Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Val Razo
In 2024, Instagram continues to evolve with new features designed to help creators and businesses reach their target audience more effectively. One such feature is Instagram’s new topic tags, which complement traditional hashtags on Instagram to organize content and improve discoverability. These tools allow users to categorize their posts and Instagram Reels strategically, making it easier for audiences to find content aligned with their interests.
Using the right combination of hashtags and topic tags can significantly enhance your Instagram strategy. From niche hashtags to trending hashtags, knowing how to use hashtags on Instagram effectively ensures your posts appear on the Instagram Explore page, reaching new audiences and potential followers.
This guide explores how to use hashtags and topic tags to maximize your visibility. Whether you’re looking for popular hashtags, branded hashtags, or advice on how many hashtags to include, we’ll walk you through a proven Instagram hashtag strategy to build an effective Instagram hashtag approach. By optimizing your Instagram content, you’ll learn how to organize your posts, engage with new followers, and monitor the performance of your hashtags to refine your approach over time.
Understanding Instagram’s New Topic Tags and Their Role
Types of Instagram Hashtags and Topic Tags
Instagram’s topic tags and hashtags serve distinct but complementary purposes. While hashtags on Instagram have long been used to categorize content, topic tags offer a more structured approach by allowing users to label posts within predefined categories.
There are several types of Instagram hashtags to consider when building your Instagram hashtag strategy:
- Branded Hashtags – Unique to your business or campaign, these boost Instagram marketing efforts.
- Niche Hashtags – Target specific interests and audiences to increase visibility.
- Community Hashtags – Connect users with shared interests, ideal for engagement and networking.
- Trending Hashtags – Focus on popular hashtags to boost discoverability on the Instagram Explore page.
- Daily Hashtags – Tags like #MondayMotivation or #ThrowbackThursday align with daily trends.
Topic tags, on the other hand, simplify content organization by grouping posts and Instagram Reels under clear categories. While hashtags allow flexibility in labeling, topic tags help ensure posts appear in relevant searches without the need for excessive tagging.
When I introduced the branded hashtag #EcoFriendlyLiving for my sustainable lifestyle blog, I encouraged followers to share their eco-friendly practices using this tag. Over time, this initiative fostered a community of environmentally conscious individuals and increased user-generated content, enhancing engagement and expanding my reach.
How Topic Tags Enhance Instagram Strategy
Adding topic tags to posts and Instagram Reels improves content targeting. Unlike hashtags, which require manual research to find relevant hashtags, topic tags offer preset categories that simplify content placement.
This streamlined approach helps creators:
- Reach new audiences by appearing in organized collections.
- Attract new followers who are searching for specific topics.
- Improve the performance of hashtags by combining them with structured topic tags.
- Reduce reliance on many hashtags while maintaining discoverability.
Using both hashtags and topic tags ensures you’re covering broad and niche categories, maximizing the chances of appearing in searches. For example, pairing trending hashtags with related topic tags can expand your reach without overwhelming the post with 30 hashtags per post.
Building an Effective Instagram Hashtag Strategy in 2024
Trending Instagram Hashtags for Better Reach
Using trending hashtags is one of the fastest ways to boost visibility and reach new audiences on Instagram. These popular hashtags are often searched by users, helping posts gain traction quickly.
To find trending Instagram hashtags, you can:
- Explore the Instagram Search Bar – Type keywords related to your niche to find hashtags for your content.
- Check Competitor Posts – See which hashtags for Insta your competitors are using and how they’re performing.
- Use Instagram Hashtag Generators – Tools like hashtag generators can help identify hashtags that are relevant to your content.
- Monitor Social Media Trends – Stay updated with daily and seasonal hashtags that are gaining popularity.
While it’s tempting to rely solely on trending hashtags, balance is key. Use a mix of general and specific hashtags to ensure you’re targeting both new audiences and niche followers. Pairing branded hashtags with popular hashtags strengthens your brand presence while expanding reach.
Top Instagram Hashtags and How to Use Them
When building an effective Instagram hashtag strategy, selecting the best hashtags for Instagram is critical. Focus on using:
- Niche Hashtags – Target specific communities to create deeper engagement.
- Branded Hashtags – Create custom tags for campaigns and events to track performance.
- Community Hashtags – Engage with groups that align with your content themes.
- Trending Hashtags – Include 2–3 trending hashtags to improve discoverability.
- Specific Hashtags – Tailor tags to your content, like #TravelPhotography for travel posts.
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but adding too many can feel spammy. Instead:
- Use hashtags in the first comment for a cleaner post caption.
