To truly supercharge your social media growth and gain real followers, understanding and utilizing the right hashtags is absolutely critical. Think of hashtags as the digital breadcrumbs that lead new audiences directly to your content. To figure out what hashtags will get you followers, you need a blend of research, strategy, and continuous optimization. This isn’t just about throwing popular terms onto your post. it’s about connecting with niche communities, leveraging trending topics, and knowing what hashtags help you get followers in a meaningful way. For instance, on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, hashtags like #explorepage, #fyp for TikTok, and highly specific niche hashtags often outperform generic ones. What hashtag gives you more followers isn’t always the one with billions of uses. often, it’s the one that speaks directly to your target audience’s interests. There are excellent tools out there that can help you with this, and if you’re looking to streamline your social media scheduling and discover even more growth hacks, check out this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool which can be a must. This comprehensive guide will break down the exact strategies and specific hashtags that can get you followers, helping you master the art of discoverability and engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, ensuring you know what hashtags get the most followers for your specific content.

Table of Contents

Decoding Hashtag Strategy for Follower Growth

To truly understand what hashtags will get you followers, you need to go beyond just picking popular ones.

A smart hashtag strategy involves understanding your niche, your audience, and the platform’s algorithm.

It’s about combining broad reach with targeted precision to maximize discoverability.

Understanding Hashtag Categories

Effective hashtag use isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.

Different categories serve different purposes, helping you answer the question of “what hashtags get the most followers” more effectively.

Niche-Specific Hashtags: These are highly specialized tags that pinpoint your exact content and target audience. For example, if you’re a modest fashion blogger, #modestfashionista or #hijabstyle might be more effective than just #fashion. Data shows that posts using 5-10 niche-specific hashtags often see higher engagement rates up to 15-20% higher than those using only broad tags.
Community Hashtags: These tags connect you with specific online communities or movements. Think #bookstagram for book lovers, #muslimtravel for halal-friendly travel, or #halalrecipes for cooking enthusiasts. These foster a sense of belonging and can bring in highly loyal followers.
Branded Hashtags: If you have a business or personal brand, create a unique hashtag for it, like #YourBrandName or #YourProductLaunch. Encourage your audience to use it, turning them into advocates. Studies indicate that brands with a strong branded hashtag strategy can see their content reach expand by up to 30% through user-generated content.
Trending Hashtags: While tempting, use trending hashtags judiciously. Only use them if they are genuinely relevant to your content. Jumping on a trend just for visibility can backfire if your content doesn’t align, potentially leading to disinterest or even negative feedback.
Location-Based Hashtags: For local businesses or content creators targeting a specific geographical area, location-based hashtags e.g., #londonfoodie, #dubaievents are invaluable. They connect you with users searching for local content, leading to highly relevant follower acquisition. According to Hootsuite, posts with at least one location tag and relevant local hashtags receive 79% more engagement.

The Sweet Spot for Hashtag Quantity

The optimal number of hashtags varies by platform, but generally, quality trumps quantity.

Instagram: While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, research from Later.com suggests that 9-11 hashtags often yield the best results in terms of reach and engagement. Some creators find success with 15-20, but it’s crucial that each tag is highly relevant.
TikTok: TikTok’s algorithm favors highly relevant and specific hashtags. Typically, 3-5 highly targeted hashtags are sufficient. Overstuffing can dilute the impact. What hashtags will get you followers on TikTok often revolves around niche-specific or hyper-trending sounds and challenges.
LinkedIn/Twitter: On professional platforms, 1-3 highly relevant hashtags are typically enough to improve discoverability without appearing spammy.

Hashtags That Will Get You Followers on Instagram

Instagram remains a powerhouse for visual content, and its algorithm heavily relies on hashtags for content categorization and distribution.

To truly figure out what hashtags will get you followers on Instagram, you need a multi-tiered approach focusing on both popular and niche tags.

Leveraging Popular & Niche Hashtags

The key to Instagram growth is to combine broad reach with targeted appeal.

