Hashtags to get more likes and followers on instagram

To get more likes and followers on Instagram, leveraging the right hashtags is a fundamental strategy. Think of them as the powerful indexing system that connects your content with a wider, relevant audience beyond your current followers. It’s about making your posts discoverable, much like having a well-indexed library where people can easily find what they’re looking for. The key isn’t just using any hashtags, but understanding which ones resonate with your target audience and bring genuine engagement. For example, specific niche hashtags like #muslimahfashion or #halalfoodie connect you with communities eager for that content. General, high-volume tags such as #instadaily or #photooftheday might get you views, but often from a broader, less engaged audience. The real magic happens when you combine popular, mid-range, and niche hashtags effectively. This diverse approach helps you tap into different levels of search volume and competition, increasing your chances of visibility. Moreover, Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes engagement, so genuine likes and meaningful comments from relevant users are far more valuable than a flood of fleeting interactions. Discovering the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers involves a bit of research and continuous optimization. You can start by analyzing what hashtags similar successful accounts in your niche are using. Tools can also help you find what hashtags get most likes Instagram in your specific area. If you’re looking for a powerful ally in optimizing your social media growth, particularly with strategic hashtag use and content planning, you might find this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool incredibly beneficial. It’s designed to streamline your efforts and maximize your reach, ensuring you’re not just throwing darts in the dark but making calculated moves for genuine audience growth. Which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram isn’t a static answer. it evolves with trends and user behavior, making consistent analysis crucial for staying ahead.

Understanding the Instagram Hashtag Ecosystem

It’s not just about slapping on a few popular words.

It’s about a strategic approach that aligns with your content and audience.

Think of it as a meticulously organized library where every book your post needs the right classification hashtags to be found by the right reader.

The Different Types of Hashtags

To truly master the art of Instagram growth, you need to understand the various categories of hashtags and how they function.

This diversity allows you to build a comprehensive strategy that targets different audience segments and engagement levels.

• Community Hashtags: These are pivotal for connecting with specific niches and building a loyal following. They foster a sense of belonging and engagement around shared interests. For example, for a Muslim professional, #IslamicFinance or #HalalLiving would connect them with a relevant community. Using these effectively can significantly increase the likelihood of getting more likes and followers on Instagram from an engaged audience.
  • Examples: #bookstagram, #fitfam, #travelgram, #sustainableliving, #muslimahstyle.
• Branded Hashtags: These are unique to your brand or business. They help users find content related to you, track campaigns, and encourage user-generated content. If you’re building a personal brand as an ethical finance consultant, #YourNameConsulting or #EthicalWealthByYourName would be branded hashtags.
  • Examples: #Nike, #JustDoIt, #MyBrandAdventures, #ShopLocal.
• Niche-Specific Hashtags: These are highly relevant and specific to your content, often with lower search volumes but higher conversion rates due to their targeted nature. They are fantastic for attracting genuinely interested users. For instance, if you post about artisanal halal baked goods, #ArtisanHalalBreads or #HandmadeMuslimPastries would be far more effective than just #baking. These are often the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are truly interested in your specific offerings.
  • Examples: #veganbaking, #vintageteacups, #microgreensfarming, #zerowastelivingtips.
• Industry Hashtags: Broad terms related to your industry. While more competitive, they can expose your content to a wider professional audience.
  • Examples: #digitalmarketing, #graphicdesign, #realestate, #healthcare.
• Location-Based Hashtags: Crucial for local businesses or content creators targeting specific geographic areas. These help people discover your content when searching for local activities or services. For a local halal restaurant, #HalalEatsNYC or #MuslimFriendlyLondon would be essential.
  • Examples: #NYCfoodie, #LondonBridge, #MadeInCalifornia, #DubaiAdventures.
• Event Hashtags: Used for specific events, conferences, or challenges. They help gather all content related to that event in one place.
  • Examples: #SXSW2024, #OlympicsParis2024, #RamadanChallenge.
• Trending/Popular Hashtags: While tempting, these require caution. High-volume hashtags like #instadaily or #photooftheday can give you fleeting visibility, but your content might quickly get lost in the noise. The key is to use them strategically, perhaps alongside more niche tags.
  • Examples: #tbt, #MotivationMonday, #SundayFunday, #OOTD.

The Algorithm’s Role in Hashtag Visibility

Instagram’s algorithm is a complex beast, but understanding its basic mechanics related to hashtags is vital for maximizing your reach.

The algorithm prioritizes content that is relevant and engaging to individual users.

• Relevance: When you use relevant hashtags, the algorithm is better able to show your content to users who are already interested in that topic. For example, if you post about Islamic finance and use #IslamicBanking, Instagram understands your content’s subject matter and can deliver it to users who frequently interact with similar content. This is crucial for getting more followers on Instagram who truly care about your niche.
• Engagement: Posts that receive high engagement likes, comments, saves, shares shortly after being published are favored by the algorithm. Relevant hashtags bring in users who are more likely to engage, creating a positive feedback loop. If your chosen hashtags attract users who stay on your post, read your caption, and interact, Instagram signals that your content is valuable.
• Hashtag Page Feeds: Users can follow specific hashtags, and your content can appear in their hashtag feed even if they don’t follow you directly. This is a powerful discovery mechanism, especially for niche hashtags. If you consistently produce quality content under relevant hashtags, you will gain more followers on Instagram through this pathway.
• Explore Page: A well-optimized hashtag strategy increases your chances of appearing on the Explore page, a prime spot for new user discovery. Instagram curates content for the Explore page based on a user’s past interactions, and relevant hashtags help categorize your content for this purpose.

Researching and Selecting Effective Hashtags

Choosing the right hashtags isn’t guesswork.

