Number of hashtags on instagram

The optimal number of hashtags to use on Instagram can significantly impact your content’s reach and engagement, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. for Instagram posts, the maximum number of hashtags allowed is 30, while for Instagram Stories, it’s 10. However, simply maxing out the number isn’t always the best strategy for maximizing your reach. The “ideal number of hashtags on Instagram” has been a topic of much debate among social media marketers, with insights suggesting that a more strategic, less-is-more approach often yields better results. For instance, some studies indicate that using between 3 and 5 highly relevant, targeted hashtags can lead to higher engagement rates compared to stuffing posts with the maximum allowed. It’s about quality over quantity, focusing on hashtags that accurately describe your content and are actively searched by your target audience. You’ll want to experiment with different hashtag counts and combinations to see what resonates best with your specific audience and content type. Understanding how hashtags influence discoverability is crucial for any content creator looking to amplify their presence. To really dig into your growth marketing strategy and ensure you’re leveraging every opportunity, consider exploring powerful analytics and scheduling tools that can streamline your efforts and provide invaluable insights. For a comprehensive toolkit to help you master your Instagram growth, check out this 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool. It’s an excellent resource for optimizing your hashtag strategy and much more, helping you to unlock your content’s full potential.

Unpacking the Maximum Number of Hashtags on Instagram

Understanding the technical limits is the first step in crafting an effective hashtag strategy.

Instagram explicitly sets a cap on the number of hashtags you can use per post and story. This isn’t just an arbitrary number.

It’s designed to maintain a certain level of content quality and prevent spamming.

Maximum Number of Hashtags on Instagram Post

For standard feed posts, Instagram allows a maximum of 30 hashtags. This limit applies to both the post caption itself and the first comment. While some users opt to put hashtags in the first comment to keep their caption clean, it’s important to remember that these also count towards the 30-hashtag limit. There’s no functional difference in terms of discoverability whether they are in the caption or the first comment, as long as they are applied immediately after posting. According to Instagram’s own guidelines and numerous platform updates, hashtags are crucial for content categorization and reach. Data from platforms like Buffer and Sprout Social often highlight that posts using at least one hashtag see 12.6% more engagement than those without.

Maximum Number of Hashtags on Instagram Story

Instagram Stories, designed for ephemeral content, have a different, more restrictive limit. You can use a maximum of 10 hashtags per story. This limit makes sense given the visual-first, quick-consumption nature of Stories. Users are less likely to spend time parsing through a long list of hashtags on a Story. The key here is to use highly relevant, concise hashtags that directly relate to the visual content and message of your story. These can be typed out, or you can use the dedicated hashtag sticker, which is often preferred for its cleaner aesthetic.

Number of Hashtags Allowed on Instagram

In summary, the total number of hashtags allowed on Instagram is 30 for posts and 10 for stories.

Exceeding these limits will result in Instagram not publishing your caption or story, or simply ignoring the excess hashtags.

It’s always best to stay within these parameters to ensure your content is properly indexed and discoverable.

The Ideal Number of Hashtags on Instagram: Quality Over Quantity

While knowing the maximum is important, the “ideal number of hashtags on Instagram” is a far more nuanced discussion.

Simply stuffing 30 hashtags into every post isn’t a winning strategy. Most popular keywords instagram

In fact, it can sometimes be detrimental, making your content look spammy or desperate.

The real magic lies in selecting the right hashtags that connect you with your target audience.

Why Less Can Be More

Recent research and best practices suggest that for many accounts, a lower number of highly relevant, targeted hashtags can outperform a large, generic list. A study by TrackMaven found that Instagram posts with 9 hashtags performed best, but other analyses show different sweet spots. The consensus among many marketing experts is that 3 to 11 relevant hashtags often yield the best results for engagement and reach. This approach focuses on quality and relevance rather than sheer volume. Overusing hashtags can also lead to your content being flagged by Instagram’s algorithms as potentially spammy, which can limit your reach.

How to Find the Right Number of Hashtags to Use on Instagram

Finding your “ideal” number requires experimentation and analysis.

• Start with a moderate number: Begin with 5-10 hashtags that are a mix of broad, niche, and branded terms.
• Monitor your insights: Use Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools to track the reach and engagement generated by your hashtags. Look for posts that performed well and analyze their hashtag usage.
• Test different quantities: Experiment with varying numbers e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 across similar content types to identify what works best for your specific audience.
• Consider your niche: Highly niche accounts might benefit from fewer, extremely targeted hashtags, while broader content might leverage a slightly wider range.

Maximize Reach: The Strategic Use of Hashtags

Beyond just the number, the strategy behind your hashtag selection is paramount.

Using hashtags effectively means understanding your audience, your content, and the current trends on the platform.

