategy.

Iteration: The Core of Growth

Your initial hashtag strategy will not be perfect, and that’s okay.

The key is to be adaptable and willing to change based on your findings.

Review and Refine: Schedule a weekly or bi-weekly review of your hashtag performance. What trends do you see? Are certain types of hashtags consistently underperforming?
Don’t Be Afraid to Cut: If a hashtag or a set of hashtags consistently fails to bring in discovery, cut it. Don’t cling to what’s not working. Your goal is efficient growth, not just filling up 30 slots.

Common Hashtag Misconceptions and Clarifications

There’s a lot of outdated or inaccurate information floating around about Instagram hashtags. Let’s clear up some common myths.

Myth: The More Hashtags, The Better

This is a persistent myth that can actually harm your Instagram growth. Instagram feed post format

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, using all of them isn’t always optimal.

Reality: As discussed, studies and expert advice now lean towards a more curated selection. For instance, a 2023 study by Later found that posts with 5-10 hashtags generated more impressions than those with 11+ hashtags for business accounts. Overstuffing can make your content appear spammy to the algorithm, potentially reducing its reach rather than expanding it.
Focus on Relevance: The algorithm prioritizes relevance. A handful of highly relevant hashtags will always outperform a large quantity of loosely related or generic ones.

Myth: Hashtags Are Only for Reach

While reach is a primary benefit, hashtags contribute to much more than just visibility.

Community Building: Niche and community-specific hashtags e.g., #MuslimahCreators, #IslamicArtistry allow you to connect with like-minded individuals, build a loyal following, and foster genuine engagement. They help people who are already interested in your specific topic find you.
Targeted Engagement: When people discover your content through relevant hashtags, they are more likely to be genuinely interested, leading to higher quality engagement like saves, shares, and meaningful comments, not just fleeting likes. These metrics are increasingly important for Instagram’s algorithm.
Brand Identity: Branded hashtags help solidify your brand identity, encourage user-generated content, and make it easier for your audience to find all content related to your brand.

Myth: Hashtags Are Dead / Instagram Suggestions Have Been Hidden

Some users lament that “Instagram hashtag suggestions have been hidden” or that hashtags are no longer effective. This is a misconception.

Reality: Hashtags are still a crucial discovery tool on Instagram. While the direct in-app suggestions might be less prominent or intuitive, the underlying functionality remains. Users still search for content via hashtags, and the Explore page heavily relies on them to categorize and recommend content.
Shift in Strategy: The perceived “hiding” of suggestions simply means Instagram wants users to be more intentional and strategic with their hashtag usage, moving away from relying on generic prompts. It encourages deeper research and a more sophisticated approach, rewarding creators who genuinely understand their niche.
Continued Importance: Statistics consistently show that posts with relevant hashtags still achieve significantly higher reach and engagement compared to posts without any. They are far from dead. they just require a smarter approach.

Future-Proofing Your Instagram Hashtag Strategy

To ensure your Instagram hashtag advice remains effective, you need to think long-term and embrace adaptability.

Embracing AI and Automation in Hashtag Research

As technology advances, AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly sophisticated in providing Instagram hashtag recommendations.

Smart Suggestions: Many advanced marketing platforms now use AI to analyze your content, your niche, and trending topics to suggest highly relevant and effective hashtags. They can even predict which hashtags might perform best for your specific audience.
Time Savings: Automation can significantly cut down the time spent on manual hashtag research, allowing you to focus more on content creation and audience engagement.
Data-Driven Decisions: These tools often provide predictive analytics, giving you insights into potential reach and engagement rates for specific hashtags, empowering you to make truly data-driven decisions. However, always exercise critical judgment and ensure any AI recommendations align with Islamic principles.

The Role of User-Generated Content UGC and Branded Hashtags

UGC is a powerful form of social proof, and branded hashtags are key to leveraging it.

Encouraging UGC: Create a unique, memorable branded hashtag for your business or campaign. Encourage your audience to use this hashtag when they share content related to your brand. This builds community, showcases genuine testimonials, and provides a continuous stream of authentic content.
Monitoring Your Branded Hashtag: Regularly check your branded hashtag to find and reshare content created by your audience with permission, of course. This not only strengthens your relationship with your followers but also provides valuable social proof to potential new followers.
Campaign-Specific Hashtags: For specific campaigns or launches, create a temporary, unique hashtag. This helps you track the campaign’s performance, gather relevant content, and engage with participants.

Staying Updated with Instagram’s Algorithm Changes

Instagram’s algorithm is a living, breathing entity.

What works today might not work tomorrow, making continuous learning essential for effective Instagram hashtag tips 2024.

Follow Official Sources: Keep an eye on Instagram’s official Creator and Business accounts for announcements, tips, and insights directly from the platform.
Read Industry Reports: Follow reputable social media marketing blogs and research firms e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Later, SocialInsider that conduct studies and publish reports on Instagram trends and algorithm updates.
Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to what’s working for other successful accounts in your niche. If you notice a shift in how content is being discovered, be prepared to adapt your hashtag strategy accordingly. The ability to pivot is a hallmark of any successful online strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Instagram hashtag recommendations for 2024?

The best Instagram hashtag recommendations for 2024 focus on a strategic blend of 5-10 highly relevant niche and specific hashtags, rather than just broad, high-volume ones.

Prioritize relevance to your content and audience, and regularly analyze performance using Instagram Insights. Instagram different aspect ratios

How many hashtags are good for Instagram in 2024?

In 2024, generally, 5-10 highly relevant hashtags are considered good for Instagram, particularly for most accounts.

