Instagram Reels can catapult creators and brands to viral fame, but only if you understand how to use hashtags strategically. The right hashtags won't magically transform mediocre content into viral gold, but they will help Instagram's algorithm surface your videos to the right audience.
Research shows that Reels with hashtags see significantly higher reach and engagement than those without. Analysis has found that Reels with hashtags got 43% more reach and 47% more engagement compared to posts with no tags.
The takeaway? Hashtags matter, but only when used intelligently.
This guide breaks down why hashtags still work in 2025, how to choose the most effective tags for your content, and exactly which hashtags can boost your chances of going viral. You'll also learn how tools like Shortimize can help you track which hashtags actually drive performance across your Reels, so you're making decisions based on data instead of guesswork.
Do Hashtags Still Work for Instagram Reels in 2025?
If you've heard that "hashtags are dead" on Instagram, you can ignore that noise. While Instagram's algorithm has evolved to understand content through image recognition, keywords, and user behavior, hashtags remain essential for categorizing your content.
They signal what your Reel is about and help the algorithm decide who should see it.
Hashtags still function as discovery labels. Users can follow specific hashtags or search for them to find content, and the algorithm uses these signals to determine if your Reel should appear on someone's Explore page or Reels feed. Social media experts confirm that hashtags can put your content in front of the right audience: users interested in your niche or topic. In 2025, they remain relevant tools for improving visibility.
That said, hashtags alone won't make you go viral. If your video isn't engaging or if you use irrelevant hashtags, they can actually hurt your reach.
Instagram has confirmed that using spammy or off-topic tags confuses the algorithm and turns viewers off. Even worse, if you accidentally use a banned hashtag (one associated with spam or inappropriate content), Instagram may shadowban your Reel, essentially hiding it from discovery.
Think of hashtags as a boost rather than a guarantee. They give the algorithm extra context about your Reel, which can be the deciding factor in reaching people beyond your existing followers. For small or growing accounts, that extra discovery boost often makes the difference between a post that dies quietly and one that picks up momentum.
Here's where Shortimize becomes particularly useful. Instead of guessing which hashtags work, you can track which tags consistently drive non-follower views on your best-performing Reels. Shortimize's cross-platform tracking lets you monitor performance across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts in one dashboard, so you can identify patterns and double down on what actually works.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram Reels?
One of the most debated questions: how many hashtags is optimal? Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags on a Reel, but the "right" number has been hotly contested for years.
What Does Instagram Recommend for Hashtag Count?
In mid-2021, Instagram surprised creators by recommending only 3-5 hashtags per post, despite allowing up to 30. The reasoning was that fewer, highly relevant tags help Instagram more reliably categorize content, whereas 30 random tags might dilute focus and look spammy. This recommendation still circulates in 2025 as guidance against spammy behavior.
What the Research Shows About Hashtag Numbers
Real-world data tells a different story. A 2024 study analyzed over 18 million Instagram posts and found that using more hashtags actually led to higher reach.
Specifically, posts with around 20 hashtags had the best average reach rates. The conclusion: up to 20 well-chosen tags can maximize visibility, as long as those tags are genuinely relevant.
What Social Media Experts Recommend
Social media experts often recommend a middle ground: somewhere between 5-15 hashtags per Reel. This range casts a wide enough net without forcing you to scrape the bottom of the barrel with irrelevant tags. Quality beats quantity every time. Better to use 8 highly relevant hashtags than 30 random ones.
How Many Hashtags Should You Actually Use?
Test and track what works for your content. If you can easily identify 15-20 strongly relevant hashtags, go for it. There's evidence that could boost reach. But don't force yourself to hit 20 or 30 tags if they start becoming only tangentially related.
Using off-topic or generic tags (like #followme or #like4like on a cooking Reel) can backfire by confusing the algorithm and disappointing viewers.
A good rule of thumb: aim for 5-10 core hashtags that are extremely relevant to your content, then add a few trending or broad tags if they truly fit. If you're in a highly competitive niche, using more tags could help you appear in more searches, but each tag still needs to make sense.
How to Track Your Hashtag Results
If you have a Business or Creator account, check your Reach metrics for Reels. Instagram will tell you how many impressions came "from hashtags." This gives you a rough idea of whether your hashtag strategy is working.
