Hashtags are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools available on Instagram for increasing visibility and engagement. In 2025, the landscape of hashtag marketing continues to evolve, and it's crucial for creators, influencers, and businesses to stay ahead of the curve. This article will guide you through the best practices for using Instagram hashtags in 2025, ensuring that your content reaches a wider audience and drives meaningful engagement.
1. Understanding the Importance of Hashtags
Hashtags allow your content to be discovered by users who are interested in the topics you're posting about. They serve as a way for Instagram to categorize content and make it more discoverable through search results, Explore pages, and hashtag feeds. With Instagram’s algorithm continuously evolving, knowing how to effectively use hashtags is more important than ever.
Why it matters: Hashtags increase the chances of your content being discovered by a wider audience. With the right strategy, they can drive higher engagement and attract more followers.
How to use it: Use hashtags that are relevant to your post and audience. Avoid overusing irrelevant or overly general hashtags, as these can lead to a decrease in engagement.
2. Choosing the Right Hashtags for Your Content
One of the keys to success with Instagram hashtags is choosing the right ones. Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, but it’s essential to focus on quality over quantity. Choose hashtags that are relevant to your content, niche, and target audience.
Why it matters: Using the right hashtags helps you reach people who are actually interested in your content, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
How to use it: Research your niche and identify the hashtags your target audience is using. Also, consider including a mix of popular and niche hashtags for maximum reach.
3. Types of Hashtags You Should Use
In 2025, it’s essential to understand the different types of hashtags you can use and how each type can benefit your content. These include:
Branded Hashtags: These are unique to your brand or business and help you create a community around your content. Example: #NikeRunClub.
Niche Hashtags: These are specific to a particular topic, interest, or community. Example: #PlantParenthood for a plant-related account.
General Hashtags: These are broader, high-traffic hashtags that attract a large number of posts. Example: #InstaGood, #Love.
Event Hashtags: These hashtags are used for specific events or campaigns. Example: #BlackFridayDeals or #NYCMarathon.
Location-Based Hashtags: These target a specific geographic area, helping you connect with local audiences. Example: #NYCFoodie or #ParisFashion.
Why it matters: Using a variety of hashtags ensures that your content gets discovered by different segments of your target audience.
How to use it: Mix popular hashtags with niche ones to improve the discoverability of your posts. For example, a fitness influencer might use both #FitnessGoals (general) and #FitFamCommunity (niche).
4. Researching Trending Hashtags
Trending hashtags are one of the best ways to increase visibility and engagement on Instagram. These hashtags are typically associated with viral events, holidays, or popular topics. By jumping on trends early, you can increase the chances of your content being featured on Explore pages or hashtag feeds.
Why it matters: Using trending hashtags can boost your visibility and make your posts go viral.
How to use it: Stay updated with current trends by checking out Instagram’s Explore page or trending sections. When you see a trend that fits your content, include relevant hashtags to join the conversation.
5. How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
There’s ongoing debate about how many hashtags are ideal for each Instagram post. While Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags, studies show that engagement starts to drop when you use more than 11 hashtags. A good rule of thumb is to use between 7 and 11 hashtags per post.
Why it matters: Using too many hashtags can appear spammy, while using too few may limit your content’s reach.
How to use it: Experiment with different numbers of hashtags and monitor which amount works best for your account. It’s also important to keep hashtags relevant to the post.
6. Creating Your Own Branded Hashtag
One effective way to boost brand awareness and engagement is by creating your own branded hashtag. This can be a fun, creative way to connect with your followers and encourage them to share their own content using the hashtag.
Why it matters: A branded hashtag helps build community, increases brand recognition, and makes it easier to track user-generated content.
How to use it: Promote your branded hashtag across your Instagram posts, stories, and other marketing materials. Encourage your followers to use it in their posts as well.
7. Using Hashtags in Instagram Stories
Hashtags aren’t just for feed posts; they can also be used in Instagram Stories. In fact, using hashtags in your stories can increase your visibility and drive more traffic to your profile. When you add a hashtag to your Story, it becomes discoverable in the hashtag’s feed.
Why it matters: Instagram Stories are a popular format for engagement, and adding hashtags increases your chances of being discovered.
How to use it: Use the hashtag sticker in your Stories to add relevant hashtags. You can use multiple hashtags in your Stories, but don’t overcrowd them. Keep them visible but unobtrusive.
8. Analyzing Hashtag Performance
Just like any other aspect of your Instagram strategy, it’s important to track the performance of your hashtags. Instagram’s Insights feature allows you to see how many impressions you received from specific hashtags. This data can help you refine your hashtag strategy for future posts.
Why it matters: Tracking hashtag performance ensures that you’re using hashtags that are actually driving engagement.
How to use it: Regularly check the performance of your hashtags and replace underperforming ones with new, more relevant options.
9. Hashtag Etiquette and Best Practices
While using hashtags is essential, it’s also important to follow best practices to ensure you’re not abusing the system. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Avoid spammy behavior: Using too many irrelevant hashtags or repeating the same set over and over can lead to your account being flagged by Instagram.
Don’t use banned hashtags: Some hashtags are banned on Instagram, often due to associations with inappropriate content. Avoid using these hashtags to prevent your posts from being hidden.
Keep it relevant: Always use hashtags that are relevant to your content. Irrelevant hashtags may not only lower your engagement but can also make you appear unprofessional.
Why it matters: Following proper hashtag etiquette ensures that your account stays in good standing with Instagram’s algorithm and that your content remains effective.
How to use it: Regularly review your hashtag strategy and ensure you’re using relevant, appropriate hashtags that fit your content.
10. Conclusion: Master Instagram Hashtags for Growth
In 2025, mastering the art of Instagram hashtags is essential for increasing reach, visibility, and engagement. By understanding the different types of hashtags, conducting research, and analyzing your performance, you can create a hashtag strategy that supports your overall Instagram goals. Whether you’re a business looking to attract customers or a creator wanting to expand your audience, using Instagram hashtags strategically is a key element in achieving success.