How Many Hashtags Should I Use on Instagram?

On Instagram, hashtags are the main secret to getting your content discovered. But with room for up to 30 hashtags per post, it’s easy to start wondering: Should I use all of them? Or just a few that really matter? In this guide, we’ll break down how hashtags really work, how to choose the right ones for your audience, and how to strike the perfect balance between reach and relevance. 

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Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags on a post and 10 on a story. Just because you can use 30 doesn’t mean you really should. More isn’t always better. The real trick is to avoid looking spammy or desperate for reach. Find that sweet spot where your hashtags feel helpful and relevant, not overstuffed. Quality is more important than quantity. 

Hashtags are powerful tools that help you reach the right people. Using specific, relevant hashtags connects your content with people who are actually interested in what you’re sharing. This means more engagement and more followers. And if you’re looking to kickstart growth a bit faster, platforms like Viewsta let you buy Instagram followers to give your profile a solid boost while you work on building that organic traction.

So, how many hashtags are just right? Some data points to 9–11 being the magic number, while others say 20–30 works great too. Try different amounts, watch how your audience reacts, and adjust along the way. It’s less about hitting a perfect number and more about choosing hashtags that actually make sense for your post and your community.

It’s tempting to chase viral hashtags. They get tons of traffic—but also tons of competition. Your post might get a quick flash of visibility and then disappear. Read about how to get viral on Instagram.

Niche hashtags, on the other hand, might reach fewer people, but they’re more your people. The ones who are truly interested and more likely to engage. The best strategy? Mix a few popular ones with niche-specific tags for the best of both methods.

If you’re aiming to make the most of your hashtags, here’s what to keep in mind:

Do your research. Check what hashtags your peers or top creators in your space are using.

Use a mix. Combine broad tags with super-specific ones.

Watch your stats. Track what’s working and what’s not.

Don’t use the exact same set every time. That could trigger Instagram’s shadowban and tank your reach.

Don’t overload your caption. Drop your hashtags in the first comment instead — it keeps things looking clean.

Using hashtags wisely can seriously level up your reach on Instagram. But the secret sauce isn’t just about using more—it’s about using smarter. Keep it relevant, switch things up, and stay tuned into what your audience responds to.

If you're still building momentum and want a little push, services like Viewsta let you buy Instagram likes and Instagram views to give your content a visibility boost while you build your strategy.

Can I utilize all 30 hashtags on Instagram? 

Yes, you can use up to 30. Just make sure they’re relevant—random or unrelated tags can actually hurt your visibility.

How do I find the right hashtags?

Start with some research. See what your niche or favorite creators are using, explore Instagram’s search feature, or try tools like Hashtagify. Focus on hashtags that match your content and audience.

Is it okay to reuse the same hashtags?

A few repeat tags are fine, especially branded ones. But using the exact same set over and over isn’t ideal—mix it up based on each post to stay fresh and visible.

Are hashtags in comments just as effective?

Totally! Putting hashtags in the first comment works just like putting them in the caption. It also keeps your captions clean and easy to read.

Can I make my own hashtags?

Absolutely. Creating custom hashtags is a great way to promote campaigns, launches, or build community around your brand. Just keep them short, catchy, and easy to remember.

Are local hashtags worth it?

If your content is location-specific or you're targeting a local audience, yes! Local hashtags can help you show up for nearby users and build a stronger connection with your community.