Blending Broad, Niche, and Branded Hashtags

A balanced hashtag strategy often incorporates a mix of different types:

• Broad Hashtags: These are high-volume hashtags e.g., #travel, #food, #fashion. While they offer wide reach, competition is fierce, and your content might quickly get lost. Use them sparingly, and ensure they are highly relevant.
• Niche Hashtags: These are more specific and less competitive e.g., #halalcuisine, #islamicart, #modestfashion. They attract a more engaged and targeted audience. Aim for hashtags with 10k-500k posts.
• Branded Hashtags: Unique to your brand or campaign e.g., #MyBrandName, #SpringCollection2024. These help build community and make your content easily discoverable by loyal followers.
• Location-Based Hashtags: If your content is location-specific e.g., #MuslimsofNYC, #HalalFoodLondon, these can attract local audiences.

Leveraging Trending and Community Hashtags

Staying aware of trending hashtags can give your content a temporary boost in visibility, but always ensure relevance. Jumping on a trend just for the sake of it can backfire. Additionally, engaging with community-specific hashtags e.g., #MuslimEntrepreneurs, #IslamicReminders can help you connect with like-minded individuals and grow your audience authentically. Always ensure that the trends you participate in align with Islamic values and avoid any trends related to haram topics like podcast, immoral behavior, or non-halal celebrations.

Avoiding Banned or Spammy Hashtags

Instagram regularly bans or shadow-bans certain hashtags due to misuse or association with inappropriate content.

Using a banned hashtag can severely limit your post’s visibility or even lead to your account being shadow-banned. Most search hashtag on instagram

Tools like Brandwatch and Sprout Social frequently update lists of banned hashtags.

Always double-check before using a hashtag, especially if it seems too good to be true or generic.

Additionally, avoid repetitive use of the exact same set of 30 hashtags across all your posts, as this can be perceived as spam by Instagram’s algorithm.

Understanding Hashtag Performance and Analytics

Data-driven decisions are key to optimizing your hashtag strategy.

Instagram provides built-in tools, and various third-party platforms offer deeper insights into how your hashtags are performing.

Using Instagram Insights for Hashtag Performance

For business or creator accounts, Instagram Insights offers valuable data on how users discover your content.

Under “Post Insights,” you can see “Impressions from Hashtags.” This metric shows how many times your post was seen by users who discovered it through a hashtag.

• Identify top-performing hashtags: Look at which posts gained the most impressions from hashtags. Analyze the specific hashtags used in those posts.
• Track reach and engagement: Compare the overall reach and engagement rates of posts with different hashtag strategies.
• Adjust and refine: Use this data to continually refine your hashtag selection and quantity. For example, if you notice that posts with 7 specific niche hashtags consistently outperform those with 20 generic ones, adjust your strategy accordingly.

A/B Testing Hashtag Strategies

To truly understand what works for your audience, consider A/B testing different hashtag approaches.

• Test quantity: Post similar content with varying numbers of hashtags e.g., one post with 5, another with 15.
• Test type: Experiment with different mixes of broad vs. niche hashtags.
• Test placement: While not as impactful for reach, test if putting hashtags in the caption versus the first comment affects user experience or engagement metrics for your audience.
• Analyze results over time: Don’t make snap judgments. Gather data over several weeks or months to identify consistent trends.

The Role of Hashtag Research Tools

Several tools can assist in hashtag research and analysis:

• Hashtagify: Helps you find popular hashtags, related hashtags, and trending tags.
• Sprout Social/Buffer: These comprehensive social media management tools offer robust analytics, including hashtag performance tracking.
• Display Purposes: Generates relevant hashtags based on a single keyword, often providing a good mix of popularity.
• Manual Search: The most basic yet effective method is to use Instagram’s search bar. Type in a keyword, and Instagram will show you related hashtags along with the number of posts associated with them, helping you gauge their popularity.

How Hashtags Influence the Instagram Algorithm

Hashtags as Content Classifiers

Think of hashtags as labels that help Instagram understand what your content is about. When you use a hashtag like #HalalFood or #IslamicArt, you’re telling the algorithm: “This content belongs in this category.” This categorization is crucial for: Most popular hashtags for likes on instagram

• Targeted Distribution: Instagram wants to show users content they’re most likely to engage with. If a user frequently interacts with posts tagged #ModestFashion, using that hashtag helps Instagram connect your relevant content with that user.
• Explore Page Placement: The Explore page is a major discovery hub. Instagram uses hashtags among other signals to determine which content appears on a user’s personalized Explore page. Relevant, engaging content with well-chosen hashtags has a higher chance of landing here.
• Search Results: Users can directly search for hashtags. If your content uses the exact hashtags they’re looking for, it becomes discoverable.

