Instagram Hashtag Usage: How to Choose the Right Tag?
Hashtags were once the main way to get discovered on Instagram. Although today the algorithm focuses more on understanding the content itself, tags are still an important signal that describes what your content is about. The problem is that most people choose tags randomly or copy them from others. In this article, as hilede, we explain how hashtags work today, how to find the right tags, and what habits you should avoid.
What are hashtags good for today?
Tags alone are no longer a magic key that carries you to discovery. It works more like a tag system that tells the platform and users which topic your content belongs to. When deciding who to show your post to, Instagram evaluates a lot of information such as image, description, audio and tags.
Therefore, the right tags increase the likelihood that your content will reach relevant people; Incorrect or irrelevant tags do not provide any benefit and sometimes cause your content to be shown to the wrong audience.
Consider labels in three layers
An effective tag set is a balanced mix of different sized tags. If you just use huge tags with millions of posts, your content will disappear in seconds. If you only use very small hashtags, the number of people you can reach will be limited.
- Broad tags: The general name of your topic. One or two is enough.
- Niche tags: A narrower subheading of your topic. These should form the main body of the set.
- Private labels: Labels for a specific city, event, series or your own brand.
How do you find the right tags?
The best tags are the ones your target audience actually searches for and follows. To find these, look at posts from successful accounts in your niche; Examine what tags they use and how similar the content in those tags is to yours.
Related tags that are suggested when you type your main word into the Instagram search bar are also a good resource. Before using a hashtag, check out its latest posts. If the content is on the same topic as yours and does not appear spammy, that tag is suitable for you.
Example: How to install a sticker set step by step?
Let's say you have a new account that produces content on home bread making and you have prepared a Reels explaining the sourdough bread recipe. First you choose a broad label: like bread or homemade bread. Then you determine the niche tags that will form the body of the set: tags that directly describe the subject of the video, such as sourdough, sourdough bread, yeast nutrition.
Finally, you add custom tags. A food label related to the city you live in or a name you gave to your own recipe series falls into this group. This gives you a small set in total, but each with a clear description of the content. Instead of copying the same list in the next recipe, you need to re-select niche tags based on the topic of that video. This little habit helps every piece of content find its audience.
Label mistakes you should avoid
Some label habits do more harm than good. Tags used especially for the purpose of exchanging followers and likes attract irrelevant and uninteractive accounts to your profile.
Avoiding the following mistakes will make your tags really work:
- Copying and pasting the exact same list of tags in every post.
- Adding popular tags that are unrelated to the content.
- Using “follow to follow” style swap tags.
- Adding blocks of tags so long that they make the description unreadable.
- Not checking the performance of the tags at all.
Measuring tag performance
When you go into the statistics of a post in a professional account, you can see from which sources the reach came. If reach from tags is regularly too low, it's time to review the tags you've chosen.
Rotating several different tag sets and comparing the results will show you which combination works with your audience. Remember, tags support good content, but they can't save poor content. The free password-free subscriber, like and comment tools that hilede offers for YouTube are only valid on YouTube; On Instagram, solid content and smart hashtag selection are the most reliable way to grow.
Frequently asked questions
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
There is no exact number. A small number of tags that are directly relevant to the content are more effective than long and irrelevant lists.
Should I write the tags in the description or in the comments?
Writing in the description is a more organized and safer choice. What is important is that the tags are compatible with the content, rather than the location.
Why are swap tags harmful?
These tags attract accounts that are not interested in your content and are just looking for a response. This reduces your interaction rate.