best hashtags for instagram posts

Best Hashtags for Instagram Posts

Finding the best hashtags for Instagram posts can mean the difference between getting lost in the feed and reaching your target audience

Not all hashtags are created equal. 

Some popular hashtags get millions of views, while niche hashtags connect you with specific communities. 

The trick is knowing how to mix them and use an Instagram hashtag strategy that works. 

Let’s explore how to choose the best Instagram hashtags for more engagement.

Best Instagram Hashtags for Different Types of Content

Not all Instagram hashtags work the same way. 

Some help you go viral, while others connect you with a specific target audience

The secret to better engagement is using a mix of popular and niche tags based on your content. 

Below are some of the best trending hashtags with the biggest search volume for different categories so you can add hashtags that work for your posts.

Fitness & Gym Hashtags 

If you’re posting workout clips, transformation photos, or health tips, these fitness related hashtags will help attract fitness lovers:

#FitnessMotivation
#GymLife
#WorkoutRoutine
#TrainHard
#NoPainNoGain
#StayFit
#ActiveLifestyle
#FitJourney
#PersonalTrainerTips
#SweatEveryDay

Travel Hashtags 

For travel bloggers, explorers, and adventure seekers, these trending hashtags help your posts land on the feeds of other wanderlust-filled users:

#Wanderlust
#TravelDiaries
#GlobeTrotter
#ExploreTheWorld
#BucketListAdventures
#RoamThePlanet
#TravelMore
#NatureLover
#JetSetterLife
#BackpackersLife

Food Hashtags

Foodies, chefs, and home cooks, these popular Instagram hashtags will make sure your delicious content gets the love it deserves:

#FoodieLife
#DeliciousEats
#HealthyMeals
#HomeCooking
#FoodLover
#ChefMode
#TastyBites
#FoodPicsDaily
#SatisfyYourCravings
#EatsOfInstagram

Fashion & Style Hashtags

Posting your OOTD, streetwear looks, or fashion tips? These hashtags help fashion content shine:

#FashionInspo
#OOTDStyle
#StreetStyleVibes
#StyleGoals
#WardrobeDiaries
#TrendSetter
#ChicAndClassy
#RunwayReady
#LuxuryLooks
#FashionForward

Photography Hashtags

Photographers looking to get featured or grow their audience should use these top Instagram hashtags:

#CaptureTheMoment
#PhotographyPassion
#VisualStorytelling
#ShutterMagic
#DreamyShots
#FrameItPerfect
#PhotoLover
#ClickAndShare
#GoldenHourGlow
#CandidMoments

Pets & Animals Hashtags

If your Instagram is filled with cute pet photos, these hashtags on Instagram can help your furry friend become a star:

#PetLover
#InstaPets
#CuteAnimalPics
#FluffyFriends
#PuppyLove
#KittenLife
#AnimalAdventures
#HappyPaws
#Petstagram
#RescueLove

Business & Entrepreneur Hashtags

If you’re an entrepreneur, startup owner, or brand, using the right hashtag Instagram strategy can help you reach potential clients:

#HustleMindset
#SuccessDriven
#EntrepreneurGoals
#BuildYourBrand
#MarketingTips
#NetworkingSuccess
#StartupJourney
#BusinessOwnerLife
#MillionaireMindset
#BossMoves

Motivation & Mindset Hashtags

For content creators sharing motivational posts, use these effective hashtags to inspire others:

#DailyMotivation
#GrindHard
#DreamChaser
#RiseAndShine
#MindsetMatters
#GoalCrusher
#StayInspired
#PowerOfPositivity
#ManifestSuccess
#BelieveAndAchieve

Instagram Reels Hashtags

Reels have their own unique algorithm, so use these Reels hashtags to get more reach and engagement:

#ReelItFeelIt
#ViralReels
#ShortFormContent
#ReelTrend
#CreativeReels
#ReelsDaily
#ExplorePageReady
#QuickEdits
#TrendingReels
#LoopWorthy

Art & Creative Hashtags

For artists, designers, and creative minds, these hashtags related to art can help showcase your work:

#CreativeFlow
#InstaArt
#SketchLife
#DigitalDesign
#HandmadeWithLove
#ArtisticVision
#ColorYourWorld
#MasterpieceInProgress
#ExpressYourself
#AbstractArt

How to Use Hashtags on Instagram

Using #’s on Instagram is one of the easiest ways to get engagement and reach more people. 

