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How to Use Hashtags on Social Media: Complete Guide (2026)

How to Use Hashtags on Social Media: Complete Guide (2026)

Hasan CagliHasan Cagli
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Hashtags can make or break your social media reach. Use them right, and your content gets discovered by thousands of new people. Use them wrong—or not at all—and you're invisible to everyone outside your existing followers.

But here's the problem: every platform has different rules. Instagram rewards 20-30 hashtags while LinkedIn penalizes more than 5. TikTok's algorithm barely cares about hashtags while YouTube uses them for search ranking.

This guide covers everything you need to know about hashtags in 2026—including how many to use, where to put them, which ones to avoid, and free AI tools to generate perfect hashtags for every platform.

Quick Access: Free Hashtag Generator Tools

PlatformRecommended CountToolBest For
Instagram20-30 hashtagsInstagram Hashtag GeneratorReels, posts, Stories
TikTok3-5 hashtagsTikTok Hashtag GeneratorViral videos, FYP
Twitter/X1-3 hashtagsTwitter Hashtag GeneratorTweets, threads
YouTube3-5 hashtagsYouTube Hashtag GeneratorVideos, Shorts
LinkedIn3-5 hashtagsLinkedIn Hashtag GeneratorProfessional posts
Facebook2-5 hashtagsFacebook Hashtag GeneratorPosts, pages, groups
Pinterest2-5 hashtagsPinterest Hashtag GeneratorPins, Idea Pins

All tools are 100% free, require no signup, and generate relevant hashtags instantly.

Why Hashtags Still Matter in 2026

Some marketers claim hashtags are dead. They're wrong—but how hashtags work has evolved dramatically.

How Hashtags Actually Work Now

On algorithm-driven platforms (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram Reels):

  • The algorithm primarily analyzes your actual content (video, audio, engagement)
  • Hashtags help categorize content, not rank it
  • A few relevant hashtags outperform dozens of random ones

On search-driven platforms (LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube):

  • Hashtags function more like keywords
  • Users actively search and follow hashtags
  • The right hashtags can drive consistent, long-term traffic

On conversation-driven platforms (Twitter/X):

  • Hashtags connect you to trending topics and discussions
  • Joining the right hashtag at the right time can go viral
  • Irrelevant hashtag use backfires quickly

What Hashtags Actually Do

  1. Categorize your content: Platforms use hashtags to understand what your post is about
  2. Enable discovery: Users browsing or searching hashtags can find you
  3. Connect communities: Niche hashtags connect you with engaged audiences
  4. Track campaigns: Branded hashtags let you monitor user-generated content
  5. Join conversations: Trending hashtags let you participate in broader discussions

What Hashtags Don't Do

  • Guarantee virality: Great hashtags can't save bad content
  • Replace quality: Hashtag-stuffing without value annoys audiences
  • Work equally everywhere: Each platform has different rules
  • Stay relevant forever: Trending hashtags change constantly

The Hashtag Sweet Spot: How Many to Use

PlatformMinimumOptimalMaximumNotes
Instagram520-3030More is better IF relevant
TikTok23-56Algorithm > hashtags
Twitter/X11-23Less is more
YouTube33-515First 3 show above title
LinkedIn23-55Professional, targeted
Facebook12-35Minimal, relevant
Pinterest22-520Keywords matter more

Key insight: More hashtags ≠ more reach. The optimal number varies by platform, and irrelevant hashtags hurt more than no hashtags at all.

The Three Types of Hashtags

Understanding hashtag categories helps you build a balanced strategy:

1. Popular/Broad Hashtags

Definition: Hashtags with millions of posts (e.g., #love, #fitness, #marketing)

Pros:

  • Massive potential reach
  • Good for brand awareness
  • Easy to find

Cons:

  • Your post gets buried in seconds
  • Very competitive
  • Often too generic to convert

Use them: Sparingly, 1-2 per post maximum

2. Medium/Niche Hashtags

Definition: Hashtags with 100K-1M posts (e.g., #homeworkout, #veganrecipes, #startuplife)

Pros:

  • Good balance of reach and visibility
  • More targeted audience
  • Posts stay visible longer

Cons:

  • Require research to find
  • Less overall reach than broad hashtags

Use them: This should be your primary focus—3-5 per post

3. Micro/Specific Hashtags

Definition: Hashtags with under 100K posts (e.g., #veganmealprep, #solofounderlife, #brooklynphotographer)