It’s a methodical process that can significantly impact your growth on Instagram.

It requires a blend of competitive analysis, audience understanding, and strategic keyword application. Hashtags to grow on instagram

Competitor and Influencer Analysis

One of the quickest ways to identify what hashtags get most likes Instagram in your niche is to observe those who are already successful.

This isn’t about copying but understanding patterns and identifying opportunities.

• Identify Top Performers: Find accounts in your niche that have high engagement and a growing follower count. Look at their most successful posts, noting the hashtags they’ve used. Are there specific sets of hashtags they consistently apply? Do they use a mix of broad and niche terms?
• Analyze Hashtag Usage: Pay attention to the volume of likes and comments on posts using certain hashtags. Some tools allow you to track hashtag performance, giving you insights into which hashtags bring in the most engagement for your competitors. For instance, if a competitor in modest fashion consistently gets high engagement with #modestfashioninspo, it’s a strong signal.
• Discover Untapped Hashtags: While analyzing competitors, you might uncover niche or community-specific hashtags they are using that you hadn’t considered. These can be goldmines for connecting with a highly targeted audience. Often, these are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are genuinely seeking specific content.
• Tools for Analysis: Consider using third-party tools like Sprout Social, Later, or even Instagram’s own insights if you have a business account, to delve deeper into hashtag performance. They can show you not just what competitors are using, but also the engagement rates associated with those hashtags.

Utilizing Instagram’s Built-in Features

Instagram itself provides valuable insights and tools that can guide your hashtag selection process. Don’t underestimate these native features.

• Hashtag Search Bar: When you start typing a hashtag in the search bar, Instagram suggests related hashtags and shows you the number of posts associated with each. This gives you an immediate sense of popularity and competition.
  • Example: Searching for “HalalFood” might show “#HalalFoodie 2.3M posts”, “#HalalRestaurant 500K posts”, “#HalalCuisine 1.2M posts”. This helps you understand the volume.
• Related Hashtags: After searching for a hashtag, Instagram often displays a list of “Related” hashtags at the top of the results page. These are excellent for discovering variations and complementary terms that users might also be searching for.
• “Follow” Feature: Follow hashtags relevant to your niche. This allows you to see what content is performing well under those tags and discover new hashtags that are gaining traction. It’s an organic way to stay updated on trending terms.

Brainstorming and Keyword Strategy

Effective hashtag selection goes beyond just popular terms.

It involves a strategic brainstorming process to identify keywords that accurately describe your content and resonate with your target audience.

• Content-Specific Keywords: What specific topics, objects, or themes are in your post? If you’re sharing a recipe, think about ingredients, cooking methods, and dietary specifics e.g., #GlutenFreeHalalDessert.
• Audience-Specific Keywords: What terms would your ideal follower use to find content like yours? For a professional in Islamic finance, they might search #EthicalInvestments or #ShariaCompliantFinance.
• Industry Jargon and Acronyms: If applicable, incorporate terms common within your industry. This shows expertise and connects you with a professional audience.
• Long-Tail Hashtags: Just like in SEO, long-tail hashtags e.g., #BestHalalStreetFoodLondon are highly specific and often have lower competition, but attract a very engaged audience. They are excellent for driving targeted traffic and getting more likes and followers on Instagram who are genuinely interested in that specific niche.
• Mix it Up: Don’t stick to just one type. A robust hashtag strategy includes a mix of:
  • Broad Hashtags 100k-1M+ posts: High visibility, but high competition. Use sparingly. Examples: #islamicart, #muslimfashion.
  • Medium Hashtags 10k-100k posts: Good balance of visibility and reach. These are often the sweet spot. Examples: #modestfashionblogger, #halaltravelguide.
  • Niche/Specific Hashtags 1k-10k posts: Highly targeted, less competition, more engaged audience. These are what are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are truly aligned with your content. Examples: #prayerrugdesign, #calligraphylove.
  • Micro/Hyper-Niche Hashtags <1k posts: Extremely specific, very low competition, but can attract super-engaged users. Examples: #OttomanCalligraphy, #HandwovenPrayerMats.

The Art of Hashtag Implementation

Once you’ve done your research, the next step is putting your chosen hashtags into action effectively. It’s not just about what hashtags you use, but how and where you use them that makes a difference.

Optimal Number of Hashtags

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post and 10 per Story, quality always trumps quantity.

The optimal number can vary, but recent data and best practices suggest a strategic approach.

• The Sweet Spot: Many experts recommend using 5-15 highly relevant hashtags per post. Studies by Later and other platforms have shown that while using all 30 hashtags can sometimes increase reach, it can also look spammy and may not necessarily lead to more engaged followers. For instance, a 2023 analysis by Sprout Social found that posts with around 7-11 hashtags often performed optimally for engagement, depending on the niche.
• Relevance Over Volume: Focus on choosing hashtags that are genuinely relevant to your content. If a hashtag doesn’t accurately describe your post or audience, it’s better to omit it, even if it’s popular. Irrelevant hashtags can lead to lower engagement rates as users quickly scroll past, signaling to the algorithm that your content isn’t valuable for that search term.
• Testing and Iteration: The “optimal” number isn’t fixed. It can vary by industry, audience, and even the type of content you’re posting. It’s crucial to test different numbers e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 and analyze your Instagram Insights to see what works best for your specific account in terms of reach, engagement, and new followers. This empirical approach is key to understanding what hashtags get most likes Instagram for your content.