While Instagram allows up to 30, quality and relevance far outweigh quantity, with studies showing that a more curated selection often leads to better engagement and reach.

Why have Instagram hashtag suggestions been hidden?

Instagram hasn’t explicitly “hidden” suggestions, but rather the in-app prompts for hashtag recommendations may be less prominent or less intuitive than before.

This encourages users to perform more in-depth research and select highly relevant, niche-specific hashtags rather than relying on generic suggestions, promoting a more strategic approach to discovery.

What are good Instagram hashtag tips for new accounts?

For new accounts, focus on using a mix of 3-5 broad, 5-7 niche, and 2-3 hyper-specific hashtags.

Research what similar successful accounts in your niche are using, and regularly check your Instagram Insights to see which hashtags are driving discovery for your content. Consistency and relevance are key.

How do I find trending hashtags for my niche?

To find trending hashtags for your niche, use Instagram’s search bar by typing in keywords related to your content and checking the “Tags” section for volume.

Also, explore “Related” hashtags when you click on a popular one.

Third-party tools like Later, Sprout Social, or Hashtagify can also provide real-time trending data specific to your industry.

Should I put hashtags in the caption or first comment?

Both methods are valid, and there’s no definitive evidence that one performs better for the algorithm. Insta today trending hashtag

Placing hashtags in the caption separated by line breaks keeps them immediately visible, while placing them in the first comment makes your caption cleaner.

Choose the method that best aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.

Can using irrelevant hashtags hurt my Instagram reach?

Yes, using irrelevant or misleading hashtags can definitely hurt your Instagram reach. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes relevance.

If your content is consistently shown to users who aren’t interested because of irrelevant hashtags, it can signal low quality and reduce your overall visibility. It can also lead to shadowbanning if misused.

What are Instagram hashtags guidelines?

Instagram’s hashtag guidelines emphasize relevance, authenticity, and avoiding spammy or inappropriate content.

Use hashtags that accurately describe your post, avoid banned or broken hashtags, do not excessively repeat the same sets, and ensure your hashtags comply with Instagram’s Community Guidelines.

How often should I change my Instagram hashtags?

You should regularly review and refine your Instagram hashtags, ideally every few weeks or monthly. Don’t use the exact same set for every post.

Create multiple themed sets and rotate them, adapting to new trends and performance data.

This signals authenticity to Instagram’s algorithm.

What is Instagram hashtag advice for businesses?

For businesses, Instagram hashtag advice centers on being highly strategic. Image resolution for instagram post

Focus on niche-specific and branded hashtags to attract qualified leads and build community.

Use competitor analysis, track performance rigorously in Instagram Insights, and integrate hashtags into your overall marketing strategy.

Are there any Instagram hashtags best practices for engagement?

Yes, for engagement, focus on niche and community-specific hashtags.

These attract highly interested users who are more likely to save, share, and comment on your content.

Less competitive hashtags lead to higher quality engagement, which is favored by the algorithm.

What is a shadowban and how does it relate to hashtags?

A shadowban is when your content’s visibility is reduced or hidden from non-followers without a direct notification from Instagram.

It can be caused by using banned hashtags, spammy behavior like repetitive hashtag use, or violating community guidelines.

Regularly checking your hashtags for “banned” status is crucial to avoid it.

Can I use the same hashtags on every post?

No, it is strongly advised not to use the exact same hashtags on every single post.

Instagram’s algorithm can detect repetitive behavior and flag it as spam, potentially reducing your reach. Instagram add hashtags

Instead, create multiple relevant hashtag sets and rotate them for different posts.

Do hashtags work on Instagram Stories and Reels?

Yes, hashtags work on Instagram Stories and Reels.

For Stories, you can use the hashtag sticker or type them in 1-3 relevant ones are sufficient. For Reels, include them in your caption.

Hashtags can significantly boost the discoverability of your Stories and Reels on the Explore page.

What are some good Instagram hashtag tips for discovering content?

When discovering content, use the Instagram search bar to look for specific hashtags related to your interests.

Explore the “Tags” section for volume and “Related” hashtags for deeper dives.

Follow niche-specific hashtags to see a continuous stream of content from communities you care about.

Is there a difference between broad and niche hashtags?

Yes, a significant difference. Broad hashtags e.g., #travel have millions of posts and high competition, offering wide visibility but less targeted reach. Niche hashtags e.g., #halaltravel, #sustainabletourism have fewer posts but attract a highly specific, engaged audience, leading to better quality interactions.

How do I use Instagram Insights to track hashtag performance?

Go to your Instagram Business/Creator profile, tap “View Insights” on a specific post, then scroll down to the “Discovery” section.

Here you’ll see “Impressions from Hashtags,” which indicates how many accounts found your post through hashtags. Illustrator instagram post size

Track this metric across different posts and hashtag sets to see what’s working.

Are popular hashtags always the best to use?

Not always.

While popular hashtags offer high visibility, they also come with immense competition, meaning your content can get lost quickly.

A balanced strategy includes a mix of broad, mid-volume, and niche hashtags to ensure both reach and targeted engagement.

Should I create my own branded hashtag?

Yes, absolutely.

Creating your own branded hashtag is an Instagram best practice.

It helps build brand recognition, encourages user-generated content, allows you to track content related to your brand, and fosters a sense of community among your followers.

What should I do if a hashtag I use becomes “banned”?

If a hashtag you use becomes banned, immediately stop using it. Remove it from any lists or templates you have.

Using banned hashtags can lead to reduced visibility or even shadowbanning for your account.

Always check new hashtags by searching them on Instagram before widespread use. Image specs for instagram

Instagram hashtag recommendations