6 Ways to Use Hashtags on Instagram

Hashtags are, by far, the most underrated and underused growth tool on Instagram. This is because hashtags are searchable and people find are able to follow certain hashtags. Using them allows your post to reach a wide audience because they make your content discoverable.

Here are 6 ways that you can and should be using hashtags:

1. Use them in your post to increase your reach

Use 30 hashtags in the caption or comments section of your posts (they work the same in either place). Just make sure to only add relevant ones to ensure you get the most exposure out of them! (Swipe left for a reminder on what size hashtags you should be picking)

2. Use hashtags in your stories to get more views

Use at least 10 hashtags in every story that you post. Since each hashtag has its own story, adding them to your stories allows you to get your content in front of everyone who also follows those hashtags. 

3.  Add hashtags to your bio to increase searchability

Adding hashtags to your bio helps make your profile more searchable and easily discoverable. Just don’t go overboard, 1-2 relevant, on-brand hashtags is plenty.  

4. Follow relevant hashtags to keep up with trends

Instagram users now have the option to follow specific hashtags, just like you would follow another user. By doing so, your newsfeed will show top trending posts for that hashtag. This is a great way to keep up with industry trends and discover new thought leaders in your tribe. (P.S. if you have a branded hashtag, you should be following it and encouraging your audience to do the same.)

5. Create your own branded hashtags to check your generated content 

Branded hashtags are similar to online chat rooms. They create a delegated space for you and your audience to share relevant content/information. These are perfect for collecting user-generated content, running contests/giveaways, or categorizing specific campaigns. The best-branded hashtags are relevant to your brand, easy to remember, and brand-spanking-new. 

6. Engage with users using the hashtags you follow and post

As you should know by now, the key to growing your Instagram is reaching and resonating with the right people. Slapping some hashtags on your post and calling it a day is not sufficient. Instead, you have to build your Instagram following by going out and inviting the right people to follow and connect with (Swipe left for a step-by-step guide on how to use hashtags to grow your following).

Written By: Kassidy Aweida, AMR Digital Marketing, Influencer/ Community Manager