The Impact of Engagement on Hashtag Performance

It’s not enough to just use hashtags.

The engagement your post receives on those hashtags also influences its visibility.

• Early Engagement: Posts that receive strong engagement likes, comments, saves, shares shortly after being posted are more likely to be pushed to a wider audience, including through the hashtags used. This is a signal to Instagram that your content is valuable.
• Hashtag Following: Users can follow specific hashtags. If your post appears in a hashtag feed that a user follows and they engage with it, it further signals to Instagram that your content is relevant to that hashtag.
• Relevance and Quality: Instagram prioritizes high-quality, relevant content. If your content doesn’t resonate with the audience discovering it via a hashtag, your future reach for that hashtag might be limited. Focus on creating valuable content that truly serves the hashtag community.

Ethical Considerations and Best Practices for Hashtags

As Muslim professionals, our approach to social media, including hashtag usage, should always align with Islamic principles of honesty, integrity, and benefit.

This means avoiding deceptive practices and ensuring our content is always wholesome and beneficial.

Avoiding Deceptive or Misleading Hashtags

It is haram to use hashtags that are misleading, deceptive, or entirely unrelated to your content for the sole purpose of gaining clicks or visibility. This falls under the category of deception ghish, which is strictly forbidden in Islam.

• Be Truthful: Only use hashtags that accurately describe your content. For example, don’t use #halalfood if your post is about a non-halal dish.
• Avoid Clickbait: Do not use trending or popular hashtags that have no genuine connection to your content simply to exploit their popularity. This is a form of digital ghish and harms trust.
• Focus on Value: The primary goal should be to provide value to your audience, not just to attract eyeballs through any means necessary.

Maintaining Modesty and Avoiding Haram Topics

When selecting hashtags, ensure they do not lead to or promote content that is haram in Islam. This includes:

• Podcast/Entertainment: Avoid hashtags related to podcast, movies, or entertainment that promote immoral behavior.
• Immodesty: Do not use hashtags that are associated with nudity, immodesty, or anything that promotes zina unlawful sexual relations.
• Alcohol/Gambling/Interest: Steer clear of any hashtags related to alcohol, gambling, riba interest, or any other forbidden financial practices.
• Polytheism/Blasphemy: Absolutely avoid hashtags that promote shirk polytheism, idol worship, or blasphemous content.
• Better Alternatives: Instead, focus on hashtags that promote beneficial knowledge, Islamic values, halal living, community building, and ethical consumption. For example, use #IslamicWisdom, #HalalLifestyle, #MuslimCommunity, #ModestyIsBeauty, #ProductivityMuslim, #EntrepreneurshipInIslam.

Building a Positive Online Presence

Our online presence should reflect our values and contribute positively to society. Hashtags are a tool to achieve this.

• Promote Good: Use hashtags to share beneficial knowledge, inspire good deeds, and spread positive messages.
• Community Engagement: Engage with hashtags that foster healthy, supportive, and beneficial online communities.
• Long-Term Impact: Focus on building a sustainable, ethical online presence rather than chasing fleeting trends or using shortcuts that compromise your values.

Future Trends and Algorithm Shifts Regarding Hashtags

Staying informed about potential algorithm shifts and emerging trends related to hashtags is crucial for sustained growth.

The Rise of Keyword Search on Instagram

Instagram is increasingly moving beyond just hashtags for content discovery, incorporating more direct keyword search capabilities. This means:

• Importance of Captions: Your captions are becoming more important for SEO on Instagram. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within your caption, not just in your hashtags.
• Broader Content Discovery: Users can now search for topics directly e.g., “halal food London” rather than just hashtags. This broadens the scope of discoverability for your content.
• Complementary Strategy: Hashtags will likely remain important for categorization and community building, but keyword optimization in captions will become a vital complementary strategy.

The Impact of AI and Machine Learning

Instagram’s algorithm, heavily driven by AI and machine learning, is getting smarter at understanding content context without solely relying on explicit hashtags. Measurements for instagram post

• Audio Transcription: For videos, AI can transcribe audio, further informing the algorithm about the content’s topic.
• Holistic Understanding: The algorithm aims for a more holistic understanding of your post based on visuals, audio, caption text, and hashtags, rather than just isolated signals. This means creating truly valuable and relevant content across all elements is paramount.

The Blurring Lines Between Hashtags and Keywords

The distinction between hashtags and keywords is becoming less defined.

While hashtags are still distinct clickable elements, the underlying algorithmic understanding of content is converging.