Broad Reach Hashtags Use Sparingly and Strategically: These are extremely popular tags that can expose your content to a vast audience, but they also come with immense competition. Examples include: Hashtags for likes copy
- #explorepage always a good one to aim for organic reach
- #instadaily
- #picoftheday
- #instagood
- #photooftheday
- #love
While these can give you initial impressions, the goal is for your content to be strong enough to convert those impressions into genuine engagement and ultimately, followers.
Medium-Volume Hashtags The Goldilocks Zone: These hashtags have a decent number of posts e.g., 50K – 500K and offer a balance between reach and discoverability. You’re more likely to rank for these. Examples vary wildly by niche but could include:
- #modestfashion if you’re in that niche
- #travelgram for travel content
- #healthyrecipes for food content
- #muslimpreneur for business content
Focusing on these can significantly increase your chances of being seen by relevant users looking for content like yours.
Niche-Specific & Hyper-Relevant Hashtags The Follower Magnets: These are the true gems for follower acquisition. They have lower competition and attract highly engaged users who are genuinely interested in your specific content. For a modest fashion creator, this could be:
- #modestoutfit
- #hijabfashioninspiration
- #muslimahstyle
- #abayastyle
For a halal food blogger:
- #halalfoodie
- #muslimcook
- #homemadehalal
- #iftarideas
These are the hashtags that help you get followers who are genuinely aligned with your content and more likely to stick around. A study by TrackMaven found that using 11 hashtags on Instagram results in the highest average engagement rate.

Instagram Hashtag Best Practices

Beyond just selecting the right tags, how you use them matters.

Hashtag Placement: You can place hashtags in your caption or in the first comment. Many creators prefer the first comment to keep the caption clean. Both methods work equally well for discoverability.
Mix Broad and Niche: A healthy strategy involves mixing different categories. For example, 1-2 broad, 3-5 medium, and 4-6 niche hashtags. This combination helps you reach a wider audience while also targeting specific segments.
Monitor Performance: Instagram’s analytics Insights can show you how many impressions you received from hashtags. Regularly review this data to see which hashtags are performing best for you. This iterative process is crucial for knowing what hashtags will get you followers.
Avoid Banned Hashtags: Instagram occasionally bans hashtags associated with inappropriate content. Using them can result in your content being hidden or even shadowbanned. Always do a quick search for a hashtag before using it to ensure it’s active and not banned.

Hashtags That Get You Followers on TikTok

TikTok’s algorithm is unique, prioritizing trending sounds, challenges, and highly specific content niches.

To understand what hashtags will get you followers on TikTok, you need to think about discoverability through the “For You Page” FYP.

Cracking the “For You Page” with Hashtags

The holy grail on TikTok is landing on the FYP, and strategic hashtag use is a major component. Hashtags for instagram increase followers

The Power of #fyp and #foryoupage: These are almost ubiquitous on TikTok, as users hope to signal to the algorithm that their content is FYP-worthy. While not a guarantee, they are widely used and often provide an initial boost.
Trending Sounds and Challenges: One of the most effective ways to gain followers on TikTok is by participating in trending challenges and using trending sounds. The hashtags associated with these trends e.g., #challenge, #trendingsoundname are often the most powerful for rapid growth. TikTok’s Creator Portal consistently highlights that participating in trending topics can increase reach by 50-70%.
Niche TikTok Hashtags: Just like Instagram, niche hashtags are vital. For example, if you’re a Muslim content creator, consider:
- #muslimtiktok
- #islamicreminder
- #halal
- #quran
- #deenoverdunya
For a modest fashion creator on TikTok:
- #modesttiktok
- #hijabfashion
- #abayagirl
These tags help the algorithm understand your content and push it to users who are already consuming similar content.
Contextual Hashtags: TikTok thrives on short, punchy content. Your hashtags should directly relate to the video’s theme. If your video is about a specific recipe, use #easyrecipe #halalrecipe #iftarideas. If it’s a comedic skit, use #comedytiktok #skit #funny.

TikTok Hashtag Strategy for Growth

Simplicity and relevance are key on TikTok.