Better yet, use Shortimize to track hashtag performance over time. When you can see exactly which hashtags drive discovery for your videos, you can refine your strategy based on actual data instead of hunches.
What Are the Best Practices for Using Reels Hashtags?
Not all hashtags are created equal. Using the right tags in the right way can dramatically affect whether your Reel gains traction. Follow these best practices to maximize your viral potential:
Use Only Relevant Hashtags for Your Content
Every hashtag should directly relate to your Reel's content or your target audience's interests. Random or misleading tags won't fool anyone.
In fact, if people stumble on your video via an unrelated hashtag, they'll bounce immediately, hurting your engagement rate. When content doesn't match expectations, the algorithm takes notice.
For example, if your Reel is a baking tutorial, tag things like #baking or #easyrecipes, not #fitness or #travel. Relevance is non-negotiable.
How to Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
A winning strategy combines broad trending hashtags with specific niche ones.
Broad tags like #instagramreels, #explorepage, and #trendingreels have high volume and can expose you to a large audience, but they're extremely competitive. Niche tags like #veganbakingtips or #fitnessover40 may have fewer people searching, but those who do are highly interested in that exact topic, and competition is much lower.
By mixing both types, you capture some wide exposure while zeroing in on your ideal community. A travel vlogger might use #travelreels and #wanderlust (popular) alongside #solotravelgirls or #backpackingEurope (niche).
How to Avoid Banned or Spammy Hashtags
Instagram periodically "bans" certain hashtags that have been overrun with spam, bots, or inappropriate content.
Using a banned hashtag can shadowban or suppress your content, essentially preventing your Reel from showing up in any hashtag searches.
Always double-check if a tag is banned: search for the hashtag in Instagram and see if posts still appear for it. If not, steer clear. Also avoid hashtags that look obviously spammy (like #Follow4Follow or #LikeForLike). These may not be outright banned, but they draw low-quality engagement and could hurt your credibility with the algorithm.
Don't Overstuff Hashtags for the Sake of It
Yes, you can use 30 hashtags, but stuffing all 30 slots with generic or repetitive tags looks spammy and dilutes your relevance. Often, less is more.
A tight set of 5-10 highly targeted tags can outperform 30 broad ones because you're signaling a clear niche.
Overloading hashtags not only risks annoying the algorithm but also clutters your caption (if you put them there), which can turn off viewers. Be selective. Every tag should earn its place.
When Should You Use Trending Challenge Hashtags?
Keep an eye out for viral trends or challenges on Reels that come with their own hashtag (like #DanceChallenge or #GlowUp). If you can create a Reel that authentically fits a trending challenge, using that hashtag can give you a quick boost in visibility.
Trends have short shelf lives, but while they're hot, thousands of users will be browsing that tag.
Riding a trend can land your Reel in front of a massive audience beyond your followers. Just ensure you put your own twist on it so your content stands out, and only jump in if it aligns with your brand or niche. A random challenge post that doesn't fit your usual content might get views but won't build long-term followers.
Should You Put Hashtags in Caption or Comments?
Common question: should you put hashtags in the caption or as the first comment? Instagram treats hashtags the same either way for discoverability. The choice is purely aesthetic. Putting them in a comment keeps your caption cleaner.
If you choose first-comment, post it immediately when you publish the Reel. A delay can mean missed initial exposure. Some scheduling tools allow you to auto-post the first comment with hashtags at the same time as your post, which is a handy feature to consider.
How to Choose Hashtags by Popularity Level
Not only should your tags be relevant, they should also be wisely chosen in terms of how popular they are.
Mega-popular hashtags with tens of millions of posts (like #love or #instagood) are often too broad. Your Reel will drown in a flood of content. On the other hand, ultra-specific tags with only a few hundred posts may not have anyone actively looking at them.
Aim for a mix of high-volume and medium-volume tags. A smart guideline is to target hashtags that have between 10k and 200k posts for niche tags. These are popular enough to have an audience but not so saturated that your content gets instantly buried.
How to Find Trending and Niche Hashtags for Your Reels
How do you actually find the best hashtags to use? A hashtag strategy requires research and creativity. Here are proven methods to source great tags:
How to Use Instagram's Native Hashtag Search
Start on the Instagram app itself. Go to the Explore page (the magnifying glass tab) and try searching keywords related to your content. Then tap the "Tags" filter in search results.
