You’ve seen them on almost every Instagram post: #trendy, #viral, #instagood, #photooftheday.
It’s tempting to slap on every trending hashtag you can find, hoping it will magically boost your post’s performance.
But is that really the key to getting more engagement?
In this article, we’ll break down the reality of using trendy hashtags.
Is more really better? Or could you be sabotaging your posts by using too many?
Let’s dive in and find out what works, what doesn’t, and how you can actually use hashtags to boost your post’s visibility and engagement.
The Reality Behind Trendy Hashtags
Using trendy hashtags may seem like a no-brainer, but it can sometimes do more harm than good. Here’s why:
- Oversaturation: Popular hashtags are often flooded with content, which means your post may quickly get buried.
- Relevance Matters: If a hashtag isn’t directly related to your post, users may ignore it—or worse, Instagram’s algorithm might push it down.
- Audience Targeting: Just because a hashtag is trending doesn’t mean it’s reaching your ideal audience.
So, while trendy hashtags might bring some visibility, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution for boosting your post’s performance.
Why More Hashtags Aren’t Always Better
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but should you use all of them?
It’s a classic quality vs. quantity debate.
Using every hashtag you can think of might seem like a good idea, but spamming hashtags can actually lower engagement rates. Here’s why:
- The Algorithm: Instagram’s algorithm favors relevant, high-quality posts over those that look spammy. Overusing hashtags may make your content appear less authentic, signaling to the algorithm that it’s not worth promoting.
- User Perception: Viewers can tell when someone’s just throwing hashtags at a post. If it doesn’t look genuine, people are less likely to engage with it.
Interactive Moment: Think about the last time you engaged with a post that used 30 hashtags. Did it feel authentic? Or did it seem like an attention grab?
How to Choose Hashtags That Actually Work
Instead of piling on every trendy hashtag, try to be selective.
Here are some hashtag strategies that can genuinely improve your post’s performance:
1. Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags
Popular hashtags are great for exposure, but niche hashtags help you connect with a more targeted audience.
Here’s how to find the perfect mix:
- Use 1-2 high-traffic hashtags to increase your post’s visibility.
- Add 3-5 niche hashtags that are directly related to your content.
For instance, if you’re posting about yoga, consider a hashtag like #beginnerYoga instead of just #yoga.
2. Focus on Relevancy
It might be tempting to use #MondayMotivation on a Tuesday, but relevancy matters. Instagram is smart enough to pick up on context, so keep your hashtags closely tied to the content of your post.
This approach not only helps with algorithm performance but also ensures you’re reaching an audience that’s genuinely interested in your content.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would someone searching for this hashtag find my post helpful or interesting?” If the answer is no, skip it!
3. Experiment with Branded Hashtags
Creating and using branded hashtags can set your posts apart and build a sense of community.
This is especially useful if you’re a brand or creator with a unique identity. Encourage your followers to use the hashtag, which increases engagement and creates user-generated content around your brand.
Interactive Exercise: Finding the Right Hashtags
Let’s do a quick exercise to help you find the best hashtags for your posts:
- Brainstorm: Think about 3 keywords that define your content.
- Research: Use Instagram’s search feature to look up those keywords and see which hashtags are popular.
- Analyze: Look at the content under each hashtag. Are these posts getting good engagement? Does your content fit in here?
- Test: Try using these hashtags over the next few posts and track your engagement rates.
This exercise can help you identify which hashtags are actually driving engagement and which ones you can skip.
The Power of Location and Community Hashtags
Location and community-focused hashtags are often overlooked, but they can be a goldmine for engagement.
Consider these:
- Location Hashtags: If you’re a local business or influencer, use location-based hashtags. These help people in your area find you and can increase the likelihood of real-world connections.
- Community Hashtags: Communities like #bookstagram or #foodie are niche and specific, helping you tap into audiences with a shared interest.
Engagement Tip: Next time you post, throw in a location or community hashtag related to your post, and see if you get more local followers or engagement from that community!
Testing Your Hashtag Strategy
Once you’ve identified some quality hashtags, it’s time to test them out.
Here are some ways to gauge their effectiveness:
- Use Instagram Insights: If you have a business or creator account, you can view data on how many impressions came from hashtags.
- Track Engagement: Notice if certain hashtags result in higher engagement. Are you getting more likes, comments, or follows?
- Rotate Hashtags: Switch up your hashtags every few posts. This keeps your content fresh and helps you determine which hashtags work best for specific topics.
Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to using hashtags, there are a few common pitfalls that can hinder your performance. Avoid these mistakes to make sure your posts shine:
- Don’t Overuse the Same Hashtags: If you repeatedly use the same set of hashtags, Instagram may flag your account as spammy. Change up your hashtags to keep your content relevant.
- Avoid Banned Hashtags: Yes, there are banned hashtags on Instagram! Some tags have been blacklisted due to inappropriate content, and using them can limit your post’s reach.
Do a quick Google search if you’re not sure about a hashtag’s status. - Avoid Hashtags with Too Few Posts: Hashtags with very few posts are usually less popular, so they’re unlikely to drive significant engagement. Aim for hashtags with moderate activity to ensure a balance between visibility and competition.
Final Thoughts
Using every trendy hashtag under the sun won’t guarantee higher engagement on your Instagram posts. In fact, it could end up hurting your visibility. The key to a successful hashtag strategy lies in relevance, variety, and understanding your audience.
Try experimenting with popular, niche, and branded hashtags to find the combination that works best for your content. Take the time to research and evaluate, and remember that quality always wins over quantity when it comes to hashtag use.
So next time you post, don’t just throw in every trending hashtag you see. Take a moment to be strategic, thoughtful, and precise with your hashtags, and you’ll see your posts’ performance start to soar.
Happy hashtagging!