Best hashtags for instagram to get more likes

To significantly increase your Instagram likes, you need a strategic approach to hashtags. Think of them as your discovery engine.

The right ones put your content in front of interested eyes, making it easier for people to find, engage with, and like your posts. This isn’t about guesswork.

It’s about leveraging data, understanding your audience, and consistently refining your hashtag strategy.

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For an insider’s look at how to supercharge your Instagram presence and much more, check out this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool. This tool, or similar analytics platforms, can help you identify what hashtags get most likes Instagram, providing insights on what hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes and how to get more likes on Instagram fast by showing you popular and niche-specific tags that resonate with your target audience.

We’ll delve into a comprehensive guide on identifying and utilizing the best hashtags for Instagram to get more likes, ensuring your content reaches its full potential.

Understanding Hashtag Mechanics for Maximum Engagement

Hashtags aren’t just random words.

They’re a categorization system Instagram uses to organize content.

When someone searches for a specific hashtag or follows one, your post, if tagged correctly, has the potential to appear in their feed.

This visibility is directly linked to getting more likes on Instagram.

The Power of Hashtag Categories

Categorizing your hashtags is the first step to a refined strategy.

It ensures you’re hitting various audience segments.

• Niche-Specific Hashtags: These are highly relevant to your content. For example, if you post about baking sourdough bread, #SourdoughBakingTips or #ArtisanBread would be niche-specific. They attract a highly engaged audience already interested in your exact topic. Data suggests that posts using niche-specific hashtags can see up to a 25% higher engagement rate because they’re reaching people with a direct interest.
• Community Hashtags: These tags foster a sense of belonging. Think #BakersOfInstagram or #FoodieCommunity. They connect you with broader groups who share a common interest, expanding your reach beyond just your immediate topic.
• Branded Hashtags: If you’re a business or an individual brand, creating your own hashtag e.g., #YourBrandNameTips encourages user-generated content and helps track conversations about your brand.
• Location-Based Hashtags: For local businesses or events, #SeattleFoodie or #LondonArtScene are crucial for reaching local audiences. Posts with location tags tend to generate 79% more engagement than those without.

Optimal Number of Hashtags

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, quality trumps quantity.

• The Sweet Spot: Studies by various social media analytics firms, including a comprehensive analysis by TrackMaven on over 5.5 million Instagram posts, found that 9-11 hashtags generally yield the highest engagement rates. This range provides enough variety without appearing spammy.
• Experimentation is Key: Your ideal number might differ based on your niche and audience. Test different quantities to see what performs best for your specific account. Don’t be afraid to try 5, 10, or even 20 to see which range resonates most with your followers.

The Importance of Hashtag Placement

Where you put your hashtags can influence how your post is perceived.

• In the Caption: Placing hashtags directly in the caption is common. It makes them immediately visible. However, it can make your caption look cluttered, especially if you’re using many.
• First Comment: Many users prefer to put their hashtags in the first comment immediately after posting. This keeps your caption clean and professional while still allowing your post to be discovered. Instagram’s algorithm picks up hashtags from the first comment just as effectively as from the caption.

Researching and Discovering High-Performing Hashtags

Finding the best hashtags for Instagram to get more likes requires diligent research. It’s not enough to guess. you need data-backed insights.

Utilizing Instagram’s Native Features

Instagram itself offers valuable tools for hashtag discovery. Best dimension for facebook post

• Search Bar Insights: When you type a hashtag into the Instagram search bar under the “Tags” tab, it shows you related hashtags and the number of posts associated with them. This gives you an idea of a hashtag’s popularity. Aim for a mix of popular over 100k posts and moderately popular 10k-100k posts tags. Avoid overly saturated hashtags millions of posts where your content might get lost quickly.
• “Related” Hashtags: After clicking on a hashtag, Instagram suggests “Related” hashtags at the top of the feed. These are excellent for finding relevant alternatives and expanding your hashtag portfolio.
• Competitor Analysis: Look at what hashtags your successful competitors and accounts in your niche are using. Don’t just copy. analyze why they might be working for them and adapt them to your content. A quick scan of top-performing posts in your niche can reveal patterns in hashtag usage.

Leveraging Third-Party Tools

Several external tools can streamline your hashtag research process.

• Hashtag Generators: Tools like All Hashtag, Sistrix, or even specialized growth marketing tools can generate relevant hashtags based on a keyword. They often categorize them by popularity and provide metrics.
• Analytics Platforms: Many social media management tools e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Later offer analytics that show which hashtags perform best for your account. This data is invaluable for optimizing your strategy over time.
• Trend Spotting: Keep an eye on trending topics and events. Incorporating relevant trending hashtags e.g., #EidMubarak during Eid can significantly boost your reach, but ensure they genuinely relate to your content.

Strategizing for Optimal Hashtag Mix

A balanced hashtag strategy is crucial for consistent growth.

You need a mix that caters to broad discovery and niche engagement.

The Tiered Hashtag Approach

This method involves using a combination of different popularity levels.