Where to Place Your Hashtags

The placement of your hashtags can impact both visibility and the aesthetic of your caption. You have a few main options:

• In the Caption:
  • Directly in the caption: This is the most straightforward method. It’s visible immediately to anyone viewing your post.
  • After your caption, separated by line breaks or emojis: This pushes the hashtags down, making your main caption more readable while still keeping the hashtags within the post’s text. This is a common practice to keep your caption clean.
  • Example:
    “Such a blessed day spent in reflection. So grateful for these moments.
    .
    #MuslimReflections #GratitudeJournal #IslamicSpirituality #PeaceWithin”
• In the First Comment: Many users prefer to put their hashtags in the first comment immediately after posting. This keeps the caption clean and focused on your message. Instagram’s algorithm still picks up hashtags placed in the first comment for discovery purposes.
  • Pros: Clean caption, less clutter.
  • Cons: You need to be quick to post it, and if another comment comes in first, it might get buried though it still functions for discovery.
• In Stories: Hashtags are also crucial for Instagram Stories.
  • Hashtag Sticker: Use the dedicated hashtag sticker. You can make it smaller or hide it behind another sticker if you don’t want it to be overtly visible.
  • Typed Hashtags: You can type hashtags directly into your Story text. You can also pinch and shrink them to be very small, or change their color to blend into the background, effectively hiding them while still making your Story discoverable. You can add up to 10 hashtags in a Story.

Hashtag Strategy: Mixing Types for Maximum Reach

The most effective hashtag strategy involves a blend of different types to maximize your reach and connect with various segments of your audience. High resolution images instagram

This diverse approach helps you tap into different levels of search volume and competition, increasing your chances of visibility and getting more likes and followers on Instagram.

• The Rule of Three Tiers: A common strategy is to use a mix of:
  1. High-Volume Hashtags 1-2 hashtags: Broad terms with 500K+ posts. These give you wide exposure but come with high competition. Use them sparingly and ensure they are highly relevant. e.g., #InstaDaily, #Travel
  2. Medium-Volume Hashtags 5-10 hashtags: More specific terms with 50K-500K posts. These are your workhorses, balancing reach with a good chance of being seen by interested users. e.g., #ModestFashionBlogger, #HalalFoodie
  3. Low-Volume/Niche Hashtags 3-5 hashtags: Highly specific terms with under 50K posts. These attract a super-engaged, targeted audience who are often searching for exactly what you offer. These are often what are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are genuinely seeking your specific content. e.g., #MoroccanZelligeTiles, #EthicalInvestmentStrategies
• Experiment and Adapt: No two accounts are identical. Continuously monitor your Instagram Insights to see which hashtags are driving the most reach, impressions, and engagement. If certain hashtags consistently underperform, swap them out. If others bring in significant traffic, consider using them more often. This iterative process is essential for continually optimizing your hashtag strategy and identifying which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram for your specific content.
• Rotate Hashtag Sets: Don’t use the exact same set of 10-15 hashtags for every single post. This can be flagged as spammy by Instagram’s algorithm and might also reduce your overall reach as you’re always targeting the same exact audience. Create 3-5 different sets of relevant hashtags and rotate them across your posts. This allows you to test different combinations and reach a wider spectrum of users.

Advanced Hashtag Techniques

Beyond the basics, several advanced techniques can further optimize your hashtag strategy, pushing your content to a wider, more engaged audience.

These tactics require a bit more nuance and experimentation but can yield significant results in getting more likes and followers on Instagram.

Leveraging User-Generated Content UGC

UGC is gold for social proof and community building.

Encouraging your audience to use specific hashtags can amplify your reach and build a stronger brand presence.

• Create Branded Hashtags: Develop unique hashtags for your brand or specific campaigns. Encourage your followers to use these when sharing their experiences with your product or service. For example, a modest clothing brand might use #MyModestStyle or #AbayaDiaries.
• Run Contests and Challenges: Host contests where users must post content using your branded hashtag. This not only generates content but also creates buzz and increases visibility. A halal food blogger could run a #MyHalalRecipeChallenge.
• Showcase UGC: Regularly share user-generated content on your feed and Stories, tagging the original creator and highlighting their use of your branded hashtag. This incentivizes more users to participate and builds a loyal community.
• Benefits: UGC is highly authentic, builds trust, extends your reach through your followers’ networks, and provides a continuous stream of content. It shows what are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are genuinely engaged and willing to share their experiences.

Following Hashtags and Trending Topics

Staying updated with what’s popular and relevant is key to tapping into broader conversations and increasing your discoverability.

• Follow Niche Hashtags: Actively follow hashtags relevant to your industry or content. This allows you to see what type of content is performing well under those tags, identify emerging trends, and discover new related hashtags that might be less saturated. It’s like having a pulse on your niche.
• Monitor Trending Topics: Keep an eye on global or local trending topics that might be relevant to your content. This could be through Google Trends, Twitter, or Instagram’s own Explore page. If a trend aligns with your values and content, incorporating a related hashtag can give your post a temporary boost in visibility. However, ensure the trend is genuinely relevant and respectful.
• Timeliness: Be swift in incorporating trending hashtags if they fit. The window for trending topics can be short, so acting quickly can maximize your exposure. This helps you understand which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram during specific popular periods.

Hashtag Analytics and A/B Testing

Data-driven decisions are always more effective.

Instagram’s native insights and third-party tools can provide invaluable data for optimizing your hashtag strategy.