Fewer, More Targeted Hashtags: TikTok generally performs best with 3-5 highly relevant hashtags. Overstuffing can make your caption look cluttered and may not provide additional benefit.
Placement in Caption: Unlike Instagram, TikTok hashtags are almost exclusively placed directly in the video caption.
Use Hashtag Analytics: TikTok’s analytics Creator Tools > Creator Analytics provide insights into how your videos are performing, including traffic sources. Pay attention to which hashtags are driving views and engagement.
Monitor Competitors: See what hashtags successful creators in your niche are using. This can give you valuable insights into what hashtags get the most followers within your specific content category.

What Hashtags Help You Get Followers: Research & Discovery

The question of “what hashtags will get you followers” isn’t a static answer. it requires ongoing research and adaptation.

Utilizing Hashtag Research Tools

Manual research is good, but tools can accelerate your process and uncover hidden gems.

In-Platform Search Bars: This is your first stop. On Instagram, when you type a hashtag into the search bar, it shows you related hashtags and the volume of posts for each. On TikTok, the “Discover” page highlights trending sounds and hashtags.
- Instagram Example: Search #modestfashion, and Instagram will suggest #modestoutfits 10M+ posts, #modestdress 5M+ posts, #modestwear 2M+ posts, giving you a range of volumes.
- TikTok Example: The “For You” page itself is a treasure trove. Pay attention to what hashtags are prominent on videos that pop up on your FYP, especially those from creators similar to you.
Third-Party Hashtag Generators/Analyzers: Tools like All Hashtag, Hashtagify, or even growth marketing platforms can suggest relevant hashtags based on a keyword. Many also offer insights into hashtag popularity and trending status. For instance, some tools can show you the “top 10 hashtags that get you followers” in your niche.
Competitor Analysis: Observe successful accounts in your niche. What hashtags are they consistently using? How do they structure their hashtag blocks? This isn’t about copying, but about learning and adapting successful strategies to your own content. A typical analysis might reveal that top creators frequently use a mix of 2-3 broad, 5-7 medium, and 3-5 hyper-niche hashtags.

Analyzing Hashtag Performance

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

Platform Insights: Both Instagram and TikTok provide built-in analytics for business/creator accounts. Look at:
- Impressions from Hashtags: This tells you how many times your post was seen because someone found it through a hashtag.
- Reach from Hashtags: This shows how many unique accounts saw your post via hashtags.
- Follower Growth: Correlate specific hashtag strategies with periods of follower growth. Did a new hashtag combination lead to a spike in new followers?
A/B Testing: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different sets of hashtags on similar content to see which combinations perform better. For example, for one post, use a set of 10 hashtags, and for a similar subsequent post, use a different set of 10. Over time, you’ll identify patterns.
Engagement Rate: Beyond just reach, observe how engaged the audience coming from specific hashtags is. Are they liking, commenting, and sharing? High engagement indicates that you’re attracting the right kind of followers. Content that receives an engagement rate of 3-6% is considered very good, while anything above 6% is excellent, and hashtags play a crucial role in attracting that engaged audience.

What Hashtag Gives You More Followers: Quality Over Quantity

The fundamental principle for sustainable follower growth is that one truly engaged follower is worth a hundred passive ones.

This means focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to hashtag selection.

Targeting Your Ideal Follower

Every hashtag you use should be a deliberate attempt to attract someone specific.

Define Your Niche: Before you even think about hashtags, get crystal clear on your content niche and your ideal audience. Are you a Muslim travel blogger? A halal food reviewer? A modest fashion designer? The more specific you are, the easier it is to identify what hashtag gives you more followers.
Audience Empathy: Think about what your ideal follower would search for. What problems do they have that your content solves? What interests do they pursue? Use keywords and phrases that resonate with them. For example, if your audience is looking for practical Islamic advice, #islamicwisdom or #musliminspiration would be more effective than just #islam.
Conversion Focus: The ultimate goal of a hashtag isn’t just a view. it’s a conversion to a follower. This happens when the person who discovers your content finds it so valuable or engaging that they want to see more. High-quality, relevant hashtags increase the likelihood of this conversion. According to a study by Rival IQ, Instagram accounts with fewer than 10k followers see an average engagement rate of 1.14%, while those with more than 100k see an average of 0.77%, indicating that niche, quality engagement is often easier to build in smaller, more targeted communities.