Pros:

  • Highly targeted audience
  • Less competition
  • Posts stay discoverable for days/weeks
  • Higher engagement rates

Cons:

  • Limited reach
  • May be too small to matter

Use them: 2-3 per post for targeted discovery

The Ideal Hashtag Mix

For most platforms, aim for this ratio:

Popular (broad): 10-20%
Medium (niche): 50-60%
Micro (specific): 20-30%

Example for a fitness post on Instagram:

Popular (2-3): #fitness #workout #gym
Medium (5-7): #homeworkout #strengthtraining #fitnessmotivation #workoutroutine #fitnessjourney
Micro (3-5): #dumbbellworkout #30minworkout #fitnessover40 #homegymlife

Instagram Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 20-30 hashtags
Maximum: 30 hashtags
Placement: Caption or first comment (both work equally)

Instagram still rewards hashtag use more than any other platform. The algorithm uses hashtags to categorize content for the Explore page and hashtag feeds.

How Instagram Hashtags Work

  1. Hashtag feeds: Users can browse posts using specific hashtags
  2. Explore page: Instagram uses hashtags to recommend content
  3. Search: Hashtags appear in Instagram search results
  4. Following: Users can follow hashtags and see related posts in their feed

Instagram Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use all 30 hashtags (if they're relevant)
  • Mix popular, medium, and niche hashtags
  • Research hashtags in your niche
  • Vary hashtags between posts
  • Include location-based hashtags if relevant
  • Use hashtags specific to your content type (#reels, #carouseltips)

Don't:

  • Use the same 30 hashtags on every post
  • Use banned or restricted hashtags
  • Use irrelevant trending hashtags
  • Put hashtags that don't match your content
  • Forget to research before using

Instagram Hashtag Placement

Both placement options work equally well for discovery:

In the caption:

Caption text here...

·
·
·

#hashtag1 #hashtag2 #hashtag3...

In the first comment:

  • Post your content with caption
  • Immediately comment with hashtags
  • Looks cleaner, same discoverability

Instagram Reels Hashtags

Reels rely more on content analysis, but hashtags still help:

  • Use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags (not 30)
  • Include #reels or #instagramreels
  • Add trending challenge hashtags if participating
  • Focus on niche tags over broad ones

Banned Instagram Hashtags to Avoid

Instagram restricts certain hashtags due to spam or policy violations. Using them can reduce your reach or hide your post entirely.

How to check: Search the hashtag on Instagram. If it shows "Recent posts hidden" or no results, avoid it.

Generate Instagram Hashtags →


TikTok Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 3-5 hashtags
Maximum: No hard limit, but fewer is better
Placement: In the caption

TikTok's algorithm primarily analyzes your video content, audio, and engagement patterns. Hashtags are supplementary—they help categorize content but don't drive discovery the way they do on Instagram.

How TikTok Hashtags Work

  1. Categorization: Helps TikTok understand what your video is about
  2. Challenge discovery: Hashtag challenges drive participation
  3. Search: Users can search for hashtags to find related content
  4. Trending: Trending hashtags appear on the Discover page

The #fyp Debate

Should you use #fyp, #foryou, or #foryoupage?

The truth: These hashtags are so overused (billions of posts) that they provide minimal discoverability benefit. TikTok's algorithm doesn't prioritize videos just for using #fyp.

Recommendation: Use at most ONE of these if you want, but don't waste multiple hashtag slots on variations. Use that space for relevant, specific hashtags instead.

TikTok Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags
  • Jump on trending challenges with their official hashtag
  • Use sound-specific hashtags when applicable
  • Include niche hashtags for your content category
  • Keep up with trending hashtags daily

Don't:

  • Stuff your caption with 15+ hashtags
  • Use irrelevant trending hashtags for views
  • Rely on hashtags over content quality
  • Use the same hashtags on every video
  • Ignore challenge and trend hashtags

TikTok Challenge Hashtags

Participating in hashtag challenges can significantly boost visibility:

  1. Find trending challenges on the Discover page
  2. Create your take on the trend
  3. Use the official challenge hashtag
  4. Post while the trend is still peaking

Pro tip: Jump on challenges in the first 24-48 hours for maximum visibility.

