Instagram hashtags are still one of the most effective ways to get more eyes (and engagement!) on your Instagram posts.
But how many hashtags should you use? What are the different types of hashtags? Which ones are trending right now? Should they go in your caption or in the comments?
We’re answering all these questions, and more, in our ultimate guide to Instagram hashtags — including the best hashtag tool to optimize your posts.
FYI: Later Social’s Hashtag Tools are trusted by millions of social media managers, brands, and creators to find relevant hashtags, analyze their performance, and more.
What is a Hashtag?
According to Later’s Social Media Glossary, a hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the “#” symbol.
They are used to categorize and index content on social media, making it easier for people to find and follow conversations and posts related to that topic.
To add a hashtag to an Instagram post, you simply add a “#” symbol in front of a word or phrase (without spaces) in your post caption or the comments.
How Do Instagram Hashtags Work?
In a nutshell, Instagram hashtags are way to label and categorize your content. They then help Instagram serve your posts to relevant users.
In their most simple function, the hashtags you use fuel the search results on the Instagram Explore page:
But it doesn’t end there.
Hashtags are also used as a reference for Instagram’s algorithm, so it can categorize your content and suggest it to users it thinks will have a high interest.
Are Hashtags Still Relevant?
Yes, hashtags are still relevant and make a difference to your Instagram strategy.
Hashtags have always been the heart of much debate, especially following Instagram’s recommendation to only use between 3-5 hashtags (more on that later).
However, using relevant, targeted hashtags (and keywords) on posts and Reels is still one of the best ways to get discovered by new audiences on Instagram.
That’s why it’s important to have a clear and well-crafted hashtag strategy — without one, you could be missing out on opportunities to optimize your content, drive more engagement, and get followers.