Hashtags matter less than they used to, but they're not useless.
What hashtags do now
They help Instagram understand what your post is about and show it in hashtag searches. They don't make a post go viral on their own.
How many?
Instagram recommends 3–5. Using 30 doesn't help and can look spammy.
The 3-layer method
- 1 broad tag: #indianfood
- 2 niche tags: #southindianbreakfast #dosalovers
- 1–2 local tags: #bangalorefoodie #indiranagar
Don't
- Use banned or spammy tags (#follow4follow).
- Use the same set on every post.
- Use tags unrelated to your content.
Need ideas? Use our free hashtag generator.
Services mentioned in this guide