How Many Hashtags Should You Use? Finding the Sweet Spot for Engagement
- Digital Marketing Handbooks
- Jul 30, 2024
- 4 min read
When it comes to Instagram hashtags, one of the most common questions is: how many is too many? Should you max out the 30 hashtags Instagram allows, or stick to just a handful? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your goals, audience, and the type of content you’re sharing.
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal number of hashtags for different types of posts, how to use them strategically, and how to strike the perfect balance between boosting visibility and staying authentic. Let’s find your hashtag sweet spot!
Why Hashtags Matter
Before diving into the numbers, let’s revisit why hashtags are so important:
Expand Reach: Hashtags make your content discoverable to users searching for specific topics.
Boost Engagement: Posts with hashtags often see higher engagement rates, as they attract people interested in your niche.
Connect Communities: Niche hashtags help you join relevant conversations and connect with like-minded followers.
But here’s the catch: using too many or irrelevant hashtags can make your post feel spammy and even hurt your engagement. That’s why finding the right number is key.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
The ideal number of hashtags depends on your goals and the type of post you’re creating. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Instagram Feed Posts
Recommended Hashtag Count: 10–20
For feed posts, 10–20 well-researched, relevant hashtags strike a balance between reach and authenticity.
Why This Works:
Using more than 20 hashtags can make your caption feel cluttered and spammy.
Fewer than 10 hashtags might limit your post’s discoverability.
Pro Tip:
Place your hashtags in the first comment instead of the caption to keep your post clean and professional.
2. Instagram Stories
Recommended Hashtag Count: 1–3
Stories are meant to feel quick and casual, so overloading them with hashtags can distract from the content.
Why This Works:
Stories with a few targeted hashtags can appear in hashtag searches without overwhelming the visual appeal.
Hide hashtags behind stickers, GIFs, or text for a clean look.
Pro Tip:
Use the hashtag sticker for one hashtag and add 1–2 more discreetly to maximize discoverability.
3. Instagram Reels
Recommended Hashtag Count: 5–10
Reels are short, high-energy videos where captions play a supporting role. Focus on fewer, high-impact hashtags that match your Reel’s topic.
Why This Works:
Fewer hashtags keep the focus on the video itself.
Instagram’s algorithm heavily prioritizes content relevance, so make sure your hashtags align with your Reel.
Pro Tip:
Incorporate trending hashtags to tap into viral challenges or themes.
4. Niche or Local Posts
Recommended Hashtag Count: 5–15
For niche or geo-specific content, fewer, highly targeted hashtags are more effective.
Why This Works:
Local and niche audiences are smaller but more engaged, so quality matters more than quantity.
Specific hashtags like #YogaInLondon or #VeganDessertsNYC help you reach the right people.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with hyper-specific hashtags (under 50k posts) for smaller but highly relevant reach.
5. Branded Content
Recommended Hashtag Count: 3–5
If you’re promoting your brand or a campaign, focus on your branded hashtags and a few complementary ones.
Why This Works:
A few hashtags keep the spotlight on your brand’s message.
Overloading with hashtags can dilute your brand’s voice.
Pro Tip:
Use your branded hashtag consistently in captions, bios, and Stories to build recognition.
How to Choose the Right Hashtags
Finding the right number of hashtags is only half the battle—you also need to choose the right hashtags. Here’s how:
1. Mix Hashtag Volumes
Use a combination of:
High-Volume Hashtags (500k+ posts): Boosts visibility but can be competitive (e.g., #FitnessGoals).
Medium-Volume Hashtags (50k–500k posts): Balances visibility and engagement (e.g., #HomeWorkouts).
Low-Volume Hashtags (<50k posts): Targets a smaller, more engaged audience (e.g., #StrengthForMoms).
2. Focus on Relevance
Every hashtag you use should directly relate to your content and audience. Avoid using random or generic hashtags just for reach.
3. Keep It Local (If Applicable)
For businesses targeting local audiences, geo-specific hashtags like #ChicagoEats or #ShopSmallLA are gold.
4. Incorporate Trending Hashtags
Tap into trending hashtags to join timely conversations, but only if they align with your content.
Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
While hashtags can boost engagement, misusing them can hurt your strategy. Avoid these common mistakes:
Using Too Many Hashtags: Overloading your post with hashtags can make it look spammy and inauthentic.
Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Generic tags like #Love or #InstaGood may increase impressions but won’t attract your ideal audience.
Ignoring Hashtag Performance: Track which hashtags work and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Repeating the Same Hashtags: Using the same set repeatedly can trigger Instagram’s spam filters.
How to Track Hashtag Performance
To refine your strategy, keep an eye on how your hashtags are performing:
Tools to Use:
Instagram Insights: Shows impressions from hashtags for each post.
Keyhole: Tracks hashtag performance over time.
Hashtagify: Helps you discover trending hashtags and analyze their effectiveness.
What to Track:
Impressions from Hashtags: Are your hashtags driving visibility?
Engagement Rate: Are people engaging with posts using specific hashtags?
Follower Growth: Are certain hashtags attracting more followers?
Final Thoughts: Find Your Sweet Spot
When it comes to hashtags, it’s not about using the maximum number—it’s about using the right ones. By experimenting with different hashtag counts and focusing on quality over quantity, you can find the sweet spot that boosts your reach, attracts the right audience, and keeps your content authentic.
Now it’s your turn! How many hashtags do you usually use? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag us in a post—we’d love to see your hashtag strategy in action!
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