- Focus on hashtags that align with your post content to avoid mismatches.
- Test different sets of hashtags for every post to see what performs best.
- Monitor the performance of your hashtags to refine your approach.
By combining hashtags with topic tags, you can build a structured and effective Instagram hashtag strategy that boosts your content’s visibility and engagement.
How to Add Topic Tags to Instagram Posts and Reels
Instagram’s topic tags and hashtags provide a structured way to categorize and organize content, making it easier for users to find your posts and reels. Using them effectively can significantly boost your visibility on the Instagram Explore page, attract new audiences, and increase engagement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Hashtags on Instagram and Adding Topic Tags
- Create Your Instagram Post or Reel
- Start by uploading your Instagram post or reel and crafting a compelling caption that complements the visuals.
- Highlight key points or calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage interaction.
- Select Topic Tags
- After adding your media, tap the Add Topic option (available for Reels and posts).
- Choose predefined topic tags that are closely aligned with your content type, such as Food & Drinks, Fitness, or Travel.
- Add Hashtags in the Caption or Comments
- Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, so select a combination of popular hashtags, niche hashtags, and branded hashtags to target specific groups.
- If you want a cleaner caption, you can include hashtags in the comments instead. This approach keeps your post visually appealing while still optimizing for searchability.
- Use Hashtag Generators for Ideas
- Tools like AllHashtag and HashtagsForLikes can help you find relevant hashtags that match your niche and target audience.
- Look for trending hashtags that fit your content and combine them with specific hashtags for better results.
- Publish Your Post or Reel
- After finalizing the caption and hashtags, post your content and monitor its performance using Instagram Insights.
- Engage with comments and track how your hashtags and topic tags are influencing your reach.
Best Practices for Instagram Hashtag Strategy and Tag Placement
- Combine Different Types of Hashtags
- Use a mix of general hashtags like #Love and #InstaDaily along with specific hashtags such as #TravelTipsFor2024 or #FitnessJourney to target both broad and niche audiences.
- Include branded hashtags to build recognition for your business or campaign.
- Focus on Relevance Over Quantity
- While Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post, using too many unrelated tags can dilute your message. Stick to hashtags that are relevant to your content.
- Avoid using hashtags that have nothing to do with your post, as this can reduce engagement and harm your visibility.
- Place Hashtags Strategically
- Add hashtags in the first comment to maintain a clean and professional caption while optimizing for searches.
- Experiment with hashtags in your Instagram posts directly if you prefer immediate visibility.
- Rotate Hashtags Regularly
- Avoid using the same hashtags repeatedly in every post. Instead, rotate between sets of relevant hashtags to prevent being flagged as spam.
- Create lists of hashtags for every post and test combinations to see which perform best.
- Use Instagram Hashtag Generators
- Simplify the research process by leveraging tools that generate hashtags for your content based on trends and engagement data.
- Test keywords for different types of Instagram hashtags, including trending hashtags and community hashtags.
- Monitor Hashtag Performance
- Use social media management tools like Hootsuite or Later to analyze the performance of your hashtags and refine your strategy.
- Track metrics like impressions, saves, and follows to identify the best hashtags for Instagram in your niche.
Using hashtags on Instagram along with topic tags allows you to reach new audiences, improve visibility, and boost engagement for your posts and reels. With an effective Instagram hashtag strategy, you can transform your content into a discovery tool for potential followers and customers.
As a fitness coach, I began incorporating niche hashtags like #HIITWorkoutsForWomen and #PlantBasedAthlete into my posts. This strategy attracted a more targeted audience interested in specific fitness regimes, leading to an increase in follower engagement and client inquiries.
Tips for Finding the Best Hashtags for Instagram
Finding and using the best hashtags for Instagram is essential for maximizing the reach and visibility of your posts and reels. By following proven strategies and leveraging tools, you can identify hashtags that are relevant to your audience and create a compelling strategy on Instagram.
Instagram Hashtag Generators to Simplify Tag Research
Hashtag generators are valuable tools for identifying relevant hashtags that align with your content. These tools streamline the process of finding popular hashtags and provide insights into trending topics.
Popular Hashtag Generator Tools
- All Hashtag – Generates lists of trending Instagram hashtags based on keywords and categories.
- HashtagsForLikes – Offers hashtag suggestions optimized for engagement and audience targeting.
- Display Purposes – Focuses on hashtags for your content, filtering out spammy and irrelevant options.
- RiteTag – Suggests hashtags based on uploaded images or text descriptions, ideal for posts and reels.