• Instagram Insights: For business or creator accounts, Instagram provides insights on your posts, including the reach from hashtags.
  • Go to a specific post -> View Insights -> Scroll down to “Impressions” -> Check “From Hashtags.” This metric tells you how many people discovered your post specifically through hashtags.
  • Analyze: Which posts had high “From Hashtags” reach? What hashtags did you use on those posts? This helps you identify what hashtags get most likes Instagram for your specific content.
• Third-Party Analytics Tools: Tools like Later, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite offer more detailed hashtag analytics, including performance over time, top-performing hashtags, and competitive insights. These can help you dive deeper into which hashtags are driving the most engagement and reach.
• A/B Testing: This is a systematic approach to finding what works best.
  • Hypothesize: Formulate a hypothesis, e.g., “Using 10 niche-specific hashtags will yield better engagement than 5 broad hashtags.”
  • Create Variations: For similar posts, create two or more sets of hashtags Set A and Set B.
  • Test: Post identical content but alternate between Set A and Set B for consecutive posts.
  • Measure: After a set period e.g., 2 weeks, compare the “From Hashtags” reach and engagement metrics for posts using Set A versus Set B.
  • Conclude: Based on the data, determine which set performed better and integrate those learnings into your future strategy.
  • Iterate: A/B testing is an ongoing process. The Instagram algorithm changes, and audience behavior evolves, so continuous testing is crucial.

Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common hashtag traps that can hinder your Instagram growth rather than help it.

Avoiding these pitfalls is as important as implementing effective strategies. Hashtags to use on instagram for likes

Using Irrelevant or Banned Hashtags

This is arguably the most detrimental mistake you can make.

Misusing hashtags can lead to decreased visibility, shadowbanning, and a loss of credibility.

• Irrelevance: Using popular hashtags that have no genuine connection to your content is a quick way to annoy users and signal to the algorithm that your content isn’t relevant to that tag. For example, putting #football on a post about Islamic calligraphy makes no sense and will attract the wrong audience, leading to low engagement. This directly impacts your ability to get more likes and followers on Instagram.
• Banned Hashtags: Instagram actively bans or restricts certain hashtags, often due to their association with spam, inappropriate content, or policy violations. Using a banned hashtag can severely limit your post’s reach, making it invisible to even your own followers in some cases. It can also lead to your account being shadowbanned where your content doesn’t show up in hashtag searches.
  • How to check: Before using a hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If you see a message saying “Recent posts from # hashtag are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines,” avoid it. Regularly check your common hashtags as Instagram’s list of banned hashtags changes.
• Consequences: Using irrelevant or banned hashtags can result in:
  • Reduced Reach: Your content won’t be seen by the intended audience.
  • Lower Engagement: Irrelevant viewers will scroll past, decreasing your engagement rate.
  • Shadowbanning: Your posts may not appear in hashtag searches, effectively making your content invisible to new users.
  • Damage to Reputation: Your account may appear unprofessional or spammy.

Over-Reliance on Only Popular Hashtags

While tempting to use only what hashtags get most likes Instagram, this strategy is often counterproductive for smaller or growing accounts.

• High Competition: Popular hashtags e.g., #love, #fashion, #travel have millions of posts. Your content will be buried within seconds, making it extremely difficult to gain visibility. It’s like shouting into a stadium full of people – your voice will get lost.
• Generic Audience: These hashtags often attract a very broad audience, many of whom may not be genuinely interested in your specific niche. This leads to low-quality engagement e.g., bot likes, irrelevant comments that doesn’t convert into loyal followers.
• Lack of Niche Authority: Relying solely on popular tags prevents you from establishing authority and discoverability within your specific niche. To get more followers on Instagram who are genuinely interested, you need to be found by people looking for your specific content.
• Solution: As discussed, integrate a mix of high, medium, and low-volume hashtags. Prioritize medium and niche hashtags where you have a better chance of ranking and reaching a more engaged audience.

Not Refreshing Hashtag Sets

Sticking to the exact same set of hashtags for every single post is a common error that can lead to diminishing returns and potential algorithm flagging.

• Algorithm Detection: Instagram’s algorithm is sophisticated. If it detects that you’re using the same exact set of hashtags repeatedly, it might flag your account as spammy, which can limit your reach.
• Stagnant Audience Reach: Using the same hashtags means you’re always trying to reach the same audience segments. This limits your growth potential by not exposing your content to new, relevant users. To consistently gain more followers on Instagram, you need to expand your reach.
• Solution: Create 3-5 different sets of relevant hashtags each with a mix of broad, medium, and niche terms. Rotate these sets across your posts. This keeps your strategy fresh, helps you test different combinations, and broadens your reach over time. Regularly research new and emerging hashtags in your niche and integrate them into your rotation.

Niche-Specific Hashtag Strategies

The most effective hashtag strategies are rarely one-size-fits-all.

They are tailored to the specific niche, audience, and goals of an Instagram account.

Understanding these nuances is crucial for any Muslim professional looking to connect with their community and grow their presence on the platform.

For Muslim Professionals & Businesses

For professionals operating in fields like Islamic finance, halal marketing, modest fashion, or Islamic education, hashtags are essential for connecting with a relevant and engaged audience.

• Industry-Specific Hashtags: Use terms that resonate within your professional field.
  • Islamic Finance: #IslamicFinance, #ShariaCompliant, #HalalInvesting, #EthicalFinance, #Sukuk, #Zakat.
  • Halal Lifestyle: #HalalLiving, #MuslimLife, #FaithBasedLiving, #HalalCommunity.
  • Modest Fashion: #ModestFashion, #HijabFashion, #ModestyMovement, #MuslimahFashion, #AbayaStyle.
  • Islamic Education/Dawah: #IslamicKnowledge, #Dawah, #QuranicWisdom, #MuslimScholars, #SpiritualGrowth.
• Problem/Solution Hashtags: Think about the challenges your audience faces and how your services provide a solution.
  • #HalalDebtSolutions, #EthicalWealthBuilding, #SustainableMuslimLife.
• Audience-Centric Hashtags: Use terms your target audience might search for to find solutions or content.
  • #MuslimEntrepreneur, #MuslimahProfessional, #IslamicBusiness.
• Event & Conference Hashtags: If you attend or speak at events, use their official hashtags to connect with attendees and speakers.
  • #WorldHalalSummit, #GlobalIslamicEconomy.
• Example Blend for an Islamic Finance Consultant:
  • High: #Finance, #Investment
  • Medium: #IslamicFinance, #EthicalInvesting, #WealthManagement
  • Niche: #ShariaCompliant, #HalalInvestments, #MuslimFinanceTips, #FinancialPlanningForMuslims, #ZakatPlanning
  • Community: #MuslimsOfInstagram, #IslamicCommunity

For Content Creators Bloggers, Influencers

Content creators thrive on discovery and engagement.

