Want more likes, followers, and engagement on Instagram? Hashtags are your secret weapon. They help people discover your content, boost your reach, and even grow your audience. But if you’re new to Instagram, figuring out which hashtags to use, and how many, can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks it all down in a simple, easy-to-follow way. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use hashtags to get the most out of your posts.
What Are Instagram Hashtags?
Hashtags are words or phrases with a “#” in front. They categorize posts and make them easier to find. For example, if you post an AI-generated image, using hashtags like #AIart or #AIimage can help people searching for AI content find your post.
Think of hashtags as labels. If you use the right ones, your content gets in front of the right people.
Why Hashtags Matter
Instagram is a massive platform. Without hashtags, your posts can get lost. Here’s why they’re important:
- More Visibility – Hashtags help your posts show up in search results.
- More Engagement – People interested in your content can find and interact with it.
- More Followers – When new users see your posts, they might follow you.
The right hashtags can make a huge difference.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. But using all 30 isn’t always the best strategy. A good rule of thumb is 8-15 high-quality hashtags per post. This keeps your post looking clean while still reaching a large audience.
Experiment with different numbers and track which ones work best for you.
Types of Hashtags
Not all hashtags work the same way. Here are the main types:
- Popular Hashtags – These have millions of posts. They can give your content quick exposure but also disappear fast. Examples: #love, #instagood, #photooftheday.
- Niche Hashtags – These are specific to your content or audience. They attract the right people. Examples: #AIimage, #AIartcommunity, #digitalcreators.
- Branded Hashtags – These are unique to your brand or business. Example: #YourBrandName.
- Location-Based Hashtags – If your post is about a specific place, use location hashtags. Example: #NYCphotography, #LosAngelesLife.
- Event Hashtags – Use these for trends, holidays, or challenges. Example: #SuperBowl, #Halloween2025.
Mixing different types of hashtags gives your post the best chance of being seen.
Finding the Best Hashtags
Not all hashtags are equal. The best ones are:
- Relevant – They should match your content.
- Not Too Broad – Avoid hashtags with hundreds of millions of posts. Your content will get buried.
- Not Too Niche – If only a few people use it, no one will see your post.
Here’s how to find the right hashtags:
- Instagram Search – Type a keyword in the search bar and check related hashtags.
- Competitor Research – See what hashtags top creators in your niche use.
- Hashtag Tools – Use free tools like Hashtagify or All Hashtag to find popular tags.
Where to Put Hashtags
You can place hashtags in your caption or the first comment. Both work, but many prefer the first comment to keep captions clean. Instagram treats both the same in terms of reach.
Example:
Caption: “Loving this new AI-generated image! What do you think? 🖼️ #AIimage #digitalart #creative”
or
Caption: “Loving this new AI-generated image! What do you think? 🖼️”
Comment: “#AIimage #digitalart #creative”
Test both methods to see what works best for you.
Mistakes to Avoid
Hashtags can help, but only if used correctly. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Using Irrelevant Hashtags – Don’t use popular hashtags just for reach. If they don’t fit your post, they won’t help.
- Using the Same Hashtags Every Time – Instagram might see this as spam. Rotate your hashtags.
- Using Only Popular Hashtags – These are too competitive. Mix in niche hashtags.
- Overloading with 30 Hashtags – Sometimes, fewer is better. Stick to quality over quantity.
Hashtags for AI Image Creators
If you create AI-generated images, hashtags can help your work reach the right audience. Here are some top hashtags for AI art:
- #AIimage
- #AIart
- #AIimagegenerator
- #digitalart
- #creativeAI
- #artificialintelligence
If you’re using an AI image generator to create content, hashtags like #AIimagegenerator can bring in the right audience. AI-generated art is growing fast, and Instagram users are always searching for new, innovative designs.
Tracking Your Hashtag Performance
Not all hashtags will work for you. Track their performance to see what brings the best results.
- Instagram Insights – If you have a business account, check how many people found your post through hashtags.
- Try Different Sets – Rotate hashtags and see which ones perform best.
- Analyze Engagement – If a hashtag gets more likes and comments, use it more.
The more you test, the better your results.
Hashtags and Instagram Stories
Hashtags work in Instagram Stories too! Adding them can increase your story’s reach.
- Use one main hashtag in a story. Example: #AIimage
- Hide hashtags behind stickers or make them small if you don’t want them visible.
- Try location hashtags to reach local audiences.
This is a great way to get more eyes on your stories.
Final Thoughts
Hashtags are a powerful tool for growing your Instagram. They help people discover your content, boost engagement, and build your audience. If you’re a content creator, using the right hashtags can make a big difference, especially if you’re using a video creator app to produce high-quality posts.
Start experimenting with different hashtags today. Track what works, mix up your strategy, and stay consistent. If you’re posting AI-generated images, make sure to use #AIImageGenerator to attract the right audience.
The more strategic you are, the better your results. Ready to level up your Instagram game? Start using the right hashtags today!