Instagram will show you hashtag suggestions, often with a count of how many posts each has.
This can reveal both popular and smaller niche tags for your topic. For example, search "fitness" under Tags and you'll see big ones like #fitness (over 500 million posts), but also more specific ones like #fitnessmotivation, #fitnesstips, or #fitnessjourney with smaller counts.
You can also see related hashtags on each hashtag's page. Scroll down and Instagram will suggest others. This rabbit hole is excellent for discovery.
Check the top posts or Reels under a hashtag to gauge if those posts are similar to what you create. If yes, that tag might be a good fit. If the top content is completely unrelated to your style or niche, skip that one.
What Hashtags Are Your Competitors Using?
A lot of hashtag discovery comes from simply observing what other successful accounts in your niche are using. Look at a few popular Reels creators or brands in your domain and scan their recent Reels captions for hashtag ideas.
Are there niche tags recurring across multiple users' posts? Any hashtag trends you notice?
For instance, maybe all the big travel bloggers started using #TravelHacks2025. That's a clue it's trending.
Don't just copy big creators blindly, but use their posts for inspiration. If a tag seems to be helping similar accounts get views, consider adding it to your arsenal (provided it's relevant to your content as well). Track competitor performance to see which strategies are working in your niche.
Best Hashtag Generator Tools for Instagram Reels
Save time by using specialized tools that suggest hashtags.
For example, use Shortimize's Instagram hashtag generator that can produce optimized hashtags tailored to your content. Tools can suggest a mix of balanced, trending, and niche-specific tags. Just input details about your Reel or topic, and you'll get suggestions for both broad and niche tags to try.
Shortimize can also help you monitor trending hashtags in real-time across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. This is especially useful if you want to catch emerging trends. By jumping on new popular hashtags quickly, you can ride the first waves of virality rather than playing catch-up.
These tools are excellent for discovering less obvious hashtags or new trending tags you might not have thought of. Use the suggestions as a starting point, then vet each tag to ensure it truly applies to your post and isn't banned or irrelevant.
How to Follow Trending Topics and Challenges
Stay plugged into what's trending on Instagram at large. Viral challenges or events often spawn their own hashtags. Trends like #10YearChallenge or #BottleCapChallenge in past years took off quickly.
In 2025, trends might revolve around new AR effects, viral songs, or cultural moments.
Follow accounts like @creators (Instagram's official account for creators) and popular meme or trend pages. They often highlight what's blowing up each week, whether it's a new dance or a new hashtag.
If you spot a trend that you can participate in authentically, jump on it early and use the associated hashtag. Being timely is crucial. The earlier you catch a trend's hashtag, the higher the chance your Reel rides that wave.
How to Check Hashtag Analytics Performance
Some social media management platforms and analytics tools can show you data on hashtag performance. Instagram's own Insights won't break down impressions by specific hashtag (only aggregate), but third-party tools sometimes infer performance by comparing reach with different tags.
At minimum, maintain your own tracking.
If you notice that whenever you include #XYZ you get an unusual spike in non-follower views, take note. That tag could be a keeper. Shortimize's analytics can help you track which hashtags have historically given your posts more impressions, so you can build a list of "high-performer" hashtags for your niche over time.
Using Location and Community Hashtags
If your content is location-specific (like a restaurant or local event), include location hashtags (such as #LondonFoodie or #LAevents). People often search or follow tags for their city or neighborhood.
If you're targeting a particular community or subculture, use community hashtags (for example, #BookTok was huge on TikTok and Reels for book lovers). These highly contextual tags might not be "trending" globally, but they can be gold for reaching exactly the audience you want. They also tend to have very engaged viewers, even if smaller in number.
Using a combination of these methods will help you build a robust hashtag list for your Instagram Reels. It takes some upfront work, but think of hashtags as an investment in your content's reach. An hour spent researching tags could mean tens of thousands more people see your video.
Which Reels Hashtags Are Trending in 2025?
While the best hashtags for you will depend on your niche, it helps to know some of the currently popular ones on Reels. Here's a roundup of trending hashtags in 2025 that are driving views across various categories.