Hashtags are their primary tool for attracting new followers and expanding their reach beyond their existing audience. Hashtags that can get you followers

• Niche + Content Type: Combine your niche with the type of content you create.
  • Travel Blogger: #HalalTravel, #MuslimTraveler, #FamilyTravelBlogger, #TravelPhotography.
  • Food Blogger: #HalalFoodie, #MuslimFoodBlog, #HomeCooking, #RecipeCreator, #FoodPhotography.
  • Lifestyle Influencer: #MuslimLifestyle, #DailyVlog, #AuthenticLiving, #WellnessJourney.
• “How-To” or Educational Hashtags: If your content offers tutorials or advice, use hashtags that reflect this.
  • #DIYProjects, #LearnWithMe, #TipsAndTricks, #GrowthHacks.
• Descriptive Hashtags: Be very specific about what’s in your photos or videos.
  • #AestheticVibes, #CandidPhotography, #BehindTheScenes, #PhotoEditingTips.
• Engagement-Focused Hashtags: While less common for direct discovery, some hashtags encourage interaction.
  • #QuestionOfTheDay if you ask a question in the caption, #CommentBelow.
• Example Blend for a Modest Lifestyle Blogger:
  • High: #Fashion, #Lifestyle
  • Medium: #ModestFashion, #HijabStyle, #MuslimahBlogger, #FashionInspo
  • Niche: #EverydayModesty, #ComfortableHijab, #SustainableModestWear, #IslamicFashionTips, #ModestChic
  • Community: #MuslimahCommunity, #WomenInIslam

For Community Builders & Dawah Accounts

Accounts focused on community building, sharing Islamic knowledge, or promoting positive values require hashtags that foster connection and intellectual engagement.

• Thematic Hashtags: Focus on core Islamic concepts, values, or practices.
  • #IslamicReminders, #QuranReflections, #HadithOfTheDay, #MuslimUnity, #FaithAndLife, #IslamicSpirituality.
• Action-Oriented Hashtags: If you encourage specific actions or discussions.
  • #DailyDhikr, #SalahReminders, #RamadanPreparation, #JummahMubarak.
• Historical/Cultural Hashtags: For content relating to Islamic history, art, or culture.
  • #IslamicHistory, #MuslimHeritage, #IslamicArt, #OttomanArchitecture.
• Question-Based Hashtags: To spark discussion or curiosity.
  • #AskAMuslim, #IslamQuestions use with caution to avoid misinformation, ensure you are answering thoughtfully.
• Broader Appeal Hashtags: To reach a wider audience interested in universal themes.
  • #GoodVibes, #PositiveMindset, #KindnessMatters, #SpiritualJourney.
• Example Blend for an Islamic Reminder Account:
  • High: #Spirituality, #Inspiration
  • Medium: #IslamicQuotes, #DailyReminder, #MuslimMotivation, #Faith
  • Niche: #QuranVerses, #HadithCollection, #PropheticWisdom, #IslamicTeachings, #HeartfeltIslam
  • Community: #MuslimCommunity, #Ummah

Measuring Hashtag Performance

The effort you put into researching and implementing hashtags won’t yield maximum results unless you consistently measure their performance.

This data-driven approach allows you to refine your strategy, discard ineffective tags, and double down on what truly works.

Utilizing Instagram Insights

Instagram’s built-in analytics provide a starting point for understanding how your hashtags are contributing to your reach.

• Accessing Post Insights: For every post you publish on a business or creator account, you can tap “View Insights” below the image.
• “From Hashtags” Metric: Scroll down to the “Impressions” section. Here, you’ll see a breakdown of where your post’s impressions came from, including “From Hashtags.” This number indicates how many times your post was seen by users who discovered it through a hashtag search or by following a hashtag.
• Interpretation: A consistently high “From Hashtags” number suggests your hashtag strategy is effective. If this number is low, it indicates your chosen hashtags aren’t bringing in new eyeballs effectively, and you need to revise your strategy.
• Story Insights: Similarly, for Instagram Stories, you can view insights to see how many people discovered your story through hashtags. This will help you understand if your Story hashtag placement sticker, hidden text is working.

Third-Party Analytics Tools

While Instagram Insights are useful, dedicated third-party tools offer more granular data and advanced features for hashtag analysis.

These tools can provide deeper insights into which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram for your content and help identify trends.

• Examples: Later, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Tailwind which you might recall from the intro, 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool, offers robust analytics features that can really streamline this process.
• Key Metrics: These tools can provide metrics such as:
  • Top-Performing Hashtags: Identify which specific hashtags are consistently driving the most reach and engagement for your account.
  • Hashtag Reach vs. Engagement: Analyze not just how many people saw your post via a hashtag, but also how many then liked, commented, or saved it. High reach with low engagement suggests your hashtags are bringing in the wrong audience.
  • Competitive Hashtag Analysis: See which hashtags your competitors are using successfully.
  • Hashtag Performance Over Time: Track the performance of specific hashtags or hashtag sets over days, weeks, or months to identify trends.
  • Saved Hashtag Sets: Many tools allow you to save and categorize different sets of hashtags, making it easy to rotate and test them.
• Actionable Insights: Use these tools to answer questions like:
  • “Which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram for my content?”
  • “Are my niche hashtags truly bringing in a targeted audience?”
  • “Should I swap out any of my current hashtags for new ones?”