Generate TikTok Hashtags →


Twitter/X Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 1-2 hashtags
Maximum: 3 hashtags
Placement: Within the tweet or at the end

Twitter rewards precision over volume. Research shows tweets with 1-2 hashtags get 21% more engagement than tweets with 3+.

How Twitter Hashtags Work

  1. Trending topics: Popular hashtags appear in the Trending section
  2. Search: Hashtags are searchable and clickable
  3. Conversations: Hashtags connect related discussions
  4. Events: Live events often have official hashtags

Twitter Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 1-2 highly relevant hashtags
  • Join trending conversations when relevant
  • Integrate hashtags naturally into your text
  • Use event/conference hashtags when attending
  • Create branded hashtags for campaigns

Don't:

  • Stuff multiple hashtags into every tweet
  • Hijack trending hashtags with irrelevant content
  • Start tweets with hashtags (looks spammy)
  • Use the same hashtags on every tweet
  • Forget that Twitter users notice hashtag abuse

Joining trending conversations can massively boost reach—but only if done authentically:

Good example:

Just saw the #SuperBowl halftime show. That choreography was incredible. Thoughts on bringing back full-band performances?

Bad example:

Buy our product now! #SuperBowl #trending #viral #followme

Twitter Thread Hashtags

For threads, concentrate hashtags in the first tweet:

  • First tweet: Include 1-2 relevant hashtags
  • Subsequent tweets: No hashtags needed
  • This keeps threads readable while maintaining discoverability

Generate Twitter Hashtags →


YouTube Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 3-5 hashtags
Maximum: 15 hashtags (more than 15 = ALL ignored)
Placement: Video description (first 3 appear above title)

YouTube hashtags work differently than other platforms—they're more like searchable tags that help with SEO and categorization.

How YouTube Hashtags Work

  1. Above-title display: First 3 hashtags appear as clickable links above your video title
  2. Search results: Hashtags are searchable on YouTube
  3. Related videos: Helps YouTube categorize and recommend your content
  4. Hashtag pages: Clicking a hashtag shows all videos using it

YouTube Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 3-5 relevant hashtags
  • Put the most important 3 first (they display above title)
  • Include searchable terms viewers might look for
  • Use #Shorts for short-form vertical videos
  • Add hashtags at the end of your description

Don't:

  • Use more than 15 hashtags (YouTube ignores ALL of them)
  • Put hashtags in your video title
  • Use misleading hashtags (violates policies)
  • Forget the #Shorts hashtag for Shorts content
  • Use the same generic hashtags on every video

YouTube Shorts Hashtags

For YouTube Shorts, hashtags play a more important role:

  • Always include #Shorts or #YouTubeShorts
  • Add 2-3 topic-specific hashtags
  • Use trending hashtags relevant to your content
  • Keep it concise—Shorts are fast-paced

The 15 Hashtag Rule

This is critical: if you use more than 15 hashtags on YouTube, the platform ignores ALL of them. Your video gets zero hashtag benefit. Always stay at or under 15.

Generate YouTube Hashtags →


LinkedIn Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 3-5 hashtags
Maximum: 5 hashtags
Placement: End of post

LinkedIn takes a professional approach to hashtags. Users can follow hashtags, and the algorithm uses them to distribute content to relevant professionals.

How LinkedIn Hashtags Work

  1. Following: Users follow hashtags to see related content in their feed
  2. Search: Hashtags are searchable on LinkedIn
  3. Algorithm distribution: Posts with relevant hashtags reach interested professionals
  4. Content categorization: Helps LinkedIn understand your expertise areas

LinkedIn Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 3-5 professional, relevant hashtags
  • Check hashtag follower counts before using
  • Mix industry and topic hashtags
  • Place hashtags at the end of your post
  • Follow the hashtags you use regularly

Don't:

  • Use more than 5 hashtags (looks unprofessional)
  • Use casual or trendy hashtags
  • Start posts with hashtags
  • Use hashtags with very few followers
  • Forget that LinkedIn is professional

Finding LinkedIn Hashtags

LinkedIn shows follower counts for hashtags. Aim for:

  • 10K-1M followers: Good balance of reach and relevance
  • Under 10K: Too small to drive discovery
  • Over 1M: Highly competitive, use sparingly

LinkedIn Hashtag Examples by Industry

Tech:

#SaaS #ProductManagement #TechStartups #AI #CloudComputing

Marketing:

#ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #MarketingStrategy #B2BMarketing #SEO

HR/Recruiting:

#Hiring #TalentAcquisition #HR #WorkplaceCulture #RemoteWork

Finance:

#Fintech #InvestmentBanking #Finance #VentureCapital #StartupFunding

Generate LinkedIn Hashtags →


Facebook Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 2-3 hashtags
Maximum: 5 hashtags
Placement: End of post or naturally in text

Facebook hashtags exist but are less impactful than on other platforms. Most Facebook users don't actively browse hashtags, but they can still help with search and categorization.

