Why Instagram Hashtags Still Matter
In the ever-changing world of social media, one thing that continues to drive growth and engagement on Instagram is – hashtags.
Whether you’re a small business, a digital creator, or a brand, hashtags are your gateway to visibility. They help new audiences discover your content, build community around your niche, and attract potential customers – all organically.
But here’s the catch: not all hashtags are created equal.
If you’re randomly throwing hashtags like #love #instagood #business – you’re missing out on the true power of Instagram’s discovery system.
In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to use Instagram hashtags for your business effectively in 2025, including the best strategies, examples, and expert tips that work today.
What Are Instagram Hashtags?
Hashtags (#) are keywords or phrases preceded by the pound symbol (#) – used to categorize content on Instagram.
When users click or search a hashtag, they see a feed of posts using the same tag.
For example, searching #PetGrooming shows posts related to pet care and grooming services.
For businesses, hashtags are like SEO keywords for Instagram.
They help your posts reach relevant users and boost organic visibility – without spending a rupee on ads.
Why Businesses Should Use Instagram Hashtags
If you’re serious about marketing on Instagram, hashtags should be part of your strategy.
Here’s why:
1. Increase Reach and Visibility
Using relevant hashtags helps your posts appear in hashtag searches, explore feeds, and even reels discovery – reaching users who don’t yet follow you.
2. Target Specific Audiences
Niche hashtags help you connect with people who are genuinely interested in your products or services.
Example:
Instead of #fashion, use #sustainablefashionindia or #handmadejewellerydelhi for targeted reach.
3. Boost Engagement
Posts with hashtags receive up to 12.6% more engagement than those without. More likes, comments, and shares mean higher visibility in the Instagram algorithm.
4. Build Brand Awareness
Branded hashtags (like #WaffleBytesSEO or #MyKittenIndia) help create a recognizable identity for your brand.
5. Track Campaigns and UGC (User-Generated Content)
Custom hashtags allow you to track how your campaigns perform and encourage your followers to share their own posts with your tag.
Types of Instagram Hashtags Every Business Should Use
Mixing different hashtag types is key to a balanced strategy.
Here are the main categories:
Hashtag Type | Example | Purpose |
Branded Hashtags | #WaffleBytesSEO #MyKittenCare | Promote your business name or campaign |
Industry Hashtags | #DigitalMarketing #PetGrooming | Represent your niche |
Community Hashtags | #EntrepreneurLife #PetLoversClub | Connect with like-minded users |
Location Hashtags | #BangaloreStartups #DelhiCafes | Target local audiences |
Event Hashtags | #WorldEnvironmentDay #DiwaliSale | Engage with trends or occasions |
Descriptive Hashtags | #HealthySnacks #VeganCookies | Describe your product or service |
Trending Hashtags | #ThrowbackThursday #MondayMotivation | Leverage popular trends for visibility |
Pro Tip:
Don’t just copy trending tags – focus on relevance + engagement. A perfectly relevant hashtag with lower volume often performs better than a generic one with millions of posts.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram?
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should use all 30 every time.
Recent data from Meta suggests:
- 9–15 hashtags per post offer the best balance of reach and relevance.
- Use different sets of hashtags across posts to avoid looking spammy.
For Reels, use fewer (3–7 highly targeted) hashtags for cleaner captions and better discovery.
How to Find the Right Hashtags for Your Business
1. Use Instagram Search
Type your main keyword in the search bar (e.g., “#digitalmarketing”) and explore suggested hashtags with their post counts.
2. Analyze Competitors
See what hashtags similar businesses or influencers in your niche are using.
3. Use Hashtag Tools
Try tools like:
- Hashtagify
- RiteTag
- Flick
- All Hashtag
They help identify relevant hashtags, analyze performance, and find trending ones.
4. Check Engagement Level
Avoid hashtags with too many posts (10M+) – your content may get buried instantly.
Aim for hashtags with 10K–500K posts for a good visibility window.
5. Mix Popular + Niche Tags
Example for a home bakery:
- Popular: #HomeBakers #BakingLove
- Niche: #EgglessCakesDelhi #CustomBirthdayCake
This mix helps reach both broad and targeted audiences.