Avoiding “Spammy” Hashtags

Some hashtags can actually hurt your discoverability and attract the wrong kind of attention.

Irrelevant Popular Tags: Using a trending hashtag just because it’s popular, even if it has nothing to do with your content, is a common mistake. It can lead to your content being shown to disinterested users, which negatively impacts your engagement rate and signals to the algorithm that your content isn’t relevant for that tag. This dilutes the answer to “what hashtag gives you more followers.”
Engagement Pod Hashtags: Some groups encourage the use of specific hashtags e.g., #likeforlike, #followforfollow to artificially inflate likes and follows. While this might give you a temporary numerical boost, these followers are usually unengaged and can actually harm your long-term organic growth. Focus on genuine interaction.
Overly Generic Tags: While some broad tags are okay, relying heavily on tags like #love, #happy, #beautiful without further context offers little value for discoverability. Your content will quickly get lost in the noise.
Banned or Restricted Hashtags: As mentioned, avoid hashtags that have been flagged or banned by platforms. These can range from terms associated with violence to those promoting scams. Using them can lead to your content being suppressed or even your account facing penalties.

Integrating Hashtags into Your Content Strategy

Hashtags shouldn’t be an afterthought.

They should be an integral part of your overall content strategy.

Thinking about hashtags from the outset can significantly improve your discoverability and help you answer “what hashtags help you get followers.”

Content-First Hashtag Selection

Your content should dictate your hashtags, not the other way around.

Brainstorm Keywords Before Creating: When planning a piece of content, think about the keywords and phrases people might use to find it. If you’re creating a video about a specific Islamic teaching, consider terms like “Islamic knowledge,” “Muslim wisdom,” “deen.”
Align with Your Core Message: Every hashtag should reinforce your content’s core message. If your content is about healthy halal meal prep, then #mealprep, #halalmeals, #healthyeating, #muslimfitness are all relevant.
Utilize Long-Tail Hashtags: Just like in SEO, long-tail hashtags more specific phrases can be highly effective. Instead of just #travel, consider #halaltravel, #muslimtravelblogger, #familyfriendlytravel. These attract a more precise audience who are deeper into their search journey. Data from HubSpot shows that long-tail keywords and by extension, hashtags often convert at higher rates because they capture users with more specific intent.

Consistency and Adaptation

Social media success is rarely an overnight phenomenon.

Hashtags for followers and likes on instagram

It requires consistent effort and a willingness to adapt.

Regular Posting with Hashtags: Consistently posting high-quality content with well-researched hashtags is key. The more active you are, the more opportunities you create for discovery.
Review and Refine Your Hashtag Sets: Don’t just set it and forget it. Every few weeks or months, review your hashtag performance. Are certain hashtags consistently underperforming? Are new trends emerging in your niche? Adjust your hashtag sets accordingly.
Engage with Hashtag Communities: Don’t just use hashtags. engage with the content under them. Like, comment, and share posts from others using relevant hashtags. This increases your visibility within those communities and can lead to reciprocal follows. This active engagement helps you understand what hashtags get the most followers within those specific communities.

Optimizing Hashtags for Specific Niches

The true power of hashtags lies in their ability to connect you with very specific segments of the audience.

The answer to “what hashtags help you get followers” is heavily dependent on your niche.

Hashtags for Islamic & Modest Content

For content creators focused on Islamic themes, modesty, or halal lifestyles, specific hashtags are crucial for reaching the right audience.

Core Islamic Themes:
- #islamicreminders
- #muslimquotes
- #islamicpost
- #sunnah
- #muslimlife
- #islamicteachings
- #ummah
- #allah
- #prophetmuhammad
Modest Fashion & Lifestyle:
- #modestfashion
- #muslimahfashion
- #modestwear
- #hijabstyle
- #modestoutfits
- #muslimah
- #fashionmodesty
- #modestliving
Halal Food & Travel:
- #halalrestaurant
- #muslimtravel
- #halaltravel
- #iftar
- #suhoor
- #eid
- #halalrecipes
- #muslimchef
- #halaldining
These hashtags not only improve discoverability but also signal to the algorithm the exact nature of your content, leading to higher quality follower acquisition. Niche communities often exhibit higher engagement rates up to 2-3x higher compared to general audiences due to shared interests.

