Mastering Instagram Hashtags: Your 2023 Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why are hashtags important on Instagram?
3. Confusion surrounding the number of hashtags to use
4. Instagram's recommendation of using three to five hashtags
5. Why using more hashtags can still be beneficial
6. Tips for creating an effective hashtag strategy
   • 6.1 Use relevant tags
   • 6.2 Get creative with relevant hashtags
   • 6.3 Utilize a hashtag finder
   • 6.4 Avoid using inappropriate tags
7. The importance of avoiding overused and irrelevant hashtags
8. The benefits of using both competitive and niche hashtags
9. The impact of Instagram's recent algorithm change on hashtag ranking
10. Customizing your group of tags for each piece of content
11. Conclusion

How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram?

In the confusing world of Instagram hashtags, it's hard to know exactly how many to use. Instagram's recommendation of using three to five hashtags confused many, while some people claim that hashtags are no longer effective. However, we're here to clear the confusion and provide you with the best strategy for using hashtags on Instagram.

Why are hashtags important on Instagram?

Before diving into the number of hashtags to use, let's understand why hashtags are crucial on Instagram. Using relevant hashtags helps in getting your content in front of the right people and boosts your chances of being discovered. Hashtags improve your content's visibility, reach, impressions, and follower growth. Despite the confusion, many users are still achieving impressive results by utilizing hashtags effectively.

Confusion surrounding the number of hashtags to use

The confusion around the number of hashtags to use arose when Instagram's official Creator's account recommended using three to five hashtags. This led to panic and confusion among users who were accustomed to using all 30 available hashtags. However, it's essential to understand the reasoning behind this recommendation.

Instagram's recommendation of using three to five hashtags

Instagram's recommendation of using three to five hashtags is primarily aimed at promoting the usage of relevant tags. By limiting the number of hashtags, it becomes more challenging to spam irrelevant tags. The intention is to ensure that users focus on using specific and targeted hashtags that accurately represent their content.

Why using more hashtags can still be beneficial

Contrary to Instagram's recommendation, using more hashtags can still be beneficial if done strategically. Based on our data and user experience, we consistently see that using more relevant hashtags results in higher reach, impressions, and follower growth. However, it's crucial to have a well-defined hashtag strategy to achieve these results consistently.

Tips for creating an effective hashtag strategy

To help you develop a successful hashtag strategy, here are three tips:

1. Use relevant tags

Relevance is the key when it comes to hashtags. Instagram uses AI to analyze the content, captions, and tags to determine relevance. To increase your chances of ranking on a hashtag, make sure all the tags you use are 100% relevant to each specific piece of content. This ensures that your content resonates with the intended audience and receives positive feedback.

2. Get creative with relevant hashtags

While relevance is crucial, you can still get creative with your hashtags. Look for tags based on location, brands, and other factors related to your content. Try to think like someone searching for content and use hashtags that accurately represent what they're looking for.

3. Utilize a hashtag finder

The task of finding the right hashtags can be time-consuming. Using a hashtag finder tool like Flick's hashtag research tool can significantly simplify the process. It allows you to discover custom-tailored hashtags specific to your account, enhancing your chances of success based on your account size and engagement. Try our free trial to experience the convenience and effectiveness of using the right tags.

4. Avoid using inappropriate tags

Using improper tags can not only make your content irrelevant but also have negative consequences. Some hashtags are banned or flagged, and using them may result in content penalties. Utilize a hashtag audit tool to ensure that the tags you select are not banned or flagged, safeguarding your account's reputation and performance.

By following these tips and customizing your group of tags for each piece of content, you can maximize the results from your hashtag strategy. Avoid using the same set of tags repeatedly, as relevance is specific to each individual post.

In conclusion, hashtags continue to play a vital role in Instagram's algorithm. Though Instagram recommends using three to five hashtags, our experience and data show that using more relevant tags can yield better results. The key is to consistently utilize a well-defined hashtag strategy that focuses on relevancy and creativity.