Use these as inspiration or mix them into your strategy where relevant:
General Trending Hashtags for Instagram Reels
| Hashtag | Purpose | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
| #reels | Signal this is a Reel | Very High |
| #instagramreels | Signal this is an IG Reel | Very High |
| #reelsinstagram | Alternative Reel signal | Very High |
| #explorepage | Aspirational (hoping for Explore) | Very High |
| #viralreels | Hoping to go viral | High |
| #trendingreels | Trending content | High |
| #instagood | General high-quality content | Very High |
| #explore | Alternative Explore tag | Very High |
These broad tags are popular on nearly all kinds of Reels. They have huge audiences looking at them. For example, #instagramreels and #reels are basically default tags to signal "this is a Reel on IG." #ExplorePage (or just #explore) is aspirational. People tag it hoping to land on the Explore feed.
Use a couple of these broad ones to cast a wide net, but remember they're highly competitive. Pair them with more specific tags for best results.
Viral Challenge and Trending Hashtags
→ #reelstrending
Often corresponds to trending formats
→ #viral
General viral content tag
→ #reelchallenge
Accompanying current challenges
→ #trendingnow
Timely trending content
→ #duetthis
Inviting split-screen duets
→ #dancechallenge
Hot dance trends
→ #rapchallenge
Music/rap-related challenges
Tags like these often correspond to trending formats or challenges. For instance, #reelchallenge or #dancechallenge might accompany a currently hot dance trend. #DuetThis became popular for inviting others to split-screen duet your Reel.
Use these only if you're doing that type of content. A random cooking Reel probably shouldn't have #dancechallenge unless you're actually dancing while cooking.
Best Niche Hashtags by Category
Fitness and Wellness:
-
#fitreels
-
#workoutmotivation
-
#fitnesshacks
-
#yogalife
-
#healthylifestyle
Food and Recipes:
-
#foodreels
-
#recipeoftheday
-
#tastyrecipes
-
#homemadefood
-
#foodie
Travel and Adventure:
-
#travelreels
-
#wanderlust
-
#backpackinglife
-
#travelphotography
-
#naturelovers
Fashion and Beauty:
-
#fashionreels
-
#ootd (outfit of the day)
-
#stylehacks
-
#makeuptutorial
-
#skincare
Comedy and Memes:
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#funnyreels
-
#relatablecontent
-
#memevideos
-
#prankvideo
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#standupcomedy
Business and Marketing:
-
#bizreels
-
#marketingtips
-
#entrepreneurmindset
-
#socialmediastrategy
-
#startupstories
These are just a few examples. Virtually every niche from gaming to parenting to technology will have its own set of hashtags. If you don't see your niche above, do a quick search for "[your topic] + reels hashtag" to discover relevant tags.
Book lovers use #bookreels, pet owners use #petreels or #dogsoftiktok (even on IG sometimes), educators use #learnonInstagram, and so on. The key is to speak the language of your community.
Community and Content Format Hashtags
Some tags are about engagement communities or content format rather than topic.
For example, #GetReadyWithMe (often seen as #GRWM) is popular for makeup, fashion, or daily routine Reels where the creator says "get ready with me" while doing something. If your Reel fits a known format like that, using the tag can attract viewers who enjoy that style of content.
Other examples:
① #BeforeAfter or #TransformationTuesday
For transformation videos
② #Tutorial or #HowTo
For educational content
③ #BehindTheScenes
For process reels
These aren't niche-specific and can be layered onto your topic-specific tags.
When choosing from popular hashtags, always keep relevance in focus. It's tempting to slap a trending tag on your post just to grab views, but if the tag doesn't truly match your content, those views won't convert to meaningful engagement (and might hurt your reach in the long run).
Use popular tags that align with your video's content, and balance them with targeted niche tags that really hit your specific audience's interests.
Also, popular tags can vary by region and time. What's trending in the US might differ in India (for example, #reelsindia is huge for Indian creators). And a hashtag that was on fire three months ago might fade away if the trend passes. Keep updating your hashtag list. Social media is fluid, so the best hashtag strategy evolves continuously.
