How many hashtags should I use on Instagram to gain more visibility in 2025? If you are a social media content creator, a small business, or capturing moments in your life, hashtags are the most significant element to standing out. Instagram allows you to use a maximum of 30 hashtags per post, so should you use 30? There are conflicting research studies and expert opinions on how many hashtags to use for optimal post visibility; while some recommend to use 20-30 hashtags to gain exposure, others lean toward Instagram’s recommended 3-5 hashtags for strong engagement.

In this guide, I will present my research findings identified through web searches outlining the audience, strategies, recommended practices, and unique tactics. In total, there are 13 sections with each section containing 25 hashtags to enable you to formulate an effective and genuine hashtag strategy.

Why Hashtags Matter on Instagram

Hashtags help to classify your content and make it easier for users to find your posts. They are a vital tool for increasing your discoverability when growing your account. So how many hashtags should I use on Instagram? Studies show that using these can improve engagement by as much as 79.5% for accounts with less than 1,000 followers. If you use too many, they may look spammy. These 25 hashtags are broad based so that you can reach a variety of audiences.

Who Uses Hashtags on Instagram?

Everyone is using hashtags, from influencers to businesses, to leverage their reach. It begs the question, how many hashtags should I use on Instagram? The answer is user-dependent. Creators want followers, businesses want sales, and casual users want likes.

Also try this blogpost: https://touchingtags.com/hashtags-for-instagram-reels/

#Influencer

#Creator

#Business

#Entrepreneur

#Marketer

#Blogger

#Artist

#Photographer

#Fashion

#Foodie

#Travel

#Fitness

#Health

#Tech

#Gaming

#Music

#Film

#Design

#Nonprofit

#Activism

#Education

#SmallBiz

#PersonalBrand

#Startup

#Lifestyle

Best Practices for Instagram Hashtags

When considering how many hashtags should I use on Instagram, consider these best practices. For clean posts, use 3-5 hashtags, but, for maximum reach, you can use more than 20 provided they are relevant.

#BestPractices

#Strategy

#Optimization

#Relevance

#Engage

#Niche

#Popular

#Balance

#ContentStrategy

#SocialMediaTips

#GrowthHacks

#Analytics

#Performance

#Tracking

#Insights

#Success

#Planning

#Consistency

#Authenticity

#Clarity

#Focus

#Impact

#Results

#Smart

#Effective

Choosing Relevant Hashtags

When considering how many hashtags should I use on Instagram be sure to find relevance. Choose hashtags that match your content so you reach the best audience.

#Relevant

#Targeted

#Specific

#Industry

#Topic

#Context

#Alignment

#Precision

#Fit

#Purpose

#Message

#Audience

#Interest

#Category

#Keyword

#Search

#Discoverable

#Focused

#Intent

#Meaning

#Connection

#Value

#Quality

#Engaging

#Relatable

Mixing Broad and Niche Hashtags

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram to maximize my reach while still targeting the right audience? Use broad hashtags, along with specific hashtags to get audience reach while also reaching your specific type of audience.

#Trending

#Popular

#Viral2025

#Hot

#Buzz

#Niche

#Specialized

#Unique

#Community

#Target

#Broad

#MassAppeal

#MicroNiche

#SmallBiz

#Hobby

#Passion

#Interest

#Fanbase

#Local

#Global

#Mix

#Blend

#Diverse

#Variety

#ReachOut

Creating Branded Hashtags

Branded hashtags both create an identity and measure campaigns. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram as a brand? Use 1-2 branded tags within your allowable limits.

#Brand

#Campaign

#Promotion

#Launch

#Event

#Product

#Service

#Story

#Mission

#Vision

#Values

#Tagline

#Slogan

#UniqueTag

#OwnIt

#YourBrand

#Signature

#Memorable

#Catchy

#Original

#Creative

#Personalized

#Custom

#Exclusive

#StandOut

Using Trending Hashtags

Trending hashtags increase exposure, but they only help you if they relate to what you are posting. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram for trending? 3 to 5 trending tags that relate to your strategy to be authentic. 

