How to Use Hashtags on Instagram Reels: A Complete Guide

Hashtags have been a key part of Instagram for years, helping users find content and allowing creators to boost their visibility. With the rise of Instagram Reels, hashtags have taken on even more significance, helping short videos reach wider audiences. If you’re wondering how to use hashtags effectively on Instagram Reels, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most out of hashtags in 2024.

What Are Instagram Reels?

Before diving into hashtags, it’s helpful to understand Instagram Reels. Reels are short videos, up to 90 seconds long, that allow you to share creative, engaging content with your followers and beyond. Think of Reels as Instagram’s answer to TikTok. The platform prioritises Reels on the Explore page, meaning that using Reels is one of the best ways to reach new people who don’t already follow you.

But with millions of Reels being uploaded daily, how do you stand out? The answer lies in hashtags.

Why Use Hashtags on Instagram Reels?

Hashtags on Instagram are like labels for your content. They categorise your Reels and help Instagram’s algorithm show them to users who might be interested. When you use the right hashtags, you increase your chances of getting discovered by people who are looking for the type of content you’re sharing.

Here are a few benefits of using hashtags on your Reels:

1. Increased Visibility: Hashtags can help your Reel appear on the Explore page and in hashtag search results, allowing more people to see your content.
2. Targeted Audience: By using specific hashtags that relate to your content or niche, you’re more likely to reach people who are genuinely interested in what you post.
3. Community Building: Hashtags can connect you with like-minded people or communities on Instagram, which can help you build a loyal following.
4. Improved Engagement: Hashtags can lead to more views, likes, comments, and shares on your Reels, boosting your overall engagement.

How to Choose the Right Hashtags for Instagram Reels

The key to success with Instagram Reels hashtags is relevance. You don’t want to just throw in random or trending hashtags that have nothing to do with your content. Instead, you want to find hashtags that are closely related to your video and target audience.

Here’s a step-by-step process for finding the right hashtags:

1. Research Popular Hashtags in Your Niche

Start by looking for hashtags that are popular in your niche or industry. For example, if you post fitness Reels, check out hashtags like #fitlife, #workoutmotivation, or #fitnessgoals. You can do this by searching for these hashtags on Instagram and checking out which ones other creators in your space are using.

2. Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags

While it might be tempting to use only the most popular hashtags, it’s better to mix popular hashtags with more niche ones. Popular hashtags like #love or #fun have millions of posts, making it hard for your Reel to stand out. Niche hashtags, on the other hand, might have fewer posts but can be more targeted, giving you a better chance of being seen by people who care about your content.

For instance, if you’re a yoga instructor, you could use broad hashtags like #yoga (which has millions of posts) along with more specific ones like #morningyogaflow or #yogainspiration, which might have fewer posts but attract a more engaged audience.

3. Use Location-Specific Hashtags

If your content is related to a specific location, be sure to include location-based hashtags. For example, if you’re a travel influencer sharing a Reel from Paris, include hashtags like #ParisTravel or #ExploreParis to target people interested in that location.

4. Check Hashtag Post Volume

A good rule of thumb is to aim for hashtags with a post volume between 10,000 and 200,000. Hashtags with millions of posts might drown your content in an ocean of other posts, while hashtags with only a few hundred posts might not have enough people searching for them. Try to find a balance by using medium-sized hashtags with an engaged community.

5. Test and Analyse Hashtags

Instagram offers insights and analytics for Reels, allowing you to see how your hashtags are performing. Keep an eye on which hashtags lead to the most views and engagement, and adjust your strategy based on what’s working.

How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram Reels?

Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags on a post or Reel, but that doesn’t mean you should. Instagram itself has recommended using between 3 and 5 hashtags for optimal visibility, but many creators find that using 10 to 20 well-chosen hashtags can lead to even better results.

The most important thing is to focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to use a few highly relevant hashtags than to spam your Reel with random ones.

Types of Hashtags to Use on Instagram Reels

Not all hashtags are created equal. Different types of hashtags serve different purposes, and using a combination of them can help maximise your reach.

1. Content-Related Hashtags

These are hashtags that directly relate to the content of your Reel. For example, if your Reel is about making a smoothie, you might use hashtags like #smoothierecipes, #healthysmoothies, or #veganrecipes. These hashtags help Instagram categorise your Reel and show it to users interested in similar content.

2. Industry Hashtags

These are hashtags that are relevant to your broader industry or niche. For example, if you’re in the fashion industry, you might use hashtags like #fashionista, #outfitoftheday, or #styleblogger. These tags connect you with a larger community of people in your industry.

3. Trending Hashtags

Occasionally, certain hashtags will trend on Instagram, and using them can give you a visibility boost. However, be careful to only use trending hashtags that are relevant to your content. Using a hashtag just because it’s popular can make your content seem spammy.