How to Track Which Hashtags Are Actually Working
One of the biggest challenges with hashtags is knowing which ones actually work. Instagram's built-in analytics only tell you aggregate impressions "from hashtags," not which specific tags drove those views.
This is where Shortimize becomes invaluable for serious creators and brands.
Shortimize is a cross-platform analytics tool that tracks TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts in one dashboard. When you add your Reels to Shortimize's tracking system, you can monitor performance over time and identify patterns in what drives virality.
How to Track Performance Across Multiple Reels
Instead of manually checking each Reel's performance, Shortimize continuously collects and updates performance data for all your tracked videos.
You can see which Reels are getting the most views, engagement, and shares, then analyze what hashtags those top performers have in common.
If you notice that Reels with certain hashtag combinations consistently outperform others, you've found your winning formula. Shortimize's dashboard makes these patterns visible at a glance.
How to Identify Viral Content Patterns
Shortimize includes features like virality indicators and outlier detection. You can quickly spot which Reels are performing above your median and analyze what made them special.
Were they using trending hashtags? Did they tap into a specific niche tag that resonated? Did they ride a challenge wave?
By studying your viral outliers, you can reverse-engineer what works and apply those insights to future content.
How to Monitor Competitors and Trends
Shortimize also lets you track competitor accounts and popular creators in your niche. You can see which hashtags they're using on their best-performing Reels and identify emerging trends before they become saturated.
Shortimize's Collections feature allows you to organize accounts and videos into curated groups, so you can monitor a set of competitors or inspiration sources all in one place. This competitive intelligence can give you a significant edge in staying ahead of trends.
How to Export Data for Deeper Analysis
If you want to run your own analysis, Shortimize allows you to export performance data. You can pull all your Reels data into a spreadsheet, tag them with the hashtags you used, and run your own correlation analysis to see which tags consistently correlate with higher reach.
This level of data-driven decision making is what separates creators who grow consistently from those who rely on luck.
Start Tracking Your Hashtag Performance Today
Shortimize offers a 7-day free trial, so you can start tracking your Reels immediately without any commitment. Plans start at $99/month for Pro and include unlimited account tracking, so whether you're managing your own content or multiple clients, you can centralize all your Instagram Reels analytics in one place.
Stop guessing which hashtags work and start knowing. Track your hashtag performance with Shortimize.
How to Refine Your Hashtag Strategy Over Time
Getting a viral Reel isn't usually luck. It's the result of constant tweaking and learning. The same applies to your hashtag strategy. Here's how to refine your approach over time:
How to Study Your Analytics for Patterns
After each Reel, dig into the performance. Did that Reel you posted with 15 hashtags do significantly better than the one with 5? Did a particular hashtag seem to coincide with a spike in views (for example, maybe your hiking Reel with #naturelovers and #hikingAdventure took off)?
While Instagram won't tell you which specific tag "caused" views, you can often spot patterns. If you notice Reels with certain niche tags consistently reach non-followers, double down on those tags. Meanwhile, if you've been dutifully adding a hashtag that never seems to make a difference, consider swapping it out for something else.
How to A/B Test Different Hashtag Sets
Try alternating between different hashtag sets and see what happens.
For example, on one Reel use a smaller set of 5 ultra-focused tags. On another similar Reel, use 20 tags (broad plus niche mix). Compare the reach.
Or test new tags by adding one or two you've never used before alongside your regular ones. Did those Reels perform any differently? Over several posts, you'll gather empirical evidence of what tag strategies work best for you. Every account is a bit different.
How to Keep Up with Instagram Algorithm Changes
Instagram's algorithm and features are always evolving. It's possible that in the future Instagram could further de-emphasize hashtags if their AI can categorize content without them, or conversely, they might introduce new ways hashtags can be used.
Stay informed by following social media news or Instagram's creator announcements. In 2025, hashtags are still effective, but always be ready to adapt if the platform's guidance changes.
How to Use Tools to Monitor Trending Hashtags
Shortimize can help you monitor trending hashtags in real-time across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. This is especially useful if you want to catch emerging trends.
By jumping on new popular hashtags quickly, you can ride the first waves of virality rather than playing catch-up. Plus, monitoring tools let you track competitors. You can see which hashtags they frequently use or which of their posts went viral and what tags were on those.
