How to Choose Hashtags for Instagram Reels
Stop using random hashtags. Learn the strategy behind choosing hashtags that actually help your Reels get discovered.
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Common Hashtag Mistakes
These errors could be limiting your Reels reach
Using Only Popular Hashtags
Hashtags with millions of posts mean your content gets buried in seconds. Your Reel drowns in competition.
Random Hashtag Selection
Copying trending hashtags without relevance confuses the algorithm about what your content is about.
Same Hashtags Every Time
Reusing the exact same hashtag set looks spammy and limits your reach to new audiences.
Banned or Shadowbanned Tags
Some hashtags are restricted by Instagram. Using them can hurt your overall account reach.
How to Choose the Right Hashtags
A strategic approach to hashtag selection
Mix Hashtag Sizes
Use a mix of small (under 100K), medium (100K-500K), and large (500K+) hashtags. Small ones give you visibility, large ones show relevance.
Keep It Relevant
Every hashtag should directly relate to your content. If someone searching that hashtag wouldn't want your Reel, don't use it.
Use 5-10 Hashtags
Quality over quantity. Instagram's own recommendation is 3-5 highly relevant hashtags, but 5-10 targeted ones work well for Reels.
Research Your Niche
Look at what hashtags successful creators in your niche use. Note which ones appear in top-performing Reels.
Include Location Tags
If your content is location-relevant, add location-based hashtags to reach local audiences.
Create Hashtag Groups
Prepare 3-4 different hashtag sets for your content types and rotate them to avoid looking repetitive.
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Common Questions
How many hashtags should I use on Reels?
Instagram recommends 3-5 hashtags, but using 5-10 well-researched, relevant hashtags is a common best practice for Reels.
Should I put hashtags in the caption or comments?
For Reels, hashtags in the caption work slightly better as they're indexed immediately. But either location works.
Do hashtags still work in 2025?
Yes, but they work differently. They help categorize your content for the algorithm rather than being the primary discovery method. Keywords in captions are equally important now.
How do I know if a hashtag is banned?
Search the hashtag on Instagram. If it shows limited results or a content warning, it may be restricted. Avoid using it.
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