Hashtags for likes can make or break your Instagram interaction. You’ve probably seen it happen – someone posts a great photo with a lot of effort behind it, but it barely gets any likes. Meanwhile, a random, low-quality post gains hundreds.
She wasn’t happy. Meanwhile, another friend uploaded a blurry selfie and somehow racked up 300 likes. The difference? Hashtags.
If getting more interaction on Instagram posts feels impossible, the right hashtags can change that. They act like road signs, guiding people to your content.
But not all Instagram hashtags are created equal. Some bring real interaction, while others just attract bots or fake interactions. Let’s break down how to use popular hashtags effectively and get more real likes.
Table of Contents
Hashtags for Likes
When you add hashtags on Instagram, you’re giving your content a chance to be seen by more people. But you can’t just throw random tags and expect results. The right hashtag strategy helps you reach real users who are actually interested in your posts.
1. Use a Mix of Hashtags
If you only use the most popular Instagram hashtags, your post might get buried in seconds because millions of others are using them, too. Instead, combine:
- Trending hashtags (like #ThrowbackThursday, #OOTD)
- Niche hashtags that fit your content (#VeganRecipes, #TechStartups)
- Branded hashtags (if you have your own)
- Relevant hashtags that describe what’s in the post
This mix helps you reach a wider but more engaged audience.
2. Don’t Use Too Many Hashtags
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should use all of them. Studies show that posts with 9-11 hashtags get the most interaction. Too many hashtags can make your caption look spammy.
3. Keep an Eye on Banned Hashtags
Some hashtags are banned hashtags, meaning if you use them, your post won’t show up in searches. Instagram bans hashtags for being overused or associated with inappropriate content. Always check a hashtag search engine or do a quick hashtag research before adding them.
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How to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Content
Choosing the right hashtags isn’t about randomly picking the most popular ones and hoping for the best. It takes a bit of research, testing, and adjusting along the way.
The right mix of Instagram hashtags can push your content to a much wider audience. Here are a few effective ways to find the best hashtags for your posts.
1. Use an Instagram Hashtag Generator
Manually coming up with hashtags can be a guessing game. Instead of relying on trial and error, online tools help generate hashtag suggestions that match your content and audience.
Some useful tools to check out:
- All Hashtag – Generates hashtag lists based on your keyword.
- HashtagsForLikes – Offers real-time trending hashtags for better visibility.
- RiteTag – Analyze images and text to recommend hashtags.
- Display Purposes – Filters out banned or spammy hashtags and suggests quality ones.
A good Instagram hashtag generator saves time and helps find relevant hashtags without manually searching.
2. Research Competitors
Big accounts in your niche are already doing the research, so why not learn from them? Checking what hashtags influencers or top brands use gives insight into what works.
Look at the most engaging Instagram posts from similar accounts. Are they using popular Instagram hashtags, niche hashtags, or a mix of both? Take note of the ones that appear frequently and test them on your own posts.
For an even deeper approach, explore related hashtags that pop up alongside frequently used ones. Instagram’s search bar and post suggestions can show hashtags that are commonly used together.
3. Track Your Results
Using the same set of hashtags over and over doesn’t guarantee consistent results. Instagram’s algorithm changes, trends shift, and audience preferences evolve. The only way to know what’s working is by tracking performance.
Instagram’s built-in analytics (available for business accounts) show insights on reach, impressions, and engagement from hashtags.
If certain hashtags consistently bring in views and interactions, they should be part of your regular rotation. If some aren’t performing well, swapping them out for new ones might improve interaction.
Another way to measure success is by testing different hashtag strategies for different posts. Compare interaction on posts with trending hashtags, branded hashtags, and niche hashtags to see which mix works best. Over time, you’ll develop a stronger hashtag game that keeps your posts visible and engaging.
Trending Instagram Hashtags You Can Use
Mixing different types of hashtags increases the chances of getting likes and interaction. Below are some of the most effective Instagram hashtags across various categories.
General Hashtags for Likes
These are some of the most popular hashtags that people use daily for higher interaction.
- #Love
- #Instagood
- #Photooftheday
- #Happy
- #Fashion
- #Beautiful
- #TBT
- #Selfie
- #SunsetLover
- #NatureLover
- #WeekendVibes
- #Throwback
- #LifeIsGood
- #SummerVibes
- #Smiling
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Entertainment Hashtags
Posts related to pop culture, music, and movies do well with these entertainment hashtags.
