Instagram Hashtags Reloaded: A Game-Changing Guide for 2025

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You are an Instagram user who spends hours crafting the perfect post – with scroll-stopping visuals and hook-worthy captions without using Instagram hashtags. But the results?  Low reach, flat engagement, zero growth.

If this is something you can relate to, you are not alone. In 2025, creating compelling content and just posting will not be enough. To get noticed, you need to work smarter. So, what is the secret weapon that helps your content get found in the feeds of your ideal audience?  

Hashtags.

Did you know? Instagram posts receive 12.6% more engagement with 
at least one hashtag than those without hashtags​.

Let’s discover how to use Instagram hashtags correctly to see 
your content soar in 2025.

What Are Instagram Hashtags & Why Do They Matter?

Whether you use hashtags regularly or don’t feel the need to use them, one thing’s clear—they’re here to stay in 2025 and beyond. They have now become an important part of everyone’s brand strategy.

An Instagram hashtag is a phrase preceded by the “#” symbol. They’re created to categorise content and make it easier to find. Like SEO keywords on Google, hashtags tell Instagram what your post is about and help build connections with users searching for similar content. Hashtags boost your content’s visibility, enabling you to reach users beyond your followers. It makes them an indispensable part of any Instagram growth tactic.

What Are the Benefits of Instagram Hashtags?

Utilising trending hashtags on Instagram offers numerous benefits. They serve more than simply tagging your posts. Here’s how:

  • Boosts Exposure and Discovery: Hashtags make your posts get noticed by an extended audience. Using relevant hashtags helps your content show up in search results and on Explore pages, boosting visibility and gaining new followers.

  • Increases Engagement: The suitable hashtags spark interaction—comments, likes, and shares. Greater engagement indicates value to Instagram, resulting in more reach and discovery.

  • Gather User-Generated Content: Branded hashtags prompt followers to share brand-related posts, enhancing authenticity and engagement.

  • Content Research: Hashtags allow you to track trends and determine the most sought-after content, guiding relevant post creation.

  • Competitor Analysis: Analysing competitor hashtags uncovers hot topics. This insight helps upgrade your hashtag strategy.

Types of Instagram Hashtags

Below is a curated list of hashtag types you can use in your Instagram posts. They are:

  • Branded Hashtags: Use hashtags unique to your brand, such as Glossier’s #Glossier, often placed in bios and used by their customers in their posts.

  • Product or Service Hashtags: Explain what you offer, like #CloudAccounting, helping users find specific products easily.

  • Campaign Hashtags: Used for campaigns like #GIVAhitsa6, uniting posts from brands and influencers.

  • Trending Hashtags: The trending tags on Instagram efficiently capture the latest buzz to increase visibility, e.g., #IceBucketChallenge, but they’re competitive.

  • Community Hashtags: Connect with like-minded users, such as #BookLoversClub, and join broader conversations.

  • Location Hashtags: Focus on specific areas, such as #Indiaphotograph, for people who love to explore and see the beauty of India.

  • Event Hashtags: Used at events to engage participants, e.g., #Coachella for the music festival.

  • Holiday or Daily Hashtags: Link posts to holidays or specific days, like #NationalCoffeeDay or #ThrowbackThursday.

  • Niche Hashtags: Target specific audiences, such as #DIYCrafts, with highly engaged users.

How Many Hashtags to Use in 2025?

The number of hashtags used depends on what you are posting. But, the best practice suggests using 10-15 highly relevant hashtags per post. Although Instagram allows around 30, using lesser yet more targeted hashtags tends to perform better. The reason behind this is that instagram focuses on relevance.

Besides the number and relevance of hashtags, the placement of them also matters. Instagram confirms that hashtags work wonders in your caption or the comments. Both methods escalate your post’s reach.

PRO TIP: Adding hashtags in your caption makes your post look complete, and placing them in the first comment keeps the caption neat.

How to Find the Right Hashtags

Finding the right Instagram hashtags is crucial to enhance your reach and build a connection with the right audience. Use these strategies to explore hashtags that fit your content and boost engagement.

Examine What Your Competitors Are Using

Check out your competitors and note the hashtags they are using, specifically those with huge engagement. Customise them a bit to fit your content.

Utilise Instagram’s Search Bar

Type your content-related keyword, and Instagram suggests hashtags with usage counts. This way, you will find trending hashtags worth adding to your strategy.

Try Hashtag Research Tools

There are several tools available that recommend trending and powerful hashtags depending on data and performance, allowing you to find suitable tags for your content.

Conclusion

Hashtags are beyond just symbols. They are effective tools to elevate your Instagram presence. They not only categorise your posts but also connect you with the potential audience.

With wise usage of hashtags, you can ensure growth in reach, spark engagement, and even gain important insights about your community.

Take the essential tips from this comprehensive guide and apply them to your strategy. Whether you utilise them in first comments, captions, Reels or Stories, every hashtag gives your content a moment to shine. Use this information to develop engaging content that resonates with your audience.

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