Establishing Benchmarks and Iterating

Measuring performance is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing cycle of analysis and refinement.

• Set Baselines: Understand your average “From Hashtags” reach and engagement rate for your posts. This becomes your benchmark.
• Monitor Changes: After implementing new hashtag strategies e.g., rotating sets, using more niche tags, monitor if your performance metrics improve compared to your baseline.
• Identify Patterns: Do posts about a certain topic consistently perform better with specific hashtags? Do certain hashtag sets bring in more saves than others? Look for these patterns.
• Regular Review: Schedule regular reviews of your hashtag performance e.g., weekly or bi-weekly. This allows you to adapt quickly to changes in the algorithm or audience behavior.
• Be Patient and Persistent: It takes time to find the perfect hashtag strategy. Don’t get discouraged if results aren’t immediate. Continuous testing and iteration are key to long-term success in getting more likes and followers on Instagram. Your goal is to keep refining your approach to identify what are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are genuinely interested in your content.

The Future of Instagram Hashtags

While hashtags remain a fundamental tool for discovery, their role is subtly shifting.

Understanding these trends will help you future-proof your strategy and continue to get more likes and followers on Instagram. Hashtags for likes copy

AI and Semantic Search

Instagram’s algorithm is becoming increasingly sophisticated, moving beyond simple keyword matching to understand the meaning and context of your content. This shift towards semantic search is powered by advancements in Artificial Intelligence AI and machine learning.

• Beyond Exact Match: In the past, if you used #HalalFood, your post would primarily show up for that exact term. Now, Instagram’s AI can analyze your image, video, caption, and even user interactions to understand that your post is about, for example, “authentic Pakistani halal cuisine.” It can then show your post to users searching for #PakistaniFood or #SouthAsianCuisine, even if you didn’t explicitly use those tags.
• Content Understanding: AI allows Instagram to “see” and “understand” the objects, activities, and themes within your visual content. If your photo shows a person praying, even without a hashtag, the AI might categorize it as “Islamic prayer.”
• Implication for Hashtags: While AI enhances discovery, hashtags still serve as strong signals. They help Instagram quickly categorize your content and provide a direct link to user intent. The future will likely see hashtags working in conjunction with AI, making your content even more discoverable when you provide clear, relevant signals.
• Focus on Relevance: This means your focus should always be on highly relevant, descriptive hashtags, rather than simply popular ones. The more accurately you describe your content, the better the AI can interpret and distribute it. This reinforces the importance of using what are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers who are truly aligned with your content.

The Rise of Keyword Search on Instagram

Users are increasingly using the search bar not just for accounts and hashtags, but for direct keyword queries, much like Google.

• “All” Tab in Search: When you search for a term on Instagram, you now see an “All” tab in addition to “Accounts,” “Audio,” and “Tags.” This “All” tab shows content based on a broader understanding of your search query, pulling from captions, visual cues, and even comments.
• Impact on Hashtags: While hashtags are still vital, incorporating relevant keywords directly into your caption becomes equally important. If your post is about “ethical banking practices,” ensure those exact words are naturally woven into your caption, not just hidden in hashtags.
• Shift from Hashtag-Only Discovery: This shift means you can’t rely solely on hashtags. Your entire content strategy – from the visuals to the caption – needs to be optimized for discoverability.
• Preparation:
  • Descriptive Captions: Write captions that are clear, concise, and incorporate relevant keywords naturally.
  • Alt Text: Optimize your image alt text with keywords, as this helps Instagram’s AI understand your visuals.
  • Focus on Niche Authority: By consistently creating high-quality, keyword-rich content within your niche, you can establish your account as an authority, making it more likely to rank for specific searches.

Hashtags as Community Connectors

Beyond discovery, hashtags are increasingly serving as powerful tools for building and nurturing communities. This aspect will likely grow in importance.

• Niche Community Hubs: Hashtags like #MuslimahEntrepreneurs or #HalalFoodies have become virtual gathering places where individuals with shared interests connect, share, and support each other.
• Building Brand Loyalty: When users feel part of a community associated with your brand or content, they are more likely to be loyal followers and advocates.
• Facilitating Conversations: Hashtags can initiate and sustain conversations, allowing users to engage with your content and with each other. This authentic engagement is highly valued by Instagram’s algorithm.
• The Future Focus: The emphasis will continue to be on using hashtags that foster genuine connection and interaction, moving away from simply chasing vanity metrics. The goal isn’t just to get more likes and followers on Instagram, but to cultivate a thriving community around your message. Which hashtag gives more likes on Instagram will increasingly depend on its ability to create genuine engagement and community bonds.

Hashtags for Specific Content Types

The best hashtags aren’t just about your niche.

They also depend on the type of content you’re sharing.

Tailoring your hashtag strategy to photos, Reels, and Stories can significantly boost your visibility for each format.

Photos and Carousels

Traditional photos and carousels multiple images in one post still form the backbone of many Instagram feeds.

Hashtags here are crucial for initial discovery and long-term searchability.