- Inflact – Provides in-depth analysis of hashtag performance, making it easier to refine strategies.
How to Use Hashtag Generators Effectively
- Enter Keywords – Start with themes or topics related to your post, such as fitness tips, travel photography, or marketing strategies.
- Analyze Suggestions – Choose hashtags to use based on relevance, competition, and engagement rates.
- Mix Hashtags – Include a combination of general hashtags, specific hashtags, and niche hashtags to reach a balanced audience.
A study by Later found that using 20 hashtags per post received the highest average reach rate, while posts with 20+ hashtags had the lowest average engagement rates.
Benefits of Using Instagram Topic Tags and Hashtags
Incorporating Instagram topic tags and hashtags into your posts and reels can significantly boost visibility, enhance content organization, and attract new audiences. By leveraging an effective Instagram hashtag strategy, you can make your content more discoverable and engaging.
Build an Effective Instagram Hashtag Strategy for 2024
A well-planned Instagram hashtag strategy is crucial for maximizing reach and engagement. Here’s how to build an effective Instagram hashtag approach:
- Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
- Use trending hashtags to attract broader audiences and niche hashtags to target specific groups.
- For example, #TravelInspo may work for general travel content, while #SoloTravelTips appeals to solo travelers.
- Incorporate Branded Hashtags
- Create unique branded hashtags to establish your identity and encourage followers to share user-generated content.
- Examples include #NikeRunningClub or #MyFitnessJourney.
- Test Different Hashtag Combinations
- Use up to 30 hashtags per post, but experiment with hashtags in the first comment versus the caption to see what drives better results.
- Rotate different hashtags to avoid repetition and keep your strategy fresh.
- Utilize Instagram Hashtag Generators
- Tools like Display Purposes and RiteTag help you find the best hashtags based on trends and engagement rates.
- Analyze Performance Metrics
- Track the performance of your hashtags through Instagram Insights to measure reach, impressions, and engagement.
- Adjust your strategy based on high-performing tags.
Improving Reel Visibility with Trending Instagram Hashtags
Instagram reels dominate the platform, and pairing them with trending hashtags ensures they reach new audiences quickly. Follow these tips to enhance reel visibility:
- Find Relevant Hashtags
- Look for hashtags for your content using research tools or competitor analysis.
- Include hashtags to increase engagement, like #ViralReels and #ReelTrends2024.
- Focus on Popular and Niche Hashtags
- Combine popular hashtags for exposure and niche hashtags for targeting specific interests.
- Examples include #ExplorePageGoals (popular) and #VeganMealIdeas (niche).
- Leverage Daily and Community Hashtags
- Post reels with daily hashtags like #MondayMotivation or #SundayFunday to stay relevant.
- Use community hashtags to connect with audiences in specific groups, such as #WritersCommunity or #PetLoversUnite.
- Add Hashtags in the Caption or Comments
- Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but you can split them between captions and comments to keep your post clean.
- Test different placements to optimize engagement.
- Track Performance and Adjust
- Use social media management tools to analyze the reach of your hashtags for IG reels and refine your list over time.
By combining topic tags with effective Instagram hashtags, you can enhance content discoverability, boost engagement, and attract new followers. Whether you’re promoting a business, sharing personal stories, or building a brand, these strategies can help you make the most of your Instagram content.
Approximately 70% of Instagram hashtags are branded, indicating that businesses are increasingly creating their own hashtags to promote campaigns and encourage user-generated content.
Tracking Performance and Refining Your Instagram Strategy
Monitoring and analyzing the performance of your hashtags and topic tags is essential for refining your IG strategy. Effective tracking helps you understand which tags attract the most engagement, boost visibility, and reach new audiences. By using the right tools and insights, you can optimize your posts and reels to maximize results.
Analyzing Hashtag and Topic Tag Performance Metrics
Hashtags and topic tags are powerful tools, but their effectiveness depends on continuous evaluation. Here’s how to analyze their performance:
- Use Instagram Insights
- Navigate to the Insights tab on your Instagram account to review metrics for each post and reel.
- Check stats such as:
- Reach – Number of unique users who viewed your content.
- Impressions – Total views, including repeated visits.
- Engagement – Likes, shares, comments, and saves.
- Follows – New followers gained through specific posts.
- Track Hashtag Performance
- Look under Post Insights to see how many impressions came directly from hashtags in your Instagram posts.
- Identify the hashtags that are relevant and consistently drive traffic versus those that underperform.
- Evaluate Topic Tag Effectiveness
- Review content views under the Explore page and impressions gained through topic tags.
