Instagram hashtags, when used strategically, are one of the most effective answers to how to use hashtags on Instagram to gain followers—they expand your reach, improve discoverability, and connect you with niche communities. By combining 15–25 well-chosen hashtags per post from categories like niche, branded, community, and location-based, you can target both relevance and visibility. Hashtags act as search signals for Instagram’s algorithm, making your content more likely to appear on Explore and topic feeds. For example, instead of broad terms like #fitness, using #HomeWorkoutIdeas or #HIITforBeginners can attract more engaged, relevant followers. Best practices include mixing high and low competition tags, avoiding banned or overused hashtags, and rotating your sets monthly. With a thoughtful approach, hashtags become more than labels — they become a pathway to sustained follower growth.
You can create your own personalized suggestions using our hashtag generator tool, using AI. We’ll also bring you the most popular hashtags.
GenerateWhy Are Hashtags Crucial for Instagram Growth?
Hashtags work like discovery engines on Instagram. When you include a hashtag in your post, your content becomes visible in that hashtag’s feed, giving you access to people who don’t follow you yet but are interested in that topic.
- Content categorization: Hashtags help Instagram understand what your content is about.
- Search & discovery: Users often follow or search hashtags, allowing your post to surface beyond your follower base.
- Algorithm signals: Strategic hashtag usage contributes to how Instagram ranks your content on the Explore page.
| Metric | With Hashtag | Without Hashtag |
| Average Engagement Rate | 12.6% higher | Baseline (reference) |
| Post Visibility in Explore Tab | Increased | Limited |
| Chance of New Follower Discovery | Higher | Lower |
These figures show how even a single well-chosen hashtag can improve your content performance. The more relevant your hashtag, the more meaningful the engagement you can generate. This is why understanding the Instagram hashtag strategy for 2025 is more important than ever.
What Types of Hashtags Should You Use to Attract Followers?
To gain followers, not all hashtags are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective types of hashtags and how to use them:
- Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your brand or campaign (e.g., #NikeRunClub). Encourage followers to use it to build community.
- Community Hashtags: These connect like-minded users (e.g., #womeninbusiness, #plantparents). Great for reaching niche audiences.
- Niche Hashtags: Target highly specific interests or industries (e.g., #slowfashion, #digitalnomads). Less competition, more relevance.
- Location-Based Hashtags: Use geo-specific tags like #NYCPhotographer or #LondonEats to attract a local audience.
- Descriptive Hashtags: Summarize what’s in your post (e.g., #sunsetphotography, #mealprepideas). These enhance discoverability by topic.
Want to know the best Instagram hashtags for engagement? It’s often these niche and community hashtags that perform better than overused ones.
Combine 3–5 hashtags from different categories to maximize reach and maintain relevance
What Are the Best Practices for Using Hashtags to Gain Followers?
To make your hashtags work harder for your growth strategy, apply these proven techniques:
- Use 15–25 targeted hashtags per post to reach a broad but relevant audience.
- Mix high, mid, and low-competition hashtags to balance visibility and specificity.
- Include hashtags either in the caption or as the first comment — both placements are equally effective.
- Avoid banned or overused hashtags by manually checking hashtags using Instagram’s search bar and analyzing their usage, recency, and relevance.
- Create a branded hashtag to build community and encourage user-generated content.
- Track and evaluate hashtag performance regularly, removing those that no longer deliver engagement or reach.
Correct Instagram Hashtag Usage Example
Imagine you’re a fitness coach. Instead of just using #fitness or #workout, go specific:
- #FitnessForMoms
- #HomeWorkoutIdeas
- #HIITforBeginners
- #30DayChallenge
These not only define your niche but also attract followers likely to engage with your brand. These types of targeted tags are a key part of any top Instagram growth tips list..
How Can You Find the Right Hashtags for Your Content?
Finding the right hashtags is as important as creating great content. Here’s how to do it:
- Instagram Search Bar: Type keywords to see real-time suggested hashtags.
- Explore Page: Browse trending posts in your niche to find popular and relevant hashtags.
- Competitor Analysis: Check what hashtags influencers and brands in your space are using.
- Hashtag Tools: Using the right tools can simplify your hashtag strategy. An Instagram Hashtag Generator is a standout option, offering smart, data-driven hashtag suggestions tailored to your content and audience.
If you’re unsure how to research hashtags on Instagram, start with your niche and look at what your audience is engaging with most.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid with Hashtags?
Even experienced creators can fall into common traps. Here are mistakes that could sabotage your growth:
- Using banned or flagged hashtags: They can shadowban your content. Always check them beforehand.
- Overusing generic tags: Tags like #love or #instagood are oversaturated and offer little exposure.
- Copy-pasting the same tags on every post: This can appear spammy and reduce reach.
- Irrelevant hashtags: If your content doesn’t match the tag, users won’t engage.
Refresh your hashtag sets monthly. Use niche + trending + branded combinations. Keep them relevant to the image, caption, and audience. Smart use of niche hashtags for Instagram growth leads to better engagement and follower acquisition.