• Specificity and Detail: Since photos are static, use hashtags that precisely describe what’s in the image. If it’s a specific dish, use #HalalLambTagine, not just #HalalFood. If it’s a prayer rug, use #IslamicPrayerRug or #HandwovenSajjada.
• Mix of Volumes: Apply the high, medium, and low-volume hashtag strategy.
  • High: Broad terms to get initial exposure e.g., #Photography, #Travel.
  • Niche: Highly descriptive and targeted e.g., #MoroccanArchitecture, #DesertVibes.
• Placement: You can place hashtags in the caption separated by dots or line breaks for cleanliness or in the first comment. Both work for discovery. For carousels, ensure the hashtags are relevant to all images or highlight the main theme.
• Example for a photo of an Islamic architectural detail:
  • #IslamicArchitecture #GeometricPatterns #MosqueDesign #MuslimArt #HistoricalSites #ArchitecturalDetail #SacredSpaces #IslamicHeritage #ArtOfIslam #PatternDesign #TraditionalArt #IslamicPattern #Zellige #AlHambra #Andalusia

Instagram Reels

Reels are short-form video content designed for high virality and reach, often appearing on the dedicated Reels tab and the Explore page.

Hashtags play a different but equally vital role here. Hashtags for instagram increase followers

• Trend-Focused Hashtags: If you’re leveraging a trending audio or challenge, use the specific hashtags associated with that trend. These often drive significant reach.
• Video-Specific Hashtags: Think about what people search for when looking for short videos.
  • #ReelsViral, #InstaReels, #ShortVideo, #DIYReel, #TutorialVideo.
• Content Type + Niche: Combine your niche with the video content type.
  • #HalalRecipeReels, #ModestFashionTips, #IslamicReminderShorts, #DawahReels.
• Placement: Place hashtags directly in the caption of your Reel. This is the primary spot for them to be picked up by the algorithm for Reels discovery.
• Example for a “Day in the Life of a Muslim Professional” Reel:
  • #MuslimProfessional #DailyRoutine #ProductivityHacks #WorkLifeBalance #IslamicLifestyle #ReelsDaily #Motivation #MuslimahLife #CareerTips #MyDay

Instagram Stories

Stories are ephemeral, 24-hour content, excellent for real-time updates and direct engagement. Hashtags here boost immediate discoverability.

• Hashtag Sticker: Use the dedicated “Hashtag” sticker. You can make it smaller and even hide it behind another sticker or GIF if you want to keep your Story clean. You can use up to 10 hashtags this way.
• Location Tag: Always add a location tag if relevant, as this is a powerful discovery tool for Stories, especially for local businesses.
• Community & Trending: Stories are great for jumping on trending topics or participating in community discussions. Use hashtags related to daily events, challenges, or current conversations.
  • #GoodMorning, #DailyVlog, #BehindTheScenes, #QuestionAndAnswer.
• Limited but Impactful: While you can use multiple, focus on 1-3 highly relevant and popular hashtags that might lead to immediate views.
• Why use them? Stories that use relevant hashtags can appear in the Story section of the hashtag page, exposing them to users actively browsing that tag.
• Example for a Story about a new halal cafe visit:
  • #HalalFoodie as a sticker, maybe hidden
  • #CafeVibes typed, small font
  • #LondonHalal location tag
  • #NewEats sticker

Engagement Beyond Hashtags

While hashtags are incredibly powerful for discovery, they are only one piece of the Instagram growth puzzle.

To truly get more likes and followers on Instagram, you need a holistic strategy that extends beyond just keyword tagging.

High-Quality Content is King

No matter how perfect your hashtags are, if your content isn’t compelling, users won’t stay, engage, or follow.

• Visual Appeal: Instagram is a visual platform. Ensure your photos and videos are high-resolution, well-lit, and aesthetically pleasing. Invest in good lighting, learn basic editing, and develop a consistent visual style.
• Authenticity and Relatability: People connect with realness. Share your genuine experiences, your journey, and your unique perspective. For Muslim professionals, this means sharing insights that resonate with Islamic values and the community’s aspirations.
• Value Proposition: What value are you offering? Are you educating, entertaining, inspiring, or solving a problem? Every piece of content should have a clear purpose. If you’re a halal finance expert, your content should clearly offer valuable insights into ethical investing or budgeting from an Islamic perspective.
• Variety of Formats: Don’t stick to just one format. Experiment with Reels, Carousels, Stories, and Guides to keep your content fresh and appeal to different user preferences.
• Consistency: Regularly posting high-quality content keeps your audience engaged and signals to the algorithm that you’re an active and valuable contributor to the platform.

Engaging with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street.

Active engagement is crucial for building a loyal community and signaling to Instagram that your account fosters interaction.

• Respond to Comments and DMs: Acknowledge and reply to every comment and direct message DM, especially when you’re starting. This shows you value your audience and encourages further interaction. Aim for thoughtful responses, not just emojis.
• Ask Questions: In your captions and Stories, actively ask questions to prompt engagement. “What are your thoughts on X?” or “Which style do you prefer?” encourages comments.
• Utilize Interactive Story Stickers: Polls, Q&A stickers, quizzes, and sliders in Stories are excellent tools for direct audience engagement. They are low-barrier ways for users to interact with you.
• Engage on Other Accounts: Don’t just wait for people to come to you. Actively seek out and engage with content from accounts in your niche, your target audience, and complementary businesses. Leave thoughtful comments, not just generic ones. This increases your visibility and attracts new followers.
• Go Live: Instagram Live allows for real-time interaction. Host Q&A sessions, discussions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Cross-Promotion and Collaboration

Expand your reach by leveraging other platforms and collaborating with other creators.