- Compare posts with and without topic tags to measure their impact.
- A/B Testing for Hashtags
- Use different sets of hashtags for every post and compare performance.
- Experiment with hashtags in the comments versus hashtags in the caption to determine which approach generates better results.
- Refine Strategy Based on Results
- Focus on hashtags to increase visibility and engagement while eliminating tags that show low performance.
- Update your list of hashtags regularly to include trending hashtags and new niche hashtags.
Social Media Management Tools for Optimizing Content
To simplify performance tracking and improve social media management, leverage specialized tools that provide insights into hashtag analytics and IG strategy optimization.
Top Tools for Instagram Analytics and Management
- Later
- Provides scheduling, performance tracking, and hashtag recommendations.
- Analyzes which hashtags for your posts generate the most engagement.
- Hootsuite
- Allows you to schedule posts, monitor performance, and track engagement in real time.
- Features tools to analyze Instagram hashtags and their impact on visibility.
- Sprout Social
- Offers detailed analytics on hashtags in your posts and audience behavior.
- Helps optimize posts and reels by identifying trends and top-performing tags.
- Iconosquare
- Focuses on Instagram content metrics, including performance for hashtags on Instagram and topic tags.
- Tracks the performance of your hashtags and generates visual reports.
- Tailwind
- Ideal for creating and scheduling content while offering insights into hashtags that align with your goals.
- Helps find relevant hashtags to increase reach and engagement.
Key Takeaways
Tracking the performance of your hashtags and topic tags ensures you can optimize your Instagram marketing efforts effectively. Using tools like Later, Hootsuite, and Sprout Social, you can measure success, identify trends, and refine your approach to stay competitive.
Regular analysis and testing are the keys to building an effective Instagram hashtag strategy that drives engagement and grows your Instagram account.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of Instagram topic tags and hashtags is essential for boosting visibility, improving organization, and reaching new audiences. By combining relevant hashtags with Instagram’s topic tags, you can effectively categorize your posts and reels, ensuring they appear in front of the right people.
Building an effective Instagram hashtag strategy involves selecting the best hashtags, analyzing performance metrics, and regularly refining your approach. Leveraging tools like hashtag generators and social media management platforms can streamline the process, helping you discover trending hashtags and monitor their impact.
Whether you’re a content creator, influencer, or business owner, taking the time to analyze and improve your Instagram strategy will lead to long-term growth. Use a mix of niche hashtags, branded hashtags, and community hashtags to connect with your audience, encourage engagement, and expand your reach.
With Instagram’s allowance of up to 30 hashtags per post and the introduction of topic tags, you have more opportunities than ever to optimize your content for the Instagram Explore page and attract new followers.
Start experimenting with hashtags on Instagram today, monitor the performance of your hashtags, and watch your engagement soar!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hashtags should you use on Instagram for the best results?
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using the maximum number isn’t always necessary. Studies suggest that 9–15 hashtags strike a balance between reach and engagement. Testing different combinations of popular hashtags, niche hashtags, and branded hashtags can help identify what works best for your content.
How can hashtags help increase engagement on Instagram?
Hashtags can help increase engagement by making your posts related to specific topics searchable. They categorize content, allowing users to discover your posts through the Instagram Explore page and search functions. Using relevant hashtags and trending hashtags ensures your content is visible to new audiences, which can boost likes, shares, and comments.
Should you also use branded hashtags along with popular hashtags?
Yes, combining branded hashtags with popular hashtags is highly recommended. Branded hashtags create a unique identity for your business or campaign, encouraging user-generated content and community engagement. Meanwhile, popular hashtags increase reach by tapping into trending topics. Using both helps you make the most of hashtags and build stronger brand awareness.
What are related hashtags, and how do you find them?
Related hashtags are those that complement your primary hashtags by targeting similar interests or topics. For example, if you use #FitnessMotivation, related tags might include #WorkoutTips or #HealthyLiving.
You can find related hashtags using tools like Instagram’s search bar, hashtag generators, or competitor analysis. Incorporating these tags expands your reach while keeping content focused.
What’s the difference between trending hashtags and niche hashtags?
- Trending hashtags – These are widely used tags that attract massive audiences, such as #MondayMotivation or #OOTD. They work well for quick exposure but can be competitive.
- Niche hashtags – These focus on smaller, specific audiences, like #VeganDesserts or #FitnessOver40. They may have lower search volumes but attract highly targeted users.
For optimal results, balance both types of tags in your strategy to reach broader and targeted audiences effectively.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