• Broad/High-Volume Hashtags 1-3: These are very popular tags with millions of posts e.g., #Photography, #Travel. They offer wide visibility but also fierce competition. Your post might get quickly buried here, but if it catches on, the reach is immense.
• Niche/Low-Volume Hashtags 3-5: These have a few thousand or even hundreds of posts e.g., #IcelandRoadTrip, #MirrorlessCamera. These are highly specific and attract a dedicated audience. While the reach is smaller, the engagement is often higher because you’re reaching highly interested individuals. This is where you really what hashtags get most likes Instagram for your specific content.
• Brand/Community Hashtags 1-2: Your own unique tag or a tag for a specific community you’re part of.

Avoiding Banned or Spammy Hashtags

Using banned hashtags can severely harm your account’s visibility, potentially leading to shadowbanning.

• Check Before Use: Before using a hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If it brings up a message like “Recent posts from # hashtag name are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines,” then it’s banned.
• Commonly Banned Hashtags: Many seemingly innocent hashtags have been banned due to misuse. Examples include #beauty, #single, #streetart. Always verify.
• Spammy Behavior: Avoid using irrelevant hashtags, repeating the same set of hashtags on every post, or using hundreds of hashtags in a single comment. This can flag your account as spam.

Advanced Hashtag Techniques for Maximum Impact

Beyond the basics, there are several advanced tactics to refine your hashtag strategy and learn how to get more likes on Instagram fast.

Hashtag Stacking and Rotation

Don’t just use the same set of 10 hashtags for every post. This is a common mistake.

• Create Hashtag Sets: Develop 5-10 different sets of 10-15 relevant hashtags. Each set should have a mix of broad, medium, and niche tags tailored to different content themes you post.
• Rotate Your Sets: Regularly rotate these sets for your posts. This prevents your content from always appearing in the same hashtag feeds and helps you discover new audiences. It also signals to Instagram that you’re not using bots or spamming.
• Content-Specific Hashtags: Always ensure your hashtags are highly relevant to the specific image or video you’re posting. A general #Travel might be okay, but #ParisStreetPhotography is far more effective for a photo of the Eiffel Tower.

Hashtag Performance Tracking and Analytics

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

• Instagram Insights: If you have an Instagram Business or Creator account, you can access Insights. Go to a specific post and tap “View Insights.” Under “Discovery,” you can see how many impressions came from hashtags. This tells you which posts, and by extension, which hashtag sets, are driving discoverability.
• Third-Party Analytics Tools: More robust analytics platforms offer deeper insights into individual hashtag performance, showing which tags are leading to the most impressions, reach, and engagement. Tools can track the number of new followers gained from specific hashtags, helping you pinpoint truly effective ones.
• A/B Testing: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try using different numbers of hashtags, different combinations, or placing them in different locations caption vs. first comment to see what yields the best results for your unique audience.

Leveraging Trending and Seasonal Hashtags

Staying current with trends and seasons can significantly boost your reach.

• Seasonal Content: If you’re posting about winter, use #WinterVibes or #SnowyScenes. During holidays like Eid, #EidMubarak or #RamadanKareem are powerful.
• Current Events: If there’s a major event relevant to your niche e.g., a major conference, a global sporting event, incorporate related hashtags responsibly. This can momentarily expose your content to a massive, engaged audience.
• Monitoring News and Culture: Keep an eye on popular culture, news, and relevant industry trends. Tools like Google Trends can also help you identify what people are searching for, which can translate into trending hashtags. However, ensure that the use of these hashtags aligns with permissible and ethical content. We should always aim to spread positive and beneficial content. For instance, instead of focusing on worldly entertainment trends, perhaps focus on community initiatives or educational content.

Maintaining a Sustainable Hashtag Strategy

Consistency and adaptability are key to long-term success on Instagram. Best free tools for instagram hashtags

Regularly Reviewing and Updating Hashtags

• Monthly Review: Set a monthly reminder to review your hashtag performance. What worked last month might not be as effective this month.
• Refresh Your Sets: Add new relevant hashtags and remove underperforming ones. Look for emerging trends in your niche.
• Adapt to Algorithm Changes: Instagram’s algorithm is always being tweaked. Stay informed about major changes and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, if the algorithm starts prioritizing smaller, more engaged communities, you might lean more into niche hashtags.

Creating a Hashtag Library

Organize your research to make posting efficient.

• Spreadsheet or Note App: Keep a running list of your research: broad, medium, niche, branded, and location-based hashtags. Note down their popularity and potential uses.
• Categorize by Content Type: If you post different types of content e.g., food recipes, travel vlogs, product reviews, create separate hashtag lists for each. This streamlines the posting process and ensures maximum relevance.

Beyond Hashtags: Holistic Growth

While hashtags are vital, they are one piece of a larger puzzle.