How Facebook Hashtags Work

  1. Search: Hashtags are clickable and searchable
  2. Public posts: Hashtag feeds show public posts only
  3. Groups: Hashtags help organize discussions within groups
  4. Pages: Can improve discoverability for business pages

Facebook Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 2-3 highly relevant hashtags
  • Focus on searchable, descriptive hashtags
  • Use branded hashtags for campaigns
  • Include hashtags in Facebook group posts
  • Keep it minimal—Facebook users aren't hashtag-focused

Don't:

  • Use 10+ hashtags like Instagram
  • Expect major discovery from hashtags alone
  • Use hashtags on private posts (pointless)
  • Forget that Facebook's demographic skews older
  • Use Gen-Z slang hashtags for a professional audience

Facebook Groups and Hashtags

Hashtags work better in Facebook groups than on pages:

  • Help members find related discussions
  • Create recurring hashtags (#MondayMotivation, #WinWednesday)
  • Organize content themes within the group

Generate Facebook Hashtags →


Pinterest Hashtag Strategy

Recommended: 2-5 hashtags
Maximum: 20 hashtags
Placement: End of pin description

Pinterest is a search engine first, social platform second. Keywords in your pin description matter far more than hashtags—but hashtags can provide supplementary categorization.

How Pinterest Hashtags Work

  1. Categorization: Helps Pinterest understand pin topics
  2. Search: Hashtags are searchable (but keywords work better)
  3. Clickable: Users can click hashtags to see related pins
  4. Secondary to SEO: Keywords in title/description rank higher

Pinterest Hashtag Best Practices

Do:

  • Use 2-5 relevant hashtags at most
  • Prioritize keywords over hashtags
  • Use specific, niche hashtags
  • Add hashtags at the end of descriptions
  • Match hashtags to actual pin content

Don't:

  • Rely on hashtags for discovery (use keywords)
  • Use more than 5-10 hashtags
  • Put hashtags instead of proper descriptions
  • Use generic hashtags like #pinterest
  • Forget that Pinterest SEO > hashtags

Pinterest Keywords vs Hashtags

Keywords (more important):

  • Go in pin title and description
  • Directly affect search ranking
  • Should be natural, descriptive language

Hashtags (supplementary):

  • Go at the end of description
  • Help with categorization
  • Use 2-5 specific ones

Example description:

Easy 30-minute chicken stir fry recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This healthy dinner uses simple ingredients and comes together fast. Great for meal prep!

#30minutemeals #chickenstirfry #easydinner #mealprep #healthyrecipes

Generate Pinterest Hashtags →


How to Research Hashtags

Finding the right hashtags requires research. Here's how to discover effective hashtags for your niche:

On each platform:

  1. Search a broad term in your niche
  2. Look at suggested/related hashtags
  3. Check hashtag popularity (posts count, follower count)
  4. Note which hashtags successful accounts use

Method 2: Competitor Analysis

  1. Find 5-10 successful accounts in your niche
  2. Analyze their recent posts
  3. Note which hashtags they use consistently
  4. Look for patterns in high-performing posts

Method 3: AI Hashtag Generators

Our free AI generators analyze your topic and suggest relevant hashtags:

  1. Enter your post topic or content description
  2. Select how many hashtags you want
  3. Choose mix type (popular, medium, niche, balanced)
  4. Get instant, relevant suggestions
  5. Copy and customize for your post

Method 4: Hashtag Tools

Look for:

  • Post volume (how many posts use it)
  • Recent activity (is it still active?)
  • Related hashtags (discover variations)
  • Audience overlap (who uses these tags?)

Evaluating Hashtag Quality

Before using a hashtag, check:

FactorWhat to Look For
RelevanceDirectly related to your content
ActivityRecent posts (not dead/abandoned)
QualityNon-spammy content in the feed
SizeMix of popular, medium, and niche
CompetitionCan your content stand out?

Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Banned/Restricted Hashtags

Many platforms restrict certain hashtags due to spam or policy violations. Using them can:

  • Hide your post from hashtag feeds
  • Reduce overall reach
  • Get your content flagged

How to check: Search the hashtag on the platform. If results are limited or hidden, avoid it.

Mistake 2: Hashtag Stuffing

Using maximum hashtags on every post looks spammy and can hurt engagement:

Bad:

Great morning! #morning #goodmorning #sunrise #coffee #coffeelover #mondaymotivation #mondayvibes #motivated #inspiration #goodvibes #positivity #happy #blessed #grateful #lifestyle

Better:

Great morning! Starting the week with intention.

#mondaymotivation #morningroutine #productivity

Using trending hashtags unrelated to your content (newsjacking) backfires:

  • Users feel tricked/annoyed
  • Platform algorithms may penalize you
  • Damages brand credibility

Mistake 4: Same Hashtags Every Post

Repeating identical hashtags signals:

  • Lazy content strategy
  • Potential spam behavior
  • Lack of content variety

Create hashtag sets for different content types and rotate them.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Platform Differences

Instagram's 30 hashtags won't work on LinkedIn. Twitter's 1-2 hashtags seem sparse on Instagram. Adapt your strategy to each platform.

Mistake 6: Not Tracking Performance

If you don't track which hashtags drive results, you can't improve. Use platform analytics to see:

  • Which hashtags drove impressions
  • Engagement rates by hashtag set
  • Discovery vs follower reach

Creating a Hashtag Strategy

Step 1: Define Your Niche and Topics

List the main topics you post about:

  • Primary niche (e.g., fitness)
  • Sub-topics (strength training, nutrition, recovery)
  • Content types (tips, tutorials, motivation)

Step 2: Research Hashtags for Each Topic

For each topic, find:

  • 5-10 popular hashtags
  • 10-15 medium hashtags
  • 5-10 niche hashtags

Use our generators and manual research to build these lists.

Step 3: Create Hashtag Sets

Organize hashtags into sets for different content types:

Set A: Workout Videos

#workout #fitnessmotivation #homeworkout #strengthtraining #gymmotivation #fitnesstips #workoutvideo #exerciseroutine #fitnessjourney #getfit

Set B: Nutrition Tips

#nutrition #healthyeating #mealprep #cleaneating #macros #proteinrecipes #fitfood #eatclean #nutritiontips #healthyrecipes

Set C: Motivation/Mindset

#fitnessmotivation #mindset #disciplineovermotivation #consistencyiskey #fitnessgoals #progressnotperfection #motivationalquotes #fitnessmindset

Step 4: Customize for Each Post

Don't use sets blindly. For each post:

  1. Start with the relevant set
  2. Add post-specific hashtags
  3. Include trending/timely hashtags if relevant
  4. Remove any that don't fit this specific content

Step 5: Track and Optimize

Monitor performance:

  • Which sets perform best?
  • Which individual hashtags drive discovery?
  • What's the optimal number for your audience?

Adjust your strategy based on data.


Platform-Specific Hashtag Comparison

FeatureInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeLinkedInFacebookPinterest
Optimal count20-303-51-23-53-52-32-5
Discovery impactHighMediumHighMediumMediumLowLow
Following hashtagsYesNoNoNoYesNoNo
Trending sectionExploreDiscoverTrendingTrendingNoNoTrends
PlacementCaption/CommentCaptionIn textDescriptionEndEndEnd
Case sensitiveNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Free Hashtag Generator Tools

We've built free AI hashtag generators for every major platform:

Instagram Hashtag Generator

Generate 5, 10, or 15 relevant hashtags for your Instagram posts. Choose between popular, medium, niche, or balanced mix.

Generate Instagram Hashtags →

TikTok Hashtag Generator

Generate viral, FYP-ready hashtags for your TikTok videos. Focused on trending and niche-specific tags.

Generate TikTok Hashtags →

Twitter/X Hashtag Generator

Generate trending hashtags for tweets and threads. Optimized for Twitter's conversation-driven culture.

Generate Twitter Hashtags →

YouTube Hashtag Generator

Generate SEO-optimized hashtags for YouTube videos and Shorts. Designed for search discoverability.

Generate YouTube Hashtags →

LinkedIn Hashtag Generator

Generate professional hashtags for LinkedIn posts. Focused on industry and career-relevant tags.

