Instagram's official recommendation is to use 3-5 hashtags per post to maximize engagement and reach.
Here's a breakdown of why and how to choose the right hashtags:
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Instagram's Recommendation: The Instagram Creators account explicitly advises focusing on a smaller, more relevant selection of hashtags instead of stuffing your posts with as many as possible. This strategy helps Instagram's algorithm better understand your content and show it to the right audience.
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Relevance is Key: Prioritize hashtags directly related to the theme and content of your post. Irrelevant hashtags can dilute your reach and attract the wrong kind of engagement.
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Mix It Up:
- Popular Hashtags: These have a broad reach but can be highly competitive.
- Niche Hashtags: These are more specific and attract a targeted audience. For example, instead of #travel, try #budgettraveltips or #familytravelblogger.
- Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your brand or campaign to encourage user-generated content and track its performance.
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Why Not More? While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, using too many can make your post look spammy and may actually decrease its visibility. The algorithm may penalize accounts perceived to be gaming the system.
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Examples:
- Photography Post: #landscapephotography, #sunsetlover, #travelphotography, #naturephotography, #yourbrandname
- Food Recipe Post: #homemaderecipe, #veganfood, #healthyfood, #easyrecipes, #yourbrandname
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Staying Updated: Hashtag trends change frequently. Keep an eye on what's currently popular and relevant to your niche. Consider using tools to analyze hashtag performance.
In conclusion, while Instagram allows for more, strategically using 3-5 relevant hashtags – incorporating a mix of popular, niche, and branded options – is the most effective approach for maximizing your content's reach and engagement.