But just adding random #tag Instagram post won’t do much, you need a # strategy that actually works.

Here’s how to use them:

  1. Mix Popular and Niche hashtags  – Popular tags get you more reach, Niche hashtags get you a more engaged target audience.
  2. Put hashtags in Captions or Comments – You can add tags in your caption or post them in a comment to keep your caption clean.
  3. Don’t Overdo the hashtags – Adding too many hashtags makes your post look spammy. Use the right amount (more on that later!)
  4. Use Branded and Community Tags – Creating branded hashtags for your business helps build recognition, community hashtags connect you with like minded people.
  5. Update Your Hashtag List Regularly – The most used hashtags change over time, so refresh your list to include trending hashtags and relevant hashtags.

Benefits of Using Instagram Hashtags

Hashtags aren’t just for looks, they’re one of the best ways to grow your posts organically. 

Here’s why you should be using them:

  • More Exposure & Reach – Posts with Instagram hashtags show up in hashtag search results, so new users can find them.
  • More Engagement – The right mix of popular and niche tags will get you more likes, comments and shares.
  • Better Audience Targeting – Using relevant hashtags will attract the right followers, not random users who won’t engage.
  • Stronger Brand IdentityBranded hashtags allow businesses and influencers to build recognition and get user-generated content.
  • More visibility in Explore & Reels – Instagram’s algorithm loves posts that use a strong strategy, so you’ll get more visibility in Explore.
hashtags for instagram reels

How Many Hashtags Should You Use for Maximum Engagement?

People often wonder how many hashtags they should use for the best results. 

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using all of them isn’t always the best approach.

  • For Feed Posts: Studies show that using 9–15 hashtags is ideal for maximizing engagement without overwhelming your audience.
  • For Instagram Reels: Since Reels thrive on trending hashtags, using 3–7 high-performing Instagram hashtags works best.
  • For Stories: You can use up to 10 hashtags, but 1–3 well-chosen hashtags keep it clean and effective.

How to Find the Right Relevant Hashtags Without Guessing

Sick of guessing which hashtags on Instagram actually work? Here’s how to find the right hashtags for your posts:

  • Use an Instagram Hashtag Generator – A hashtag generator tool will find good hashtags based on keywords, trends and post performance.
  • Analyze Your Competitors – See what hashtags are working for accounts like yours and use related hashtags for more reach.
  • Check Instagram’s Search Bar – Type a keyword into Instagram’s search bar to see popular tags and post volume.
  • Test & Track Performance – Not all hashtags work the same. Rotate your hashtags, track engagement and refine your list based on results.

Branded Hashtags: The Secret to Standing Out

A hashtag isn’t just another tag, it’s your signature on posts

Whether you’re a business, influencer or content creator, having your own hashtag helps you stand out and create a sense of community.

Why Hashtags Matter:

  • Builds Brand Awareness – When people see your hashtag over and over they start to associate it with you.
  • Encourages User-Generated Content – A custom hashtag makes it easy for your audience to tag you in their posts, so you get free promotion.
  • Creates a Community – Using a community hashtag tied to your brand can bring like minded people together.

How to Build a Strong Hashtag:

  1. Keep it simple and memorable – Short, snappy hashtags like #NikeRunClub or #ShareACoke are easy to remember.
  2. Make it unique – Generic tags won’t work. Your hashtag should be something only you or your brand uses.
  3. Get your audience to use it – Promote it in your bio, stories and captions. The more people use it, the more impact it will have.

Instagram Reels Hashtags vs. Feed Hashtags: What’s Different?

Not all Instagram hashtags work the same way. 

Reels hashtags and feed post hashtags serve different purposes and follow different engagement patterns.

FeatureReels HashtagsFeed Post Hashtags
PurposeBoosts discoverability on Reels & Explore pagesIncreases reach on followers’ feeds & search
Hashtag StrategyUses trending hashtags for viral potentialMix of popular and niche for steady engagement
Best Hashtag Count3–7 Reels hashtags9–15 hashtags on Instagram
Type of ContentShort, engaging videos, trends, challengesImages, carousels, detailed captions
Best Tags to UseTrending Instagram hashtags, branded tags, quick engagement hashtagsBranded hashtags, location-based tags, evergreen hashtags

Which One Should You Focus On?

