Instagram Hashtag Selection: Gain Organic Followers with the Right Tags
Hashtags, which were once seen as the key to growth on Instagram, play a different role today. Filling thirty popular tags under the post does not work as much as it used to, and in some cases, it can even cause the post to be perceived as spam. However, a few well-chosen hashtags still help tell Instagram what your content is about and show up in relevant searches. Hashtags are one of the easiest and most risk-free tools for someone who wants to gain followers for free. In this guide, we explain step by step how to use tags as they are today.
What Use Are Hashtags Today?
When ranking content, Instagram now looks at many signals such as visual recognition, description text, audio and user behavior. Hashtags are just one of these signals. However, it remains a valuable tool for clearly stating the topic of a post and appearing on tag pages or searches.
In short, hashtags do not get your post discovered on their own, but they help it reach the right audience. What really matters is still the quality of the content and the reaction of the audience.
Separate Labels into Three Groups
An effective tag set consists of a balanced mix of different sized tags. If you only use very popular tags, your post will be lost among thousands of new posts within seconds. If you only use very small hashtags, you will reach very few people.
- Broad tags: the general name of your topic, for example recipes.
- Niche tags: a more specific subtopic, for example vegan breakfast.
- Local or community tags: the name of a city, region, or specific community.
- Brand tag: a series or account tag that only you use.
How to Find a Tag That Suits Your Niche?
To find the best hashtags, look at what tags successful accounts in your niche are using. The suggestions that appear when you type a word related to your topic in the Instagram search bar are also a good starting point. Open a tag's page and make sure the posts there actually resemble your content.
If a tag's page is filled with irrelevant, spam or inappropriate content, do not use that tag. It will not benefit your account if your post appears in the same place as this type of content.
- Examine the tags of competitor and similar accounts.
- Take note of search suggestions.
- Check the quality of the contents on the tag page.
- Store your own list of tags in groups in a notes file.
How Many Tags Should I Use?
Instagram allows you to use up to a certain number of hashtags in a post, but you don't have to fill the limit. A small number of tags directly related to the topic are more meaningful than a long list of irrelevant ones. Instead of copying and pasting the same list of tags on every post, change them according to the content.
You can add tags at the end of the description text or in the first comment. The important thing is that the tags are compatible with the content and placed in a way that does not disturb the reader.
Mistakes Made While Using Hashtags
Many users do not get paid for their efforts because they use tags incorrectly. The most common mistake is adding popular tags that have nothing to do with the content just for visibility. This will lead to you reaching the wrong audience and decreasing your engagement rate.
Another mistake is interaction exchange tags such as follow, let me follow, like for like. These tags do not bring in permanent followers and may cause your account to be associated with accounts that attract low-quality engagement. Applications that promise follower tricks also have similar problems and often put your account at risk by asking for your password.
- Using prohibited or restricted tags.
- Copying the same long list in every post.
- Making tags difficult to read by stacking them in the middle of the description.
- Putting the number of tags before the quality of the content.
Measure Results
On professional accounts, post statistics show where the impressions are coming from. By comparing the reach from tags to different tag sets, you can see which groups are working. Keeping notes for a few weeks will allow you to create a personalized hashtag strategy.
As iGSub, we think that the shortcut to gaining real followers on Instagram is content and correct discoverability. The free service we offer is not for Instagram; YouTube works with a credit system of subscribers, likes and comments and never requires a password.
Frequently asked questions
Should I write hashtags in the description or in the first comment?
Both methods can be used. Using hashtags in the description is more common and directly linked to the post. The important thing is that the tags are appropriate to the topic.
Is it useful to use hashtags in stories?
Stickers can be used in stories. This can help your story appear on the relevant tag page, but its impact is more limited than posts.
Do follower cheat apps really work?
These apps often introduce fake or inactive accounts, are against platform rules, and may lead to your account being restricted. Organic methods are much safer for permanent followers.
Should I add tags to Reels videos?
Yes, adding a few relevant tags will clarify the topic of the video. In Reels, audio, on-screen text and description text also help understand the topic.