Instagram Hashtag Strategy — How to Choose the Right Hashtags

Why Hashtags Matter

Hashtags are Instagram's discovery mechanism. They help people find your content when they search for specific topics. The right hashtags can dramatically increase your reach.

How Many Hashtags to Use

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. Research suggests:

• Optimal range: 15-20 hashtags
• Quality matters more than quantity
• Mix different hashtag sizes
• Test different amounts for your account

Hashtag Size Categories

Large (1M+ posts)

• Very competitive
• Short-lived visibility
• Use 2-3 per post
• Examples: #instagood, #photooftheday

Medium (100K-1M posts)

• Moderate competition
• Better visibility window
• Use 5-8 per post
• More targeted audience

Small/Niche (10K-100K posts)

• Less competition
• Longer visibility
• Use 5-8 per post
• Highly targeted audience

Micro (under 10K posts)

• Very low competition
• Long-lasting visibility
• Use 2-3 per post
• Very specific audience

How to Research Hashtags

Instagram Search

• Search hashtags directly on Instagram
• Check the number of posts
• Look at related hashtag suggestions
• Browse top posts for each hashtag

Competitor Analysis

• Use StoriesFly to analyze competitor content
• Note which hashtags top accounts in your niche use
• Track which hashtags drive the most engagement

Hashtag Tools

• Instagram's built-in suggestions
• Hashtag research websites
• Competitor analysis via StoriesFly

Common Mistakes

• Using the same hashtags on every post
• Only using large, generic hashtags
• Using banned or restricted hashtags
• Not researching hashtag relevance
• Putting hashtags in wrong places

Best Practices

• Create 5-10 hashtag sets and rotate them
• Include your branded hashtag on every post
• Put hashtags in the first comment (cleaner look)
• Research new hashtags monthly
• Remove any hashtags that get restricted
• Match hashtags to your content topic