Hashtags for Business & Professional Growth

If your content is business-oriented, whether you’re a Muslim entrepreneur or a professional, specific hashtags can connect you with potential clients, collaborators, or industry peers.

Entrepreneurship & Business:
- #muslimpreneur
- #halalbusiness
- #startup
- #entrepreneurship
- #businessgrowth
- #smallbusiness
- #digitalmarketing
- #onlinebusiness
- #successmindset
- #businessstrategy
Personal Branding & Professional Development:
- #personalbranding
- #careergoals
- #leadership
- #professionaldevelopment
- #linkedinmarketing if applicable
- #mentorship
- #publicspeaking
- #skilldevelopment
Industry-Specific Hashtags: Dive deep into your specific industry. For example, if you’re in Islamic finance, #islamicfinance #halalbanking #sukuk might be relevant. If you’re an Islamic educator, #islamiceducation #quranstudies #hadith might be more appropriate. These tags are crucial for attracting what hashtags will get you followers who are interested in your professional niche. LinkedIn reports that posts with hashtags can receive twice as many views compared to those without.

Measuring Success and Adapting Your Strategy

The journey to consistently gain followers through hashtags is an ongoing process of measurement, analysis, and adaptation. You need to continuously assess “what hashtags get the most followers” for your specific content.

Key Metrics to Monitor

Beyond just the follower count, several metrics can give you a clearer picture of your hashtag performance.

Reach & Impressions from Hashtags: As mentioned, this is fundamental. Track how many unique accounts reach and total times impressions your content was seen specifically because of hashtags. This directly tells you if your chosen hashtags are broadening your discoverability.
Follower Growth Rate: While you want followers, focus on the rate of growth rather than just the raw number. A consistent, healthy growth rate e.g., 5-10% month over month for smaller accounts indicates that your overall strategy, including hashtags, is working.
Engagement Rate: This is arguably the most crucial metric. It measures the percentage of your audience that interacts with your content likes, comments, shares, saves. If your hashtags are bringing in highly engaged users, it means you’re attracting the right followers. A study by Social Bakers indicated that the average Instagram engagement rate across all industries is around 0.94%. Striving for above this is a good target.
Profile Visits: Some platforms will show you how many profile visits your content generated. If people are clicking through to your profile after seeing your content via a hashtag, it’s a strong indicator of interest and potential follower conversion.

Iteration and Continuous Improvement

Social media is dynamic. your strategy should be too.

Regular Audits: Schedule regular audits of your hashtag performance. Quarterly or bi-monthly is a good rhythm. Identify your top 5-10 performing hashtags and your bottom 5-10.
Experiment with New Hashtags: Don’t get stuck in a rut. Always be on the lookout for new relevant hashtags, especially emerging niche tags or those associated with new trends. Try incorporating 1-2 new hashtags into your sets with each audit cycle.
Adapt to Algorithm Changes: Stay informed about updates to platform algorithms. Sometimes a change in how content is ranked or distributed might necessitate a shift in your hashtag approach. For example, if a platform starts prioritizing video content heavily, you might need to focus more on hashtags that are popular within video communities.
Learn from Your Audience: Pay attention to the comments and direct messages you receive. What questions are people asking? What topics are they interested in? This qualitative data can inform your content creation and, by extension, your hashtag strategy, ensuring you’re always using hashtags that help you get followers who are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hashtags will get you followers?

To get followers, use a mix of highly relevant niche hashtags e.g., #modestfashion, #halalrecipes, medium-volume hashtags e.g., #instadaily, #travelgram, and occasionally, broad or trending hashtags that are genuinely relevant to your content e.g., #explorepage, #fyp. Hashtags best for instagram

What hashtags will get you followers on Instagram?

On Instagram, a good strategy involves using 9-11 highly relevant hashtags, combining broad reach e.g., #explorepage, #photooftheday with medium-volume e.g., #muslimahfashion, #islamicquotes and highly specific niche hashtags e.g., #hijabstyleinspiration, #halaldesserts.

