As a social media user in 2023, you know that hashtags are an integral part of the Instagram experience. Hashtags allow you to categorize your posts and make them more discoverable to other users. Whether you are using Instagram for business or personal use, implementing hashtags strategically can increase your visibility and engagement.
However, the hashtag landscape is always changing, and what worked last year may not be as effective now.
Staying up-to-date with the latest Instagram algorithm changes and trends will ensure you get the most out of your hashtags.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps to find and use the most relevant hashtags for your Instagram posts this year. With the right hashtags, you can connect with your target audience and gain new followers.
Choosing the Right Hashtags for Your Instagram Content (Updated)
To effectively use hashtags on Instagram in 2023, you must first choose hashtags that are relevant to your specific content and optimized for discovery. Hashtags help people find your posts, so selecting the right ones is key.
Research Popular Hashtags in Your Niche
Search for hashtags that are commonly used with content similar to yours. Aim for hashtags with 500K to 3M posts. Very popular hashtags like #love or #photooftheday will likely get lost in the mix. Check third-party tools to analyze the best hashtags for your niche.
Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Include a combination of popular hashtags with a high volume of posts along with more specific hashtags targeted to your niche. For example, if you have a travel photo, use #travel, #adventure, and #wanderlust along with #travelgram or #passportlife.
Keep Your List Concise
Only use 5 to 10 hashtags per post. Going over that amount will not necessarily increase visibility and may seem spammy to some users. Keep your list of hashtags organized in a note on your phone so you can easily copy and paste the same list to multiple posts.
Check for Banned Hashtags
Be aware that Instagram frequently updates its list of banned hashtags. Check with recent lists online before using a hashtag to ensure it is still allowed.
If you use a banned hashtag, your post may be removed or your account may face temporary restrictions. Stay up to date with Instagram's community guidelines for the best results.
Following these best practices will help you choose effective Check Now, gain more engagement, increase your visibility, and build your authority on Instagram.
With regular optimization, hashtags can become a powerful tool for your social media marketing strategy.
Best Times to Post Your Instagram Content With Hashtags
The best times to post your Instagram content with hashtags are when your target audience is most active and engaged on the platform.
For most users, this tends to be:
- Early in the morning before work, roughly between 7 to 9 am. People are waking up and checking their social media feeds, so your content is more likely to be seen.
- During the lunch hour, around noon. As people take a break for lunch, they are on their phones and accessing Instagram. Your content posted at this time has a good chance of gaining traction.
- In the evening after work, between 5 to 8 pm. This is when people wind down from their day and head to social media for entertainment and to catch up on their feeds. Your Instagram posts, especially those using popular hashtags, will get a good exposure.
To determine the best times for your particular audience, check your Instagram analytics to see when your followers are most active and engaged. You may find certain days of the week or times of day differ from the general guidelines.
Post at the times your unique audience is on Instagram for the greatest impact.
In summary, leveraging popular hashtags on Instagram requires not just choosing the right tags but also posting your content when the bulk of your audience and potential new followers will actually see it.
Finding the best times to post for your specific target market can make a big difference in how well you’re Instagram content performs.
With regular posting at peak times, along with high-quality visuals and a cohesive brand message, you'll build a loyal following on Instagram in no time.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use in Your Instagram Posts? (Updated)
When using hashtags on Instagram, it’s important to find the right balance. If you use too few hashtags, your content may not reach new audiences and gain the exposure it deserves.
However, using an excessive amount of hashtags can appear spammy to some and reduce engagement.
As Instagram's algorithm continues to evolve, the ideal number of hashtags to use in 2023 is between 3 to 5 per post for the best results.
Why 3 to 5 Hashtags?
Using 3 to 5 targeted hashtags per Instagram post allows you to improve your content's searchability and reach new potential followers interested in your niche without seeming overly promotional. This moderate amount appears natural and not distracting.
It also makes it more likely real people will engage with your post, which signals to the Instagram algorithm that your content is of high quality and relevant.
In turn, Instagram may then boost your post's visibility to even more users.
When choosing which 3 to 5 hashtags to use, select a mix of:
- Popular hashtags (500K+ posts) to reach the widest audience. For example, #instagood, #photooftheday.
- Medium hashtags (50K-500K posts) for your particular niche or location. For example, #foodphotography, #sanfrancisco.
- Niche hashtags (under 50K posts) for maximum specificity. For example, #sourdoughbread, #goldengatebridge.
A good rule of thumb is to use 2 popular hashtags, 2 medium hashtags, and 1 very niche hashtag in each post for the most balanced approach.
Using 3 to 5 thoughtfully chosen hashtags in your Instagram posts in 2023 will help you gain valuable new exposure and followers, leading to increased engagement and brand awareness over time.
With regular use of relevant hashtags, you'll build a community of like-minded people who genuinely appreciate the content you share.
Conclusion
As Instagram continues to evolve, using hashtags strategically is key to gaining visibility and new followers on the platform. With Instagram's algorithm favoring accounts that generate engagement, using hashtags to increase likes and comments on your posts is essential.
By researching popular and trending hashtags in your industry, testing different hashtags, and staying on top of Instagram's updates, you'll set yourself up for Instagram success in 2023 and beyond.
The time you invest now in developing an effective hashtag strategy will pay off through increased brand awareness, a larger audience, and new opportunities.
Though ever-changing, the core principles of using hashtags on Instagram remain: be authentic, provide value, start conversations, and build community.
Follow these principles and stay up-to-date with new features and you'll master the art of hashtags on Instagram.
