Think about this, why do some Instagram posts go viral while others are barely noticed? Is it only because of the content difference or the person sharing it? Or is there much more to it? The secret to this lies in what people generally call “hashtags”. They are short phrases or little words that can take a post from being almost invisible to highly discoverable in just a few seconds.
Knowing how to use trending Instagram hashtags can help any creator, small business owner or influencer reach a wider audience. They can simply boost a content’s engagement rate. Let us understand the process of hashtags integration and how to find the best Instagram hashtags to grow your community ahead.
Understanding how Instagram hashtags work
Hashtags on various platforms act like search keywords. They categorize different types of content and make it discoverable to people who are interested in the topics covered. Every hashtag comes with its own feed. When you use a hashtag in a post, it becomes a part the used hashtag’s feed. This makes the content with hashtags visible to anyone searching for it or to those who are tracking content through it.
Consider hashtags as a bridge between a content piece and it’s target audience. For example, if a skincare influencer posts a product review and uses the hashtag #skincareproductreview, people looking for good skincare products will easily find it. Specifically, using popular hashtags of a niche can drive massive traffic to the post.
For example, some of the most viral Instagram hashtags in travel niche includes #traveladdict #travelingram and #travelblogger. Similarly, most popular Instagram hashtags for reels in beauty niche includes #beautytips, #beautysalon and #beautyblogger. Using these hashtags while uploading similar niche content can help in boosting engagement of the post.
Hashtags makes a content reach its right audience. Apart from that, many platforms have algorithms designed to boost posts with high quality hashtags and other similar integrations like alt texts, keywords and popular phrases etc.
Types of hashtags that every creator should know
1. Branded hashtags: Customised hashtags based on a brand name or page are called branded hashtags. For example, #stylebyweddingflairs, #boughtfromElegantEthnic and #drinkbyColdStamina etc. Realistically, Coca Cola’s #ShareACoke is a classic example of branded hashtags.
2. Community hashtags: These are hashtags used to bring like-minded people together. For example, if a reader wants to connect with other readers, he or she can simply search them by using community hashtags like #readersonInstagram, #bookreaders and #readingbooks.
3. Niche hashtags: Highly specific hashtags around a niche like #veganrecipes, #sustainablefashion and #techproductreview etc are called niche hashtags. They are perfect for targeted visibility and reach.
4. Trending hashtags: These are hashtags that are trending in real-time or in simpler terms, present scenario. They are widely used and highly popular. Adding these kind of boosts visibility and engagement of a post.
5. Content-specific hashtags: These hashtags directly describes a post. For example, #DiwaliReel or #OOTD, #GRWM, #travelvlog etc. They clarify about your post to not only your audience but the platform its being posted on as well.
6. Location-based hashtags: These hashtags are location names or location-based shops, stores and sites generally. They are perfect for local reach. For example, #AhmedabadBookShop or #celebrationinMumbai, #NYCfashion, #DehradunHills etc are all location-based hashtags.
How to find the right hashtags for growth?
1. Analyse your competitors: Look at the hashtags used by top accounts in your industry. Are they working greatly for them? Do they have high engagement and visibility? If you find those accounts growing rapidly, take note of the hashtags used. Add them in your future posts.
2. Research creators in your niche: Similar to analysing your competitors, research creators in your niche as well. Check if their posts have any hashtags included in them. Apply the same, if found.
3. Use platform’s search bar: Type a phrase or keyword on chosen platform’s search bar to check relevant hashtags. Along with the number of posts using those words, you’ll also gain engagement insights and data.
4. Make a mix of popular and niche hashtags: Balance reach and engagement of your posts by creating a mix of popular and niche-specific hashtags. Check out the most popular hashtags and add them with smaller, targeted ones before uploading your posts.
5. Explore hashtag tools: Try using hashtag tools like Flick, Hashtagify or Instagram’s own insights to find trending hashtags relevant to your content and niche. Explore and experiment with different hashtag tools.
6. Check engagement and save: Start tracking hashtags when you go through reels and posts. Check the engagement of those posts. If you find high visibility and response (such as likes, shares and comments), save them for future usage.
7. Experiment on reels: Many hashtags perform different on different content formats. The same hashtags that worked for an image post may not work for a reel. Therefore, try dedicated or already-used hashtags for reels to get featured on the explore page faster.
Common hashtags mistakes to avoid on Instagram
1. Stuffing several hashtags together: Including 20 random hashtags in a post doesn’t boost it but makes it look spammy instead. Stick to high-quality and relevant 10 to 12 hashtags for one post.
2. Copy-pasting the same hashtags every time: Often, Instagram algorithm avoids content with repetitive caption, especially hashtags. It indicates a bot-like perception for the algorithm. Keep tracking and applying new hashtags every day.
3. Using irrelevant hashtags: Avoid adding forced, irrelevant and misleading hashtags just to gain traction on a post. It only confuses your audience and decreases their trust.
4. Not considering analytics: Never ignore analytics by not checking which hashtags are working well while which ones aren’t. It only means missing out on opportunities that could’ve brought you engagement and visibility over time.
5. Not creating a branded hashtag: Missing out on this limits your brand identity and prevents your brand followers from tagging you in their posts. Therefore, always create a powerful branded hashtag to make your brand viral later.
Conclusion
Mastering hashtags is not just luck and random fate, it’s a strategy. When you understand the difference between trending, niche and viral platform-based hashtags, you can craft a plan that truly boosts your engagement. Combine creativity with smart research and you’ll notice how easy it is to grow Instagram followers organically and that too, for free in a short span of time. Therefore, the next time you upload a post, don’t just hit the “post” button but add the right hashtags before and watch your community grow.