4. Branded Hashtags

If you’re a business or personal brand, consider creating your own branded hashtag. This could be a hashtag specific to your products, services, or content, like #MyBrandReels or #BrandChallenge. Encourage your audience to use the hashtag when interacting with your content or participating in challenges.

5. Community Hashtags

Community hashtags are great for building engagement and connecting with other users who share similar interests. Examples of community hashtags include #Bookstagram for book lovers, #PlantParents for plant enthusiasts, and #DogLovers for pet owners. These hashtags allow you to reach and engage with a specific community on Instagram.

6. Challenge Hashtags

Instagram Reels are often used for viral challenges, and participating in these challenges can be a fun way to engage with trends and increase your visibility. Look for popular challenge hashtags related to your niche and participate by creating your own version of the challenge. For example, if there’s a trending dance challenge, you could use hashtags like #DanceChallenge or #ReelsDanceChallenge.

Where to Place Hashtags on Instagram Reels?

Unlike regular Instagram posts, where you have the option to place hashtags in the comments, with Reels, it’s best to include your hashtags directly in the caption. Placing hashtags in the caption ensures they’re immediately visible when your Reel is posted, increasing the likelihood that your content will be categorised and shown to users based on those hashtags.

Some creators also experiment with adding a few hashtags in the Reel itself using text overlays, but this is optional.

Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Using hashtags effectively requires a bit of strategy. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your hashtags work in your favour:

1. Using Irrelevant Hashtags

It’s tempting to use trending or popular hashtags even if they aren’t directly related to your content. But this can backfire. If someone sees your Reel under a hashtag like #Travel, expecting to find travel-related content but instead gets a cooking video, they may scroll past your post, which can hurt your engagement. Always ensure your hashtags are relevant to the content you’re sharing.

2. Overloading Hashtags

While you’re allowed to use up to 30 hashtags, stuffing all 30 into your post may come across as spammy. Instagram’s algorithm favours quality over quantity. Use only the hashtags that are most relevant to your content and audience.

3. Not Researching Hashtags

Simply choosing hashtags at random or guessing what might be popular won’t do much for your reach. Take the time to research the hashtags you’re using. This will ensure they’re being used by the right audience and can help improve your post’s visibility.

4. Using Banned Hashtags

Some hashtags have been banned by Instagram due to misuse or inappropriate content. If you accidentally use a banned hashtag, Instagram may limit the visibility of your content. Be sure to double-check the hashtags you’re using to ensure they’re still active and not restricted by the platform.

5. Not Refreshing Your Hashtags

Hashtags evolve over time. What worked last year might not be as effective today. It’s important to regularly refresh and update your hashtag strategy to stay on top of trends. Continuously test new hashtags, analyse the results, and adapt your strategy as needed.

How to Track the Success of Your Hashtags on Instagram Reels

Hashtags are just one part of your Instagram Reels strategy, but they play a significant role in your reach and engagement. To know if your hashtag strategy is working, you need to track the performance of your posts and the hashtags you use.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Instagram Insights

Instagram provides basic insights into how your Reels are performing, including data on reach, engagement, and impressions. Pay attention to how many views and interactions your Reels get and look at which ones performed best. If a Reel with certain hashtags did particularly well, consider using similar hashtags in future posts.

2. Third-Party Analytics Tools

If you want deeper insights, third-party tools like Later, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite can help track the performance of your hashtags. These tools often provide data on which hashtags are driving the most engagement, reach, and impressions. This way, you can adjust your strategy based on what’s working best.

3. Experiment and Refine

The only way to know for sure which hashtags work best for your content is to experiment. Try using different combinations of hashtags in your Reels and track their performance. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns in what works and what doesn’t. Use this data to refine your strategy and improve your future posts.

Hashtag Best Practices for Instagram Reels in 2024

To make the most of your hashtag strategy on Instagram Reels, keep these best practices in mind:

1. Use Relevant Hashtags: Always ensure your hashtags are relevant to your content and target audience.
2. Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags: Strike a balance between popular hashtags and niche ones to maximise visibility while keeping your content targeted.
3. Limit Your Hashtags: Using 10-20 well-chosen hashtags is often more effective than stuffing your post with 30 random ones.
4. Research and Stay Updated: Regularly research trending and relevant hashtags in your niche, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as needed.
5. Track Performance: Use Instagram Insights and third-party tools to monitor which hashtags are driving engagement and refine your strategy based on the data.

Wrapping Up

Using hashtags on Instagram Reels is one of the most effective ways to boost your content’s visibility and engagement. By choosing the right hashtags, staying relevant, and continuously tracking your performance, you can reach new audiences and grow your presence on Instagram.

Remember, Instagram’s algorithm is always evolving, and so should your hashtag strategy. Keep experimenting with different hashtags, monitor what works best, and adjust your strategy accordingly. With a little bit of planning and some thoughtful hashtag use, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your reach, boosting your engagement, and growing your Instagram presence.