• High-Quality Content: No amount of hashtags will save poor content. Focus on visually appealing, valuable, and engaging posts that resonate with your target audience. This is the bedrock of organic growth.
• Consistent Engagement: Respond to comments, engage with other accounts, and be an active member of your community. Instagram rewards genuine interaction.
• Audience Understanding: Deeply understand who your audience is, what they like, and what problems you can solve for them. This informs your content strategy, which in turn informs your hashtag choices.
• Utilize Other Features: Explore Instagram Reels, Stories, and Live features. These often have different discovery mechanisms and can expose your content to new audiences.

In conclusion, mastering hashtags on Instagram is a blend of art and science.

It requires research, strategic thinking, consistent effort, and a willingness to adapt.

By focusing on relevance, optimizing your hashtag mix, and continually analyzing your performance, you can significantly increase your reach, drive more engagement, and ultimately, get more likes on your Instagram posts.

Remember, the goal is not just likes, but meaningful connections and growth that lead to a thriving online presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hashtags for Instagram to get more likes?

The best hashtags for Instagram to get more likes are a mix of broad, medium, and niche-specific tags that are highly relevant to your content.

Generally, using 9-11 well-researched hashtags that target your specific audience tends to perform best.

What hashtags get most likes Instagram?

Hashtags that get the most likes Instagram are often those that are trending, highly relevant to a large audience, or part of a vibrant community.

However, highly popular hashtags also have high competition. Best business hashtags

It’s more effective to find a balance between broad popular tags and niche-specific ones that your target audience actively follows.

What hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes?

To get likes, use hashtags that directly describe your content, incorporate community-based tags, and include location-specific hashtags if relevant.

Research what your target audience is searching for and what popular accounts in your niche are using.

How to get more likes on Instagram fast?

To get more likes on Instagram fast, combine a strategic hashtag approach with high-quality, engaging content, consistent posting, and active community engagement.

Utilizing Instagram Reels and Stories, which often have higher visibility, can also rapidly increase exposure and likes.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, data suggests that using 9-11 relevant hashtags often yields the best engagement rates. Focus on quality and relevance over quantity.

Should I put hashtags in the caption or comments?

Both the caption and the first comment are effective for hashtags.

Placing them in the first comment keeps your caption clean and readable, which many users prefer.

Do hashtags really help get more likes?

Yes, hashtags significantly help get more likes by increasing the discoverability of your posts.

They categorize your content, allowing users who follow or search for specific tags to find your posts. Best crop ratio for instagram

How do I find trending hashtags?

You can find trending hashtags by checking Instagram’s search bar suggestions, monitoring popular accounts in your niche, using third-party hashtag research tools, and staying updated with current events and seasonal trends.

What is a niche hashtag?

A niche hashtag is a highly specific tag that targets a very particular audience or topic within a broader category. For example, #VeganDessertRecipes is a niche hashtag within the broader #Food category.

Can using too many hashtags hurt my engagement?

Yes, using too many irrelevant or repetitive hashtags can make your post appear spammy, potentially reducing engagement and even leading to a shadowban from Instagram.

What is a banned hashtag?

A banned hashtag is a tag that Instagram has blocked due to misuse or violation of community guidelines.

Using banned hashtags can severely limit your post’s visibility. Always check a hashtag before using it.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned?

Search for the hashtag on Instagram.

If you see a message stating that “Recent posts from are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines,” then it’s banned.

How often should I change my Instagram hashtags?

You should regularly review and update your hashtags, ideally monthly.

Should I use the same hashtags for every post?

No, it’s best to rotate your hashtag sets and tailor them to the specific content of each post.

Using the exact same hashtags repeatedly can appear spammy and may reduce your reach over time. Best aspect ratio for instagram photos

Can specific hashtags help me reach a local audience?

Yes, using location-specific hashtags e.g., #LondonFoodie, #NYCPhotography is highly effective for reaching a local audience and attracting engagement from people in a specific geographic area.

What role does content quality play with hashtags?

Content quality is paramount.

Even the best hashtags won’t save a low-quality post.

High-quality, engaging content maximizes the impact of your hashtags by converting discoverability into likes, comments, and shares.

Should I use popular hashtags with millions of posts?

You can use a few popular hashtags, but balance them with medium and niche-specific tags.

While popular tags offer broad reach, your content can get lost quickly in the sheer volume of posts.

Do Instagram Reels and Stories use hashtags differently?

Yes, hashtags work similarly for discoverability on Reels and Stories.

For Reels, relevant hashtags can help your content appear on the Explore page or in specific hashtag feeds.

For Stories, adding hashtags makes them discoverable through hashtag stickers or direct searches.

What’s the best way to track hashtag performance?

The best way to track hashtag performance is through Instagram Insights for Business/Creator accounts under “Discovery,” which shows impressions from hashtags. Best amount of hashtags for instagram

Third-party analytics tools offer more in-depth data on individual hashtag performance.

Is it better to create my own branded hashtag?

Yes, creating your own branded hashtag e.g., #YourBrandNameTips is an excellent strategy for building community, encouraging user-generated content, and tracking conversations related to your brand.