With the Instagram algorithm changing constantly, the platform switching up its focus from pushing video hard to taking all three forms of posts into account equally, and the fact that now we’re supposed to use keywords in our captions, it’s hard to know what matters when it comes to using social media anymore.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has said that hashtags don’t impact reach in a meaningful way, but they do help the algorithm categorize your content within the platform.
Here’s what you need to know about Instagram hashtags.
How Instagram Hashtags Work
When you add hashtags to your feed posts and reels, it helps get your account and your content in front of your ideal audience – prospective clients. While they may not guarantee engagement, hashtags add context to your content and help the social media platform understand what you are posting about. In other words, it helps Instagram to categorize your content so it knows who to show it to.
The Best Way to Use Instagram Hashtags
Instagram lets you use up to 30 hashtags in your feed posts. You can use 10 hashtags per story on Instagram Stories. And while it may sound like a good idea to max those out, it doesn’t mean you should.
In fact, Mosseri has said that the recommended amount of hashtags per post is three to five hashtags. But then again, if you stick to the suggested three to five hashtags, that may keep people from discovering your content. Also, the platform wants you to use hyper-relevant hashtags for each post so you aren’t tagging #realtor when you’re talking about how adorable your dog is.
What we suggest is that you use as many hashtags as are relevant to what you post, but don’t use 30 just for the sake of using 30. Think of it as quality over quantity when it comes to your hashtag strategy.
What Kind of Instagram Hashtags You Should Use
The short answer to this question is that most accounts will be best served by using a mix of hashtags. The ones you use should be what people are searching for, as well as what you can rank for. You should also be using a variety of sizes when it comes to hashtag popularity.
If you search hashtags like #realtor, #house, or #home you will find several million posts. That will make it hard for your ideal clients to find your content. While that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, you should also include smaller hashtags that produce 1 million or less posts for popular terms, and 100,000 or less posts for local/regional terms.
Another tip we would offer to those who are new to Instagram, or if you have under 1,000 followers, is to use hashtags that have between 5,000 – 20,000 related posts so that you’re more likely to stand out.
Where You Put Hashtags
Instagram’s @creators account suggests adding hashtags directly in your caption to improve discoverability through search. This approach can help more people find your content. However, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance is also important – you don’t want to overwhelm your caption with hashtags.
To keep your captions tidy and avoid clutter, consider using line breaks or emojis after your caption text, then place your hashtags at the very end. This method not only enhances readability but also prevents users from accidentally clicking away from your post when clicking on a hashtag.
How to Research and Find the Right Hashtags
Think of your hashtags as SEO keywords for Instagram. You want to consider what people are searching for that will bring them to your content. As an exercise, make a list of these words and then enter them into the Instagram search bar. This will show you popular hashtags that you can use.
You can also look up the Instagram accounts of local businesses in your region and see what hashtags they are using. Think coffee shops, restaurants, even the local chamber of commerce. You can pick and choose from those accounts which hashtags to add to your list or what you may call your hashtag vault.
Between these two research methods, you should find several hashtags that you can pull out next time you post to Instagram!
Make sure you follow me @the.social.broker and @mariscallahan, where you’ll find more helpful social media tips for realtors.
Looking for More Instagram Hashtag Strategies?
Why Instagram hashtags matter for your brand in 2024 Instagram hashtags have the power to amplify your online presence.
Instagram Hashtags: Everything You Need to Know in 2024 With Instagram hashtag trends constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay updated on trending Instagram hashtags.