What hashtags will get you followers on TikTok?

For TikTok, focus on 3-5 highly targeted hashtags, including #fyp or #foryoupage, along with niche-specific tags e.g., #muslimtiktok, #islamicreminder and those related to trending sounds or challenges you participate in e.g., #trendingsoundname, #challenge.

What hashtag gives you more followers?

The hashtag that gives you more followers is often a highly relevant, niche-specific hashtag that attracts an audience genuinely interested in your content, rather than a broad, generic one. For instance, #muslimpreneur might give you more engaged followers than just #business.

What hashtags help you get followers?

Hashtags that help you get followers are those that accurately describe your content, target your ideal audience, and are actively searched by users looking for content like yours.

This includes community, niche, and relevant trending hashtags.

What hashtags get the most followers?

The hashtags that get the most quality followers are usually not the ones with the highest overall usage, but rather those that are most specific to your content and audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion to followers.

Should I use popular hashtags to get followers?

Yes, but use them strategically and sparingly.

Popular hashtags can increase your initial reach, but they also come with high competition.

Combine them with niche hashtags to convert that reach into engaged followers.

How many hashtags should I use to get more followers?

On Instagram, 9-11 hashtags are often optimal, though some find success with up to 15-20. On TikTok, 3-5 highly targeted hashtags are generally sufficient. Hashtag search instagram free

Quality and relevance are more important than quantity.

Do hashtags really help in getting followers?

Yes, absolutely.

Hashtags are a primary discovery tool on social media platforms.

When used correctly, they categorize your content and expose it to new audiences who are actively searching for similar content, significantly aiding follower acquisition.

How do I find the best hashtags for my niche?

Start by using the in-platform search bars, analyze successful competitors, and utilize third-party hashtag research tools.

Always look for a mix of high, medium, and low-volume hashtags relevant to your specific niche.

Can using too many hashtags hurt my follower growth?

Yes, using too many irrelevant or spammy hashtags can make your content appear unprofessional, dilute its focus, and potentially lead to it being flagged by algorithms, thereby hurting your discoverability and follower growth.

What is a “shadowban” and how do hashtags relate to it?

A shadowban is when your content’s visibility is restricted without explicit notification.

Using banned or inappropriate hashtags can contribute to a shadowban, making it harder for new users to discover your content and hindering follower growth.

Should I use general hashtags like #love or #happy?

While these are popular, they are often too generic to attract targeted followers unless they are deeply relevant to your content and paired with more specific hashtags. Use them sparingly. Hashtag trending instagram today

How often should I change my hashtags?

You don’t need to change them daily, but regularly review and refine your hashtag sets e.g., monthly or quarterly. This allows you to adapt to new trends, algorithm changes, and what’s performing best for your account.

Do location-based hashtags help in getting followers?

Yes, especially for local businesses or content creators targeting a specific geographic area.

Location-based hashtags connect you with local audiences, leading to highly relevant and engaged followers.

What’s the difference between niche and broad hashtags?

Niche hashtags are highly specific e.g., #halalfoodie, #hijabtutorial and target a very specific audience. Broad hashtags are general e.g., #food, #fashion and reach a wider, but less targeted, audience.

Should I put hashtags in my Instagram caption or first comment?

Both methods are effective for discoverability on Instagram.

Many creators prefer putting them in the first comment to keep the caption clean and readable.

How can I track which hashtags are helping me get followers?

Use the built-in analytics Insights provided by Instagram and TikTok.

Look for metrics like “Impressions from Hashtags” and “Reach from Hashtags” to see how many people found your content through specific tags.

Can trending hashtags help me get followers?

Yes, if used correctly.

Trending hashtags can provide a significant boost in visibility, but only use them if they are genuinely relevant to your content. Irrelevant use can backfire. Hashtag lists

Is it better to use hashtags that are very popular or less popular?

A balanced approach is best.

Use a few very popular hashtags for broad reach, several medium-volume hashtags for balance, and a good number of less popular, highly niche hashtags to attract truly engaged and targeted followers.

Hashtags that can get you followers