#Trends

#Now

#HotTopic

#Breaking

#Current

#News

#PopCulture

#Events2025

#Seasonal

#Holiday

#WorldEvents

#TechTrends

#FashionTrends

#FoodTrends

#TravelTrends

#FitnessTrends

#Meme

#Challenge

#ViralTrend

#Timely

#Buzzing

#Happening

#Live

#InTheMoment

#RelevantNow

Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes

You could as easily hurt your reach with too many hashtags. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram to avoid error? 3 to 20 hashtags should encourage engagement, but again should relate. 

#Moderation

#Clarity

#Clean

#Simple

#Effective

#NoSpam

#NoOverload

#Smart

#Thoughtful

#Careful

#Strategic

#Minimal

#Purposeful

#Intentional

#ClearMessage

#NoClutter

#Refined

#Polished

#Professional

#Trustworthy

#Reliable

#Safe

#AlgorithmFriendly

#MistakeFree

#BestChoice

Tools for Hashtag Research

Using Tools such as Later and Hootsuite, makes it easier to find trending hashtags and track. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram when using Later or Hootsuite? I would start somewhere in the 10 to 20 range based on yesterday’s strategy you left room for tracking.

#Tools

#Research

#Analytics

#TrendsTool

#Search

#DiscoverTool

#Insights

#Tracking

#Performance

#Data

#Metrics

#Optimization

#Efficiency

#SmartTool

#Helper

#Resource

#Finder

#Analysis

#TrendSpotter

#HashtagTool

#TechHelp

#SocialTool

#GrowEasy

#TimeSaver

#Boost

Unique Hashtag Strategies

Be unconventional with hashtags. If you ask, how many hashtags should I use on Instagram to inform unique strategy? try using 5 through 15  or try them in comments or Stories as variations.  

#Unique

#Creative

#Innovate

#StandOut

#Different

#SmartMove

#Edge

#Tactics

#Clever

#OriginalIdea

#Fresh

#NewApproach

#GameChanger

#ProTip

#HiddenGem

#Secret

#Ninja

#Hack

#Uncommon

#Bold

#StrategicMove

#ThinkDifferent

#OutOfBox

#NextLevel

#Mastery

Real-World Hashtag Success

Look at campaigns like #JustDoIt and see their hashtag power. how many hashtags should I use on Instagram to be successful? Use 10 to 20 hashtags, like real campaigns. 

#Success

#CaseStudy

#Win

#Impact

#Results

#CampaignWin

#EngageWin

#CommunityWin

#EventWin

#BrandWin

#ViralWin

#BuzzWin

#StoryWin

#ConnectionWin

#ReachWin

#GrowWin

#InfluenceWin

#TrendWin

#LaunchWin

#PromoWin

#ChatWin

#LiveWin

#AudienceWin

#ShareWin

#InspireWin

Enhancing Your Hashtag Game

Becoming strategic requires being extremely analytical and getting into community chats. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram to be strategic? Try using 10 to 20 and adjust based on data.

#Advanced

#NextStep

#LevelUp

#Pro

#Master

#Expert

#Analytics

#Community

#CrossPlatform

#StrategyPlus

#DeepDive

#Growth

#EngageMore

#ReachMore

#ConnectMore

#Track

#Measure

#Optimize

#Plan

#Scale

#Amplify

#BoostPlus

#SmartGrowth

#BigWin

#FutureProof

 Pro Tips 

1. Test different hashtag counts weekly and use Instagram Insights to see what drives likes and comments.
2. Create a hashtag bank with 50-100 relevant tags to rotate, keeping your posts fresh and discoverable.

FAQs 

Q: How many hashtags should I use on Instagram Reels?

A: Stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags for Reels, as Instagram’s algorithm favors targeted tags.

Q: Do hashtags in comments work the same as in captions?

A: Yes, hashtags in comments are equally effective for discoverability.

Q: Can too many hashtags hurt my reach?

A: Yes, overusing hashtags (e.g., 30 irrelevant ones) can make posts look spammy, reducing engagement.

Conclusion

How many hashtags do I want to use on Instagram to be successful in 2025? This is really our subjective, based on your goals but research suggests that 10-20 relevant hashtags are optimal for reach and engagement. Instagram’s own recommendations of 3-5 hashtags are useful for when you want a clean, concise, and targeted post. Studies have shown that utilizing 20-30 hashtags on your content can gain further traction, as long as the hashtagging is complimentary to your content. 

By blending a combination of relevant general and specific hashtags, utilizing scheduling tools like Later.com, and taking inventory of your Instagram performance, I believe your account will find its sweet spot.