When to Clean Up Your Hashtag List
Every few months, audit the list of hashtags you regularly use. Are all of them still relevant and effective? Remove ones that have become outdated or too competitive.
Maybe in 2024 you used #TutorialTuesday a lot, but now it's not really a thing. Drop it. Perhaps a tag you used before has since been hijacked by spam accounts (it happens). If so, replace it with a fresher alternative. Always keep your strategy current.
Remember that hashtags are just one part of the virality equation. They can boost discoverability, but content quality, audience interaction, and timing play huge roles too.
A great hashtag strategy on a poorly made Reel won't save it. Conversely, a fantastic Reel with no hashtags might still do well, but it could have done even better with the extra reach from tags.
The magic happens when you combine compelling content plus smart hashtags plus engagement tactics. Think of hashtags as amplifiers. They amplify the reach of content that's already resonating.
To get viral on Instagram Reels in 2025 using hashtags, be strategic and be relevant. Do your research, choose hashtags that truly fit your content, and don't be afraid to experiment. Keep your ear to the ground for trending tags but always pair them with context.
Over time, a thoughtful hashtag strategy will significantly increase your odds of hitting that coveted viral status.
And when that happens, you'll be ready, armed with data on what tags brought you there and prepared to rinse and repeat with your future content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Reels Hashtags
Do Hashtags Still Work for Instagram Reels in 2025?
Yes, hashtags absolutely still work for Instagram Reels in 2025. While Instagram's algorithm has become more sophisticated at understanding content through AI and user behavior, hashtags remain a key way to categorize your content and signal what it's about.
They help Instagram serve your Reels to users who are interested in those topics. Research shows that Reels with hashtags get 43% more reach than those without. The key is using them strategically, not spamming irrelevant tags.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use on Instagram Reels?
The optimal number is debated, but data suggests using between 5-20 hashtags works best. Instagram officially recommends 3-5 highly relevant hashtags, while research analyzing 18 million posts found that posts with around 20 hashtags had the best reach.
The sweet spot is likely 5-15 hashtags that are genuinely relevant to your content. Quality matters more than quantity. It's better to use 8 highly targeted hashtags than 30 random ones that dilute your focus.
Should You Put Hashtags in Caption or First Comment?
Instagram treats hashtags the same way for discoverability whether they're in the caption or first comment. The choice is purely aesthetic. Putting them in a comment keeps your caption cleaner.
If you do first-comment, post it immediately when you publish the Reel to avoid missing initial exposure. Some scheduling tools can auto-post the first comment with hashtags at the same time as your post, which is convenient.
What's the Difference Between Broad and Niche Hashtags?
Broad hashtags (like #instagramreels or #viral) have millions of posts and massive audiences, but they're extremely competitive. Your content can get buried quickly.
Niche hashtags (like #veganbakingtips or #solotravel40plus) have smaller audiences but much less competition, and the viewers are highly interested in that specific topic. The best strategy is to mix both: use a few broad hashtags for wide exposure and several niche hashtags to target your ideal audience specifically.
Can Using the Wrong Hashtags Hurt Your Reach?
Absolutely. Using irrelevant hashtags confuses Instagram's algorithm and disappoints viewers who find your content through those tags.
When content doesn't match expectations, viewers bounce immediately, which hurts your engagement rate. Even worse, using banned hashtags (those associated with spam or inappropriate content) can shadowban your Reel, preventing it from showing up in any hashtag searches. Always verify that hashtags are relevant and not banned before using them.
How Do You Find Trending Hashtags for Your Niche?
Start by searching keywords related to your content on Instagram's Explore page and tapping the "Tags" filter. Look at what successful creators in your niche are using on their popular Reels.
Use Instagram hashtag generator tools to discover less obvious tags. Follow trending topics and challenges on Instagram. You can also use Shortimize to monitor trending hashtags in real-time across Instagram and other platforms, making it easier to catch emerging trends early.
What Are Banned Hashtags and How Do You Avoid Them?
Banned hashtags are tags that Instagram has restricted because they've been overrun with spam, bots, or inappropriate content. Using a banned hashtag can shadowban your content, preventing it from appearing in hashtag searches or on the Explore page.
To check if a hashtag is banned, search for it on Instagram. If no posts appear or you see