• Cross-Promote on Other Platforms: Share your Instagram content and profile link on your other social media channels e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, your website, or in your email newsletter. Make it easy for people to find and follow you on Instagram.
• Collaborate with Other Creators/Businesses: Partner with accounts in your niche that have a similar audience but aren’t direct competitors. This could involve:
  • Joint Lives: Hosting a live session together.
  • Collaborative Posts/Reels: Creating content together and tagging each other as collaborators which shares the post to both feeds.
  • Giveaways: Co-hosting a giveaway that requires users to follow both accounts.
  • Guest Posting/Features: Featuring each other’s content or expertise.
  • This exposes your content to a new, relevant audience and helps you get more likes and followers on Instagram from their existing fan base.
• Leverage Influencer Marketing Ethically: If applicable and aligned with your values, consider partnering with micro or nano-influencers in your niche who genuinely resonate with your brand. Ensure any partnerships are transparent and ethical.

By combining a smart hashtag strategy with compelling content, genuine engagement, and strategic promotion, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving and authentic presence on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hashtags to use on Instagram to get followers?

The best hashtags to use are a mix of broad, medium, and niche-specific tags directly relevant to your content and target audience. For instance, if you’re a halal food blogger, mix broad tags like #foodie with medium ones like #halalfoodie and niche ones like #authenticindianhalal. Always prioritize relevance over sheer popularity.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram for maximum likes and followers?

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, most experts recommend using between 5-15 highly relevant hashtags per post. Hashtag top trending

Quality and relevance are more important than quantity.

Experiment to see what number works best for your specific audience and content.

Do hashtags in the first comment work as well as in the caption?

Yes, Instagram’s algorithm processes hashtags placed in the first comment effectively for discovery purposes.

Many users prefer this method to keep their captions clean and focused on the message.

How do I find trending hashtags on Instagram?

You can find trending hashtags by observing the “Related” suggestions when you search for a hashtag on Instagram, exploring the “Explore” page, checking what popular accounts in your niche are using, and utilizing third-party analytics tools.

What’s the difference between broad, medium, and niche hashtags?

Broad hashtags e.g., #travel have millions of posts and high competition. Medium hashtags e.g., #travelphotography have tens to hundreds of thousands of posts, offering a balance of reach and competition. Niche hashtags e.g., #solofemaletraveler are highly specific, have fewer posts, and attract a very targeted, engaged audience.

Should I use the same hashtags for every post?

No, it’s generally recommended to rotate your hashtag sets.

Using the exact same hashtags repeatedly can be flagged as spam by the algorithm and limits your reach to the same audience every time. Create 3-5 different sets and rotate them.

Can using too many hashtags get me shadowbanned?

While there’s no official confirmation from Instagram, consistently using too many irrelevant or broken/banned hashtags, or displaying spammy behavior with hashtags, can negatively impact your reach and potentially lead to a shadowban where your content doesn’t appear in hashtag searches.

What are “banned” hashtags and how do I avoid them?

Banned hashtags are terms Instagram has restricted due to their association with inappropriate content or community guideline violations. To avoid them, search for a hashtag on Instagram. Hashtags for followers and likes on instagram

If you see a message about content being hidden due to community reports, avoid using it.

How can I measure the effectiveness of my hashtags?

Use Instagram Insights for business/creator accounts to check the “From Hashtags” metric under your post insights.

This shows how many impressions came directly from hashtags.

Third-party analytics tools can offer more detailed insights into specific hashtag performance.

Do hashtags work on Instagram Stories?

Yes, hashtags on Instagram Stories can increase their discoverability.

You can use the hashtag sticker or type them directly into the story text.

Stories with hashtags can appear in the Story section of the hashtag page.

Should I put hashtags on my Instagram Reels?

Yes, absolutely.

Hashtags are crucial for Reels discovery, especially as Reels often appear on the dedicated Reels tab and Explore page.

Place relevant hashtags directly in your Reel’s caption. Hashtags best for instagram

How can I make my hashtags more specific?

To make hashtags more specific, think about your niche, the exact content of your post, your target audience’s interests, and location. For example, instead of #food, use #HalalPakistaniCuisine or #OrganicHalalRecipes.

Is it better to use popular hashtags or niche ones?

A strategic blend is best.

Popular hashtags offer broad exposure but high competition, while niche hashtags offer targeted reach to a highly engaged audience with less competition. Combine them for optimal results.

Does engagement from hashtags matter more than just reach?

Yes, engagement is crucial.

A high “From Hashtags” reach with low engagement suggests your hashtags are bringing in the wrong audience.

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes genuine engagement likes, comments, saves, shares, which signals that your content is valuable.

How often should I update my hashtag strategy?

It’s a good practice to review and potentially update your hashtag strategy monthly or quarterly, and whenever you notice changes in your niche, content, or Instagram’s algorithm. Continuous testing and analysis are key.

Can I use hashtags to promote a specific campaign or event?

Yes, custom or branded hashtags are excellent for promoting campaigns or events.

They allow attendees/participants to share their content under a unified tag, increasing visibility and fostering a sense of community.

Are there tools to help me find the best hashtags?

Yes, many tools like Tailwind a powerful free growth marketing tool mentioned earlier at 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool, Later, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite offer hashtag research and analytics features to help you find and track effective hashtags.

Hashtag search instagram free

What should I do if my hashtags aren’t getting me any reach?

If your “From Hashtags” reach is low, re-evaluate your hashtag sets.

Are they relevant? Are they a good mix of volumes? Are you potentially using banned hashtags? Experiment with different sets, focus on niche tags, and ensure your content quality is high.

Can I use hashtags in my Instagram bio?

Yes, you can include clickable hashtags in your Instagram bio.

This is a great way to showcase branded hashtags or direct people to specific content themes you often post about.

How can I use hashtags to build a community?

Use community-specific hashtags e.g., #MuslimahEntrepreneurs, #HalalHomeDecor that resonate with your target audience. Encourage users to use your branded hashtags when sharing their content, and actively engage with posts under these tags to foster a sense of belonging.