• Semantic Search: Instagram is moving towards semantic search, where it understands the meaning and intent behind a search query, rather than just matching exact keywords or hashtags.
• Content Quality Reigns: Ultimately, as the algorithms become more sophisticated, high-quality, relevant, and engaging content will always be prioritized, regardless of the exact number or type of hashtags used. The goal remains to serve the user with the most valuable and appropriate content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of hashtags on Instagram?

The maximum number of hashtags on an Instagram feed post is 30, and for an Instagram Story, it’s 10.

What is the ideal number of hashtags on an Instagram post?

The ideal number varies, but many experts suggest using between 3 and 11 highly relevant hashtags for optimal engagement and reach, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Can I put hashtags in the first comment on Instagram?

Yes, you can put hashtags in the first comment.

They still count towards the 30-hashtag limit for posts and are equally effective for discoverability as hashtags placed in the caption.

Do hashtags in Instagram Stories work the same way as feed posts?

Yes, hashtags in Instagram Stories help with discoverability, allowing your story to appear in the feeds of users who follow or search for those hashtags.

However, the limit is 10, and they are generally more concise.

What happens if I use more than 30 hashtags on an Instagram post?

If you try to use more than 30 hashtags on a post, Instagram will either not publish your caption, or it will simply ignore any hashtags beyond the 30-limit, rendering them ineffective.

Is it better to use a lot of hashtags or just a few relevant ones?

Generally, using a few highly relevant and targeted hashtags is more effective than using the maximum number of generic or unrelated ones. Quality and relevance are key. Most popular instagram tags for likes

How do I find the best hashtags for my Instagram content?

You can find the best hashtags by researching your niche, observing what successful competitors use, using Instagram’s search bar to see hashtag popularity, and utilizing third-party hashtag research tools.

Can using too many hashtags get me shadow-banned on Instagram?

While Instagram doesn’t explicitly state that too many hashtags lead to a shadow-ban, excessive and irrelevant hashtag stuffing can make your account appear spammy to the algorithm, potentially limiting your reach and visibility.

How often should I change my Instagram hashtags?

It’s beneficial to regularly rotate and refresh your hashtags. Avoid using the exact same set for every post.

Experiment with different combinations and incorporate new relevant, trending, or niche hashtags as appropriate.

Do hashtags affect my Instagram Explore page reach?

Yes, hashtags are a significant factor in how Instagram’s algorithm determines whether to show your content on a user’s Explore page.

Relevant, engaging content with well-chosen hashtags has a higher chance of being discovered there.

What are “banned hashtags” on Instagram?

Banned hashtags are terms that Instagram has restricted due to misuse, association with inappropriate content, or violation of community guidelines.

Using them can limit your post’s visibility or even lead to penalties for your account.

Should I use broad or niche hashtags?

A balanced strategy often includes a mix.

Broad hashtags offer wider reach but high competition, while niche hashtags attract a more targeted and engaged audience. Most popular hashtags 2021

Use a combination that suits your content and goals.

How can I track the performance of my Instagram hashtags?

You can track hashtag performance using Instagram Insights for business/creator accounts under “Impressions from Hashtags.” This shows how many times your content was discovered via hashtags.

Does the order of hashtags matter on Instagram?

No, the order of hashtags does not typically impact their effectiveness in terms of discoverability.

Instagram’s algorithm processes all hashtags equally regardless of their position in the caption or comment.

Are Instagram hashtag stickers on Stories better than typed hashtags?

Functionally, both typed hashtags and hashtag stickers on Stories work the same for discoverability.

The sticker is often preferred for its cleaner aesthetic and interactive element, which can improve user experience.

Can I use hashtags in my Instagram bio?

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

While they don’t directly boost your individual posts, they can direct visitors to a specific hashtag feed, useful for promoting branded hashtags or campaigns.

Do hashtags work for Instagram Reels?

Yes, hashtags are crucial for Instagram Reels discoverability.

They function similarly to feed posts, helping your Reels appear in hashtag searches and on the Reels tab for relevant content. The 30-hashtag limit applies. More followers hashtags

What’s the difference between a hashtag and a keyword on Instagram?

A hashtag is a clickable metadata tag e.g., #travel that categorizes content. A keyword is a term or phrase users search for. Instagram is increasingly using keywords in its search function, meaning captions also need to be optimized, not just hashtags.

How do I avoid spamming with hashtags?

To avoid spamming, focus on relevance, vary your hashtag sets, avoid using the maximum 30 hashtags on every post, and don’t use excessively generic or unrelated tags.

Prioritize quality content that genuinely serves the hashtag community.

Is it permissible to use any trending hashtag in Islam?

No, as Muslims, we should only use trending hashtags that align with Islamic values and do not promote anything haram forbidden, such as immoral behavior, podcast, alcohol, gambling, or anything misleading.

Always ensure the trend is wholesome and beneficial.