How to Use Instagram Hashtags Strategically
1. Include Hashtags in Captions or First Comment
Both work – but adding them to the first comment keeps your caption clean and professional.
2. Use Branded Hashtags for Campaigns
Encourage your audience to tag your brand hashtag.
Example: #BakedByWaffleBytes or #PetStyledByMyKitten
This helps you build a content community and makes tracking UGC easy.
3. Use Hashtags in Stories and Reels
You can add hashtags (hidden behind stickers or text) to increase discoverability in story search results.
4. Leverage Location Hashtags
If you have a physical business, add local hashtags like:
#MumbaiSalon #DelhiPhotographer #BangaloreStartups
It’s a free way to attract local customers.
5. Create Hashtag Sets
Prepare different hashtag groups for each type of post – product, testimonial, tips, or reels.
Rotate them to keep your strategy fresh and algorithm-friendly.
6. Monitor Hashtag Performance
Use Instagram Insights to check which hashtags drive the most reach and engagement.
Focus on the ones performing best – and drop the rest.
Example: Hashtag Strategy for a Pet Grooming Brand
Business: MyKitten (Pet Grooming & Accessories)
Post Type | Example Hashtags |
Product Showcase | #PetGrooming #CatBath #DogShampoo #PetCareIndia |
Customer Story | #HappyPets #MyKittenLove #PetParentLife |
Reels | #PetTransformation #HomeGrooming #CuteCatsOfInstagram |
Local Promotion | #BangalorePets #DelhiPetCare #MumbaiDogLovers |
Campaign | #StyledByMyKitten #PetSpaWeekend |
Tip: Save your hashtag groups in Notes or a social media scheduling tool like Buffer or Later for quick use.
Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a great strategy, small errors can limit your success. Watch out for these:
Using banned hashtags (check before posting)
Repeating the same hashtags in every post
Using irrelevant or overly generic tags
Adding hashtags only at the end with no context
Ignoring analytics or performance data
Advanced Tips to Boost Results
1. Combine Hashtags with SEO
Treat hashtags like keywords for Instagram search.
Align them with your website SEO keywords for consistent branding.
2. Use Hashtags in Bio
Include 1–2 branded hashtags in your Instagram bio – it encourages followers to engage with your tag.
3. Add Hashtags in Comments on Old Posts
You can refresh engagement by adding new relevant hashtags to older posts that still perform well.
4. Run a Hashtag Campaign
Create a contest or challenge using your brand hashtag.
Example: #WaffleBytesChallenge or #MyKittenMoments
This drives UGC, boosts visibility, and strengthens your brand identity.
5. Keep Updating Your Hashtag List
Trends evolve fast. Review and update your hashtag sets every 30–45 days to stay relevant.
Case Study: How Hashtags Can Drive Growth
Let’s say a local skincare brand uses:
- #NaturalSkincareIndia (50K posts)
- #GlowWithAyurveda (10K posts)
- #VeganBeauty (300K posts)
Within 3 months, their post reach doubles – and engagement jumps by 40%. Why?
Because these hashtags attract exactly the audience that cares about natural skincare.
Hashtags work when they are strategic, relevant, and authentic.
Hashtags Are the SEO of Instagram
If you treat hashtags as an afterthought, you’re missing out on massive organic potential.
A smart hashtag strategy helps your business:
- Get discovered by the right audience
- Build stronger brand identity
- Drive engagement and conversions organically
So next time you post on Instagram, spend a few extra minutes researching and planning your hashtags.
They’re not just tiny symbols – they’re powerful growth tools for your business on social media.
Use 9–15 targeted hashtags for best engagement. Avoid using all 30 unless they’re highly relevant.
Both work fine, but posting hashtags in the first comment makes your caption look cleaner while still reaching your audience.
No. Repeating the same hashtags can look spammy. Rotate hashtag sets based on post type or topic.
Check Instagram Insights → Reach → From Hashtags to see which tags bring the most visibility.
Yes. They help strengthen your brand identity, track campaigns, and build a community of followers around your business.