- #Movies
- #NetflixAndChill
- #Memes
- #MusicLover
- #TVShows
- #PopCulture
- #StreamingNow
- #ViralVideo
- #BingeWatching
- #NewMusic
- #GamingCommunity
- #LiveConcert
- #CinemaTime
- #ComedyGold
- #TrendingNow
Best Wedding Hashtags
Wedding content gets more visibility with the right mix of relevant hashtags.
- #WeddingInspo
- #BrideToBe
- #Shesaidyes
- #JustMarried
- #HappilyEverAfter
- #DreamWedding
- #WeddingPhotography
- #WeddingPlanner
- #BridesmaidsGoals
- #TheKnot
- #TyingTheKnot
- #WeddingSeason
- #LoveAndMarriage
- #WeddingFlorals
- #Vows
Timely Hashtags
These timely hashtags trend on specific days and help increase interaction.
- #MondayMotivation
- #ThrowbackThursday
- #SelfieSunday
- #SundayFunday
- #TGIF
- #FridayFeeling
- #TransformationTuesday
- #WorkoutWednesday
- #TravelTuesday
- #FunFriday
- #SaturdayVibes
- #MidweekMotivation
- #FlashbackFriday
- #HappyHumpDay
- #LazySunday
Hashtags for Fitness and Health
Posts about workouts, nutrition, and health perform well with these best hashtags.
- #FitnessMotivation
- #NoPainNoGain
- #HealthyLiving
- #GymLife
- #FitFam
- #MindBodySoul
- #YogaEveryday
- #MealPrepGoals
- #StayActive
- #HomeWorkout
- #RunningCommunity
- #WeightLossJourney
- #FitnessAddict
- #SweatItOut
- #WellnessWarrior
Travel Hashtags
For adventure lovers and travel bloggers, these Instagram hashtags help attract more interaction.
- #Wanderlust
- #AdventureAwaits
- #TravelMore
- #RoadTrip
- #Globetrotter
- #BackpackingLife
- #ExploreTheWorld
- #VacationMode
- #BeachLife
- #SoloTravel
- #MountainsCalling
- #HiddenGems
- #TravelDiaries
- #PassportReady
- #JetSetGo
Food Hashtags
Food content always does well, especially when paired with pasting hashtags related to popular trends.
- #FoodLover
- #InstaFood
- #Foodie
- #Yummy
- #Tasty
- #HomeCooking
- #VeganEats
- #FoodPhotography
- #DessertFirst
- #CoffeeTime
- #BrunchGoals
- #HealthyEating
- #FoodiesOfInstagram
- #RecipeOfTheDay
- #StreetFood
Fashion and Style Hashtags
For influencers and brands, these top Instagram hashtags help fashion posts stand out.
- #OOTD
- #StreetStyle
- #Fashionista
- #StyleInspo
- #Trendsetter
- #LuxuryLife
- #MensFashion
- #StyleGoals
- #VintageVibes
- #BeautyAndStyle
- #WardrobeGoals
- #ChicLook
- #FallFashion
- #FashionBlogger
- #ShopTheLook
Tech and Innovation Hashtags
Technology-related posts perform better with these related hashtags.
- #TechNews
- #Innovation
- #GadgetLover
- #Startups
- #AIRevolution
- #SiliconValley
- #DigitalWorld
- #GamingSetup
- #CodingLife
- #BlockchainTech
- #SmartTech
- #VRExperience
- #TechEntrepreneur
- #WearableTech
- #Futuristic
Pet Hashtags
Animal lovers always engage with cute pet content. These best Instagram hashtags help attract attention.
- #DogsOfInstagram
- #CatLover
- #PuppyLove
- #FurryFriends
- #AdoptDontShop
- #Petstagram
- #AnimalLover
- #PetParent
- #CutestPets
- #PetFashion
- #PawsAndClaws
- #CuddleBuddies
- #RescueAnimals
- #DogLife
- #FluffyFriends
Mixing trending Instagram hashtags with more specific, relevant hashtags helps get your post in front of the right people.
Comparison: Popular vs. Niche Hashtags
Choosing between top Instagram hashtags and niche hashtags depends on your goals. Here’s a quick comparison:
Hashtag Type | Pros | Cons |
Popular Hashtags | High visibility | High competition, short-lived impact |
Niche Hashtags | Targeted audience, better engagement | Lower reach takes time to grow |
How to Use Trending Hashtags on Instagram Properly
Getting hashtags right isn’t just about adding a bunch of trending words to a post and hoping for the best. If used correctly, they help people discover your content and increase interaction.