Generate LinkedIn Hashtags →

Facebook Hashtag Generator

Generate effective hashtags for Facebook posts, pages, and groups. Minimal, targeted approach.

Generate Facebook Hashtags →

Pinterest Hashtag Generator

Generate SEO-optimized hashtags for Pinterest pins. Complementary to keyword strategy.

Generate Pinterest Hashtags →


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hashtag generator?

A hashtag generator is a tool that suggests relevant hashtags based on your content topic. AI-powered generators analyze your input and recommend hashtags optimized for specific platforms, helping you find the right mix of popular, medium, and niche tags.

Are hashtag generators free?

Our hashtag generators are 100% free with no signup required. Generate as many hashtags as you need for any platform.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?

Use 20-30 relevant hashtags on Instagram posts. Studies show posts with more hashtags often get higher reach, but only if the hashtags are relevant to your content. Quality matters more than hitting 30.

Do hashtags still work in 2026?

Yes, but differently than before. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn still heavily use hashtags for discovery. TikTok and YouTube rely more on content analysis, making hashtags supplementary. The key is adapting your strategy to each platform.

Should I use #fyp on TikTok?

You can, but it's not necessary. #fyp is so overused that it provides minimal discoverability benefit. TikTok's algorithm analyzes your actual content, not whether you used #fyp. Use that hashtag slot for something more specific instead.

Where should I put hashtags on Instagram?

Both caption and first comment work equally well for discoverability. Choose based on aesthetic preference. Many creators put hashtags in the first comment for a cleaner caption.

What happens if I use too many hashtags on YouTube?

If you use more than 15 hashtags on YouTube, the platform ignores ALL of them. Your video gets zero hashtag benefit. Always stay at or under 15.

Check each platform's trending/discover section. Use AI hashtag generators for relevant suggestions. Analyze what successful accounts in your niche use. Search broad terms to see related hashtags.

Can hashtags get my account shadowbanned?

Using banned or restricted hashtags can reduce your reach on some platforms. This is sometimes called shadowbanning. Avoid hashtags that Instagram or other platforms have flagged—you can check by searching the hashtag to see if results are limited.

Should I use the same hashtags on every post?

No. Using identical hashtags on every post looks spammy and doesn't help the algorithm understand each post's unique content. Create hashtag sets for different content types and customize for each post.

What's the difference between hashtags and keywords?

Hashtags are clickable tags starting with # that categorize content on social platforms. Keywords are search terms that help content rank in search results. On platforms like Pinterest and YouTube, keywords in titles/descriptions often matter more than hashtags.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned?

Search the hashtag on the platform. If results are limited, hidden, or show a warning message, the hashtag may be restricted. Instagram commonly restricts hashtags due to spam or policy violations.

Can I create my own hashtag?

Yes. Branded hashtags are great for campaigns, events, and tracking user-generated content. Keep them short, memorable, and unique. Promote them consistently for adoption.

Do hashtags work in Instagram Stories?

Yes, but differently. Stories support up to 10 hashtags, and they can help you appear in hashtag Stories. However, hashtag impact on Stories is lower than on feed posts or Reels.

What makes a good hashtag?

A good hashtag is: relevant to your content, actively used (but not oversaturated), specific enough to reach your target audience, and appropriate for the platform you're using.

How often should I change my hashtags?

Vary hashtags based on each post's specific content. Don't use identical sets repeatedly. Update your hashtag research every few months as trends and popularity change.


Wrapping Up

Hashtags remain a valuable tool for social media discovery—but only when used strategically. The key takeaways:

  1. Adapt to each platform: Instagram wants 20-30, Twitter wants 1-2, YouTube caps at 15
  2. Mix hashtag sizes: Combine popular, medium, and niche hashtags
  3. Stay relevant: Irrelevant hashtags hurt more than help
  4. Research continuously: Trending hashtags change, banned hashtags appear, new ones emerge
  5. Track performance: Use analytics to refine your strategy

Ready to generate perfect hashtags? Try our free tools:

Want to schedule your perfectly-hashtagged content? PostPlanify lets you schedule posts across 9 platforms from one dashboard.

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About the Author

Hasan Cagli

Hasan Cagli

Founder of PostPlanify, a content and social media scheduling platform. He focuses on building systems that help creators, businesses, and teams plan, publish, and manage content more efficiently across platforms.

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