Instagram hashtags became the cornerstones of social media marketing, which enabled users to widen their reach and increase engagement efficiently. But as algorithms changed, and new trends occurred, what is the best way of using Instagram hashtags in 2024? In the next complete guide, we shall explain everything you need to do to create an effective strategy using Instagram hashtags. This blog, from learning the fundamentals to advanced tools and best practices, sets you off to becoming an Instagram success.
Find out more about recent changes made to the functionality of hashtags by Instagram to be ahead of the curve.
What Are Instagram Hashtags?
Instagram hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol to categorize content and allow it to be discovered. Therefore, if you post something and use #TravelPhotography, you can get your post found in search results for that hashtag and attract other people who might be interested in travel content.
Hashtags are like that bridge connecting your content with your target audience. Whether a brand, influencer or just a casual user, hashtags help amplify your reach and ensure that your posts don’t get lost in the endless Instagram feed.
How to Use Hashtags on Instagram
More than slapping a few on a post, using hashtags effectively requires a bit more practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most of them:
- Find relevant hashtags. One might use hashtag generators or a search bar on Instagram to determine hot and niche hashtags.
- Popular hashtags, like #InstaGood, attract significant amounts of traffic. However, the less popular niche hashtags allow for pinpointing your target audience.
- Include Hashtags in Captions or Comments: If you have any hashtags in your caption, they are sure to show on your posts. Using comment space to place your hashtags cleans up your captions.
- Use Up to 30 Hashtags: Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post—use them wisely.
- Analyze Performance: Monitor which hashtags perform best using Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools.
5 Advantages of Hashtags on Instagram
Hashtags are so much more than just popular add-ons: they are effective growth tools. Here are five reasons how:
- Enhanced Reachability: Users who don’t follow you will now view your posts through the help of a hashtag.
- Higher Engagement Rates: posts containing hashtags experience more likes, comments, and shares in general.
- Hyper-targeted Reaches: By using niche hashtags, you are exposed to people with a real interest in your content.
- Increased Follower Acquisition: Hashtag use in a regular manner also helps to attract organic new followers.
- Better Campaign Tracking: Branded hashtags can easily track and measure the results of your campaigns.
You can also consider social media growth services from Reviews-Me experts for increased engagement.

Most Popular Instagram Hashtags for 2024
Keep updating on trending hashtags to reach their maximum potential. Here are some of the top-performing hashtags for 2024:
#Love
#InstaGood
#PhotoOfTheDay
#TravelGoals
#FitnessMotivation
#FoodLovers
#StyleInspo
#MindsetMatters
#DigitalMarketing
#EntrepreneurLife
Use them blended with niche-specific hashtags so that they are relevant.
Best Instagram Hashtag Generators
A good tool can simplify the process of searching for a hashtag. Here are the top tools for 2024:
- All Hashtag: Suggests, analyzes, and tracks the hashtags
- In fact: Provides appropriate trending hashtags based on content.
- RiteTag: A real-time hashtag generator that yields good engagement.
- Hashtagify: Helps in the attainment of popularity and trend analysis regarding the hashtag
- Kicksta Hashtag Generator: Instagram growth-related hashtags are primarily focused on.
What Types of Instagram Hashtags
Some don’t work the same as others. Here are some:
- Branded Hashtags: Only to your business or campaign, for instance, #NikeRun.
- Community Hashtags: Those that are most popular and will connect people who share the same interest, for example, #TravelCommunity.
- Niche Hashtags: Those that belong to your type of content or niche, for example, #VeganRecipes
- Trending Hashtags: Connected to viral topics or trending events, for example, #WorldCup2024
- Location Hashtags: Geo-specific tags for getting attention from local audiences, such as #DubaiEats.
- Event hashtags are used for promotional campaigns or live event events, such as #BlackFridayDeals.
Tracking and Monitoring Instagram Hashtags
To understand if your hashtags are working, you have to monitor and track them. Here’s how:
- Instagram Insights: It is a metric on the number of views and impressions your posts get.
- Third-Party Tools: These tools, like Sprout Social and Hootsuite, provide advanced analytics.
- Experimentation: Test out different combinations of hashtags and check the results.
- Competitor Analysis: Check out the hashtags used by successful accounts in your niche.
7 Best Practices for Instagram Hashtags
- Keep Them Relevant: Employ hashtags relevant to the content and audience.
- Avoid Banned Hashtags: Don’t use banned hashtags; this will reduce your post’s visibility.
- Create Branded Hashtags: A unique hashtag helps build brand identity.
- Mix It Up: Avoid using the same set of hashtags for every post.
- Use Hashtags in Stories: Hashtags in Stories make them discoverable in searches.
- Leverage Hashtag Challenges: Create or participate in an engaging challenge.
- Track Results: Regularly review which hashtags drive the most engagement.
Get Started with Instagram Hashtags Today
Now that you’re informed of all the in-depth features of Instagram hashtag strategies, it’s time for an application. Start by finding out about relevant hashtags from within your niche, build up a mix of hot and niche tags, and follow your results to develop further. The right use of hashtags can greatly grow and increase engagement on your Instagram; therefore, it is a vital tool in your social media toolset.
Don’t forget, that hashtags aren’t only about gaining followers; it’s about the community, one that echoes your very own frequencies. Whether it’s from a small business, growing influencer, or veteran marketer, there’s always room to optimize better and have your hashtag game ahead of any trend on the platform.
Author Bio:
Najwa Al-Farsi, a social media marketing expert with over 5 years of experience in Instagram growth strategies, helps businesses and influencers achieve maximum reach and engagement.