The Dos and Don’ts of Using Hashtags on Instagram

Hashtags are Instagram’s secret sauce. They can expand your reach, boost engagement, and help you connect with your ideal audience. But let’s be honest—hashtags can also feel a bit tricky to get right. Use them wisely, and they’ll elevate your content. Use them poorly, and they might work against you (hello, shadowbanning).

If you’ve ever wondered how to strike the perfect balance with hashtags, this guide is for you. We’re breaking down the dos and don’ts of using hashtags on Instagram so you can avoid common mistakes and make your hashtag strategy as impactful as possible.

Why Hashtags Matter on Instagram

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why hashtags are a crucial part of your Instagram strategy:

1. Increased Discoverability: Hashtags make your posts searchable, helping you connect with people who are already interested in your niche.

2. Community Building: Niche-specific hashtags help you engage with like-minded creators and customers.

3. Boosted Engagement: Posts with well-chosen hashtags often get more likes, comments, and shares.

The bottom line? Hashtags are your ticket to reaching the right audience—if you use them correctly.

The Dos of Using Hashtags on Instagram

Let’s start with what you should do to make hashtags work for you:

1. Do Research Relevant Hashtags

Before slapping random hashtags onto your post, take time to research ones that are relevant to your content and audience.

How to Research Hashtags:

• Use Instagram’s search bar to find hashtags related to your niche.

• Check what hashtags your competitors or industry leaders are using.

• Use tools like Hashtagify or RiteTag to discover trending and niche-specific hashtags.

2. Do Use a Mix of Hashtags

To maximize your reach, include a mix of:

• Popular Hashtags: High-volume tags with wide reach (e.g., #Travel).

• Niche Hashtags: Specific tags that target a smaller, more engaged audience (e.g., #SoloTravelTips).

• Branded Hashtags: Unique hashtags tied to your brand or campaign (e.g., #StyledByYou).

Pro Tip:

Aim for 10-15 hashtags per post, focusing on quality over quantity.

3. Do Add Hashtags to Stories

Hashtags aren’t just for captions—use them in Stories, too! Add them with the hashtag sticker or hide them behind GIFs or text for a cleaner look.

Why It Works:

Stories with hashtags can appear in hashtag-based searches, giving your content extra visibility.

4. Do Keep It Relevant

Every hashtag you use should directly relate to the content in your post. Using unrelated hashtags might get you a few extra impressions, but it won’t bring meaningful engagement.

5. Do Test and Analyze

Pay attention to which hashtags drive the most engagement for your posts. Use Instagram Insights or tools like Sprout Social to monitor performance and refine your hashtag strategy over time.

Metrics to Track:

• Impressions from hashtags.

• Engagement rate on posts with specific hashtags.

The Don’ts of Using Hashtags on Instagram

Now, let’s talk about what NOT to do when using hashtags:

1. Don’t Overload Your Posts

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you need to use all of them. Overloading your post with hashtags can make it look spammy and overwhelming.

What to Do Instead:

Focus on 10-15 well-researched hashtags that are highly relevant to your post.

2. Don’t Use Banned Hashtags

Some hashtags are banned or flagged by Instagram due to misuse or inappropriate content. Using these can hurt your post’s visibility or even lead to shadowbanning.

How to Avoid Banned Hashtags:

• Search hashtags before using them to ensure they’re active.

• Check for warnings like “Posts with this hashtag are hidden.”

• Avoid vague or generic tags like #humpday or #beautyblogger, which are frequently flagged.

3. Don’t Copy and Paste the Same Hashtags

Using the same set of hashtags on every post can come across as inauthentic and may trigger Instagram’s spam filters.

What to Do Instead:

Create a few hashtag groups for different types of posts and rotate them. Tailor your hashtags to match the content of each post.

4. Don’t Use Only High-Volume Hashtags

While it’s tempting to go for hashtags with millions of posts, these are often oversaturated, and your content can get buried.

What to Do Instead:

Balance high-volume hashtags with niche ones that have fewer posts but more engaged audiences.

5. Don’t Ignore Your Audience’s Preferences

If your audience engages with certain hashtags, prioritize those over what’s trending. Trying to chase trends that don’t align with your audience can lead to lower engagement.

Best Practices for Effective Hashtag Use

To wrap things up, here are some bonus tips to maximize your hashtag game:

1. Create a Branded Hashtag

Develop a unique hashtag that represents your brand, campaign, or community. Encourage your followers to use it when they post about your products or services.

Example:

• #JustDoIt (Nike).

• #SpreadTheLove (Skincare brand).

2. Use Hashtags Strategically

Place hashtags in your caption for immediate visibility or in the first comment for a cleaner look. Both options work—choose what fits your brand aesthetic.

3. Stay Updated on Hashtag Trends

Hashtag popularity changes over time. Stay current by researching new tags monthly and phasing out ones that no longer perform well.

4. Don’t Forget to Engage

Hashtags are a two-way street. Explore the tags you use, comment on others’ posts, and join the conversation to make your profile more discoverable.

Final Thoughts: Master the Art of Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool, but they work best when used strategically. By avoiding common mistakes and focusing on relevant, well-researched tags, you can expand your reach, connect with your ideal audience, and boost engagement on Instagram.

Now it’s your turn! What’s your go-to hashtag strategy? Share your tips in the comments or tag us in your next post—we’d love to see how you’re leveling up your Instagram game!