Some Instagram posts get thousands of likes quickly, this is because of using the right hashtags. Hashtags are more than just trendy phrases, they help people find your content.
In this article we’ll look at how using hashtags right can change your presence on Instagram, get you more likes and increase engagement.
How Hashtags Work on Instagram?
Instagram hashtags help people find your posts. When you use a hashtag your post shows up on a page for that hashtag where people interested in that topic can see it. This means your content goes beyond your usual followers to a larger group who share your interests.
Key Points
- Visibility: Posts with hashtags get more attention than those without.
- Community Connection: Hashtags link your posts to a community of users who share similar interests creating a connection and shared feeling.
How to Pick the Best Hashtags?
Picking the right hashtags is very important. It’s not about how many hashtags you use but how relevant they are and how many people they reach.
Start with General Tags
Start with basic hashtags that describe your post’s main idea. For instance if you’re posting a picture of a beach using #beach or #oceanside can draw in people who like beaches.
Use More Specific Hashtags
Add more specific tags next. If the beach is in Miami using #MiamiBeach or #FloridaBeaches can target people interested in that specific place.
Try Community Tags
These are hashtags for specific groups of people or interests. For example #TravelGram is popular among travelers while #InstaFood is a hit with food enthusiasts.
Use Trending Hashtags
Watch for popular hashtags and use them if they fit your post. This can be a great way to get more views when used right.
Create Your Own Hashtag
Making a unique hashtag for your brand or specific campaigns can help create a community and make it easy to find your content.
Use the Right Amount of Hashtags
Although Instagram lets you use up to 30 hashtags per post, using too many can look spammy and might turn off your followers. The trick is to find a good balance and stick to relevant hashtags.
Optimal Number
Studies show that posts with about 9 to 12 hashtags do the best. This number helps maximize visibility without overloading your followers.
Best Times to Post
When you post also affects how well your hashtags work. Posting when your followers are most active means more of them will see and interact with your post which helps more people find it through Instagram’s search features.
Know Your Followers
Instagram’s analytics tools can show you when your followers are usually online. Posting during these times can really help your visibility.
Monitor Hashtag Performance
Keeping an eye on how your hashtags are doing can tell you what’s working and what isn’t allowing you to improve your choices over time.
Instagram Insights
This feature tells you how many views come from the hashtags you use. This information can help you see which tags work best.
Third-Party Tools
There are also other tools that can give you more detailed reports on hashtag performance and trends helping you stay up-to-date.
The Art of Hashtag Mastery
Getting good at using Instagram hashtags means more than just adding a few popular ones to your posts; it involves careful planning, knowing your audience and being consistent. By picking the right hashtags, keeping their number manageable and timing your posts well you can greatly increase the likes and interactions on your Instagram posts. Remember hashtags are tools that help bring users to your content and build communities around shared interests. Use the power of hashtags wisely and watch your Instagram engagement grow.