But if done wrong, they can make your posts look cluttered, spammy, or even hidden from searches. Here’s how to make the most of trending hashtags on Instagram.
1. Place Hashtags Strategically
Where you put hashtags matters more than you think. Some users add them directly in the caption, while others prefer hiding them in the first comment. Both methods work, but each has its own advantage.
- Hashtags in the caption: This makes your post immediately searchable but can look a bit messy if too many are used.
- Hashtags in the first comment: A cleaner approach that keeps captions readable while still making the post discoverable.
2. Avoid Hashtag Spelling Mistakes
A simple typo in a hashtag can make it completely useless. Instagram won’t correct it, and if the tag doesn’t exist, it won’t lead anywhere. Before hitting “post,” take a second to check for errors.
There are free tools like Hashtagify that help fix hashtag spelling mistakes and suggest the best options for interaction. Double-checking guarantees every tag you use actually works.
3. Update Your Hashtags Over Time
Using the same set of hashtags for Instagram reels every post might feel like a safe strategy, but it doesn’t always work. Trends shift, and Instagram’s algorithm prefers fresh content. What helped a post go viral last month might not have the same impact today.
A good habit is to rotate hashtags based on recent engagement data. Tools like Hashtag research tools and Instagram’s built-in insights can help track which ones are still performing well. Keeping things updated guarantees posts remain relevant and discoverable.
What About Instagram Stories?
Hashtags aren’t just for feed posts. Adding them to Instagram Stories can push content to a much larger audience. When people search for a hashtag, they don’t just see regular posts – they also get a feed of Stories using the same tag.
Instead of filling a Story with a block of hashtags, try this trick: add 1-3 relevant hashtags and shrink them down so they don’t distract from the visuals.
You can even hide them under stickers or GIFs if you don’t want them to stand out. The goal is to reach new viewers without making the Story look cluttered.
By using hashtags properly in Stories, there’s a better chance of showing up in search results and getting discovered by people outside your current followers.
Conclusion
Hashtags for Instagram likes are a powerful tool, but they’re not magic. If your content isn’t good, hashtags won’t save it. Focus on quality, interact with your audience, and keep testing different hashtag strategies.
If you’re serious about growing, take the time to do proper hashtag research. The right Instagram hashtags can put your posts in front of thousands of new people.
So, next time you post, don’t just guess. Use the best hashtags for Instagram for likes and followers, track results, and watch your likes grow. Some people also buy Instagram likes to give their posts an extra push, but hashtags remain one of the best ways to get real interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hashtag gets the most likes?
There isn’t a single hashtag that guarantees the most likes, but some of the most popular hashtags consistently drive high interaction.
According to Instagram statistics, hashtags like #love, #instagood, and #fashion are among the most used on the platform. However, using only these won’t always bring the best results.
The key is combining high-volume Instagram hashtags with niche hashtags to attract a targeted audience.
What are 3 popular hashtags?
Three popular Instagram hashtags that consistently trend are:
- #love – One of the most-used hashtags on Instagram, often paired with lifestyle and relationship posts.
- #instagood – Used for anything considered high quality, from travel to food to selfies.
- #fashion – A go-to hashtag for style influencers, brands, and anyone sharing outfit inspiration.
Mixing these with relevant hashtags specific to your content improves interaction.
What are the top 10 hashtags?
The top Instagram hashtags change over time, but some remain strong due to their broad appeal. Here are ten that regularly rank at the top:
- #love
- #instagood
- #fashion
- #photooftheday
- #beautiful
- #happy
- #cute
- #tbt (Throwback Thursday)
- #followme
- #nature
For better hashtag usage, try mixing these with related hashtags that fit your niche. This helps target the right audience rather than just competing in overly crowded tags.
What hashtags go viral?
Viral hashtags usually follow trends, challenges, or major events. Some that have gone viral in the past include #IceBucketChallenge, #MeToo, and #10YearChallenge.
However, new ones emerge all the time. Using Instagram hashtags that are timely, like #NewMusicFriday or #BlackFridayDeals, increases your chances of getting noticed.
To improve your reach, keep an eye on trending topics and pair them with strong Instagram hashtags that are relevant to your post.