If you want fast engagement, Reels hashtags can help you go viral. For long-term reach and steady audience growth, feed post hashtags are the better option. 

No one likes a caption filled with too many hashtags.

But without hashtags on Instagram your post won’t reach the right audience. 

So how do you strike a balance?

1. Put Hashtags in the First Comment

Instead of stuffing all your hashtags into your caption, put them in a comment right after posting. This keeps your caption clean and still benefits from hashtag search.

Using only popular tags will make your post disappear in seconds due to too much competition. Mix in niche and community for a better, longer engagement.

3. Don’t Overdo the Hashtags

How many hashtags? The sweet spot is:

  • Feed posts: 9–15
  • Reels: 3–7
  • Stories: 1–3

4. Hide Hashtags in Instagram Stories

Want to use hashtags in Instagram stories without showing them? Shrink them down, put a sticker over them or change the color to blend in with the background.

Common Hashtag Mistakes That Hurt Your Reach

Using hashtags on Instagram is the best way to grow, unless you’re doing these. 

Here’s what to avoid:

  • Too Many Hashtags – 30 tags on a post looks spammy and can actually hurt engagement.
  • Only Popular Hashtags – Popular hashtags get you exposure but your post gets buried fast. Mix in relevant and niche tags for better results.
  • Same Hashtags in Every Post – Instagram’s algorithm may flag repetitive hashtags as spam.
  • Banned Hashtags – Some hashtags for fitness, hashtags for beauty and other industries are banned by Instagram. Check if a hashtag is restricted before using it.
  • Forgetting Branded Hashtags – If you’re a brand or business, not using a hashtag for your brand is a wasted opportunity to build community and awareness.

Conclusion

Finding the best hashtags for Instagram posts isn’t just about picking random trending words, it’s about strategy. 

The right mix of popular hashtags, niche and branded ones will get your content in front of the right target market

But real growth happens when people interact with your posts, that’s where Growthoid’s Buy Instagram Views service can help. 

A good strategy isn’t just about reach, it’s about building real relationships and making an impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hashtags Get the Most Likes on Instagram?

Hashtags that attract high engagement typically fall under popular hashtags that many users search for. 

While the most used hashtags can vary by niche, some of the most liked hashtags include:

  • #Love – One of the most used Instagram hashtags, perfect for general content.
  • #Instagood – Works well for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing posts.
  • #Photography – Ideal for creative and visually striking content.

What Are the Top 3 Instagram Hashtags?

The top Instagram hashtags constantly evolve, but the three most consistently high-performing ones are:

  1. #Love – Over a billion posts use this hashtag, making it the most popular on Instagram.
  2. #Instagood – A widely used tag for anything visually appealing or high-quality.
  3. #Fashion – A top hashtag in the fashion and lifestyle space, attracting millions of posts.

What Hashtags Get the Most Views on Instagram?

The most viewed hashtags are those frequently searched and followed by users. These include:

  • #ExplorePage – Helps increase chances of appearing on Instagram’s Explore section.
  • #Viral – Often used for trending content, challenges, and engaging videos.
  • #Reels – A go-to for maximizing views on short-form videos.
  • #TBT (Throwback Thursday) – A classic hashtag that still gets millions of views every week.

What Is the 3 Hashtag Rule?

The 3 Hashtag Rule suggests using only three hashtags per post to keep captions clean while still benefiting from hashtag exposure.

Instead of overloading a post with too many hashtags, this method focuses on:

  1. One trending hashtag – A high-traffic hashtag relevant to your post.
  2. One niche hashtag – A more specific hashtag that connects with your target audience.
  3. One branded hashtag – A unique hashtag tied to your personal brand or business.

Simona I.

Simona is a content writer who knows how to make words pop online. Drawing inspiration from her love of music, she crafts content that’s as catchy as a great song, helping websites grab attention and keep it. Simona has helped businesses find their unique voice online, and she’s always on the lookout for the next story to tell.

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