{"id":6161,"date":"2023-03-06T05:51:31","date_gmt":"2023-03-06T10:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplifiedblog.wpengine.com\/?p=6161"},"modified":"2026-01-02T06:20:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T11:20:26","slug":"instagram-hashtags-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplified.com\/blog\/ai-writing\/instagram-hashtags-strategy","title":{"rendered":"The Secret to Creating a #Winning Instagram Hashtag Strategy in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As one of the most popular social media platforms, Instagram has over 2 billion active monthly users. That\u2019s a LOT of people scrolling through their feeds every day \u2013 which means that businesses can easily reach new customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But with such a huge pool of users, how can you make sure that your content is seen by your target audience? The answer is simple: by using hashtags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hashtags are a great way to connect with like-minded people and attract new followers. But with over 500 million hashtags being used every day, it\u2019s important to use them strategically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll share our top tips for creating a winning Instagram hashtag<\/a> strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What are Hashtags?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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A hashtag is a combination of letters, numbers, and\/or emoji preceded by the # symbol (e.g. #TGIF). Hashtags in marketing are used to categorize content and make it more discoverable online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hashtags are also clickable. Anyone who clicks on an Instagram hashtag or conducts an Instagram hashtag search will see a page showing all the posts tagged with that hashtag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use hashtags to follow a particular conversation, search for specific content, or see what’s trending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: What Are Hashtags And Why Businesses Need Them<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Why is an Instagram Hashtag Strategy Important?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hashtags are the secret sauce to success on Instagram. Using hashtags on Instagram (in the right way) is the best way you can gain exposure, followers, and the attention of the more than 800 million active users currently on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great Instagram hashtag strategy doesn\u2019t just reach more people \u2014 it reaches the right people for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 According to Instagram, hashtags can be used to help categorize keyword searches. So, the better your hashtags (and your caption, bio, and content in general), the more searches you\u2019ll appear in as well.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Use Template<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Use Template<\/strong><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Think of Instagram hashtags as the Google keywords of Instagram. They require very little effort and zero cash investment, but they can lead people who are interested in your content right to you. That\u2019s why you need to be strategic about the hashtags that you use to help you reach your social media marketing goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, just as promised, here are 7 top tips for finding the best Instagram hashtags to reach your target market and grow your engagement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>1. Focus on SEO and Keywords FIRST<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SEO stands for search engine optimization and as we mentioned earlier, Instagram is starting to pivot to be more SEO and keyword-driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that in the future, you and your posts can be discovered via Google. Also, within the app, you can search using keywords instead of hashtags — just like how you search using keywords on Pinterest!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>2. Use Relevant Hashtags to the Theme of your Content<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be specific. The most important thing is to use hashtags that define what the post is about to target your desired audience. For example, if you share a photo with the caption sharing \u201c5 tips for the best Instagram hashtag strategy\u201d, avoid irrelevant hashtags like #coffee #instagramreels #youtuber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, use specific hashtags that will help your fans easily search for your content. You can even create your own unique hashtags. Here\u2019s an example of unique hashtags for blogging in the image below.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/span>3. Mix Well-Known and Niche Hashtags to Broaden your Discoverability<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Varying your hashtags makes it possible to reach a wider and more diverse audience. People who search #sailing are not necessarily the same people who search #sailboats, but if you\u2019re a sailboat rental company, it\u2019s a good idea to reach all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, if you want to attract a more specific audience, you can also include location-based hashtags. Using different hashtags in each post allows you to see which ones get you the most engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus: How To Calculate Your Instagram Engagement Rate For The Best Results<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>4. Figure out your magic number & test your Instagram hashtag strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many top brands use 1 to 3 hashtags per post, so it\u2019s easy to assume that\u2019s the magic number for everyone\u2026 right? Well no \u2013 this isn\u2019t always the case. In fact, some brands have been more successful with groups of hashtags in the low 20s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t one method that will work for everyone. The point is, you can\u2019t know how many hashtags work best for you until you test them. For some, it can take several months to find a number that works best. During the trial period, range your hashtags from seven to 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give yourself flexibility for trial and error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 You can add up to 30 hashtags per post but Instagram has stated that the ideal number of hashtags for each post should be between 3 and 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>5. Use Hashtags for Instagram in your Stories<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to your stories\u2019 hashtags, you want to use your own branded hashtag. Why? Because when someone taps on that hashtag, it will take them to all the post results for that hashtag. That way, they\u2019ll see more of your posts, rather than someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exceptions to this rule are if you\u2019re at a live event or running an Instagram contest with a limited timeframe. Using a narrower hashtag specifically for that event, venue, or contest works in your favor because people are only looking for it in that specific period.<\/p>\n\n\n

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If it\u2019s a typically branded hashtag for your business, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n