How many hashtags are useful? This is a question that all Instagram users ask themselves sooner or later. There has never been a clear answer. Now Instagram itself, in an official post, has given helpful tips on how to use Instagram hashtags.
The guesswork around Instagram hashtags
It’s a question that’s probably as old as Instagram itself: How many hashtags should I use on my post? This is a question all users:inside of the image network ask themselves sooner or later.
Depending on your point of view and the person you’re talking to, there are of course different answers to this question. Some account operators swear by not using a single hashtag. Others, on the other hand, exhaust the 30 maximum available hashtags to the end.
How many hashtags make sense on Instagram?
There is now an official answer to this question: Instagram recommends using between three and five hashtags per post – no more and no less. This is exactly the tip the social network gave on its official Creators account in the fall of 2021.
Tips for the correct use of Instagram hashtags
But Instagram does not leave it at the one recommended action. Contrary to the usual secrecy, the social network gives its users and all content creators some helpful tips along the way.
For example, you should only use hashtags that match your post, your image and your topic. At the same time, you should check whether your fans already follow these Instagram hashtags and whether they use them themselves.
For the three to five hashtags, you should use a “mix of popular and niche hashtags” to improve your discoverability. Additionally, Instagram advises using specific hashtags so your fans can find your content more easily.
Ultimately, it’s about understanding the search intent of your fans and followers. So, target the hashtags to the keywords your subscribers would type into search to discover your content.
What should you avoid with Instagram hashtags?
This question is also answered by Instagram itself in the same post. However, the answers are logical and self-explanatory after the first tips.
For example, Instagram recommends that you don’t use hashtags that have nothing in common with your content. This includes generic hashtags like #Exporepage or #Follow4follow. It’s those generic and interchangeable hashtags that make it harder for your community to find your content.
Lastly, the network adds, “Don’t use too many hashtags – 10 or 20 extra hashtags won’t help you get more exposure.”
Why even 30 hashtags can be useful
After these official tips, which come first-hand from the Instagram team itself, many account owners and social media managers will feel vindicated. After all, Instagram itself says that few hashtags ultimately yield better results.
However, it’s important to note that there are different factors for evaluating Instagram hashtags. In the end, it’s all about the objective that you associate with a post.
For example, if you want to get as many likes and interactions as possible, studies and research have consistently confirmed for several years that between 20 and 30 hashtags are best for reach and interactions.
Ultimately, the study results can be linked to Instagram’s tips: So, if you’re using a lot of Instagram hashtags to maximize your reach, it’s important to make sure you’re using only appropriate hashtags. If there aren’t any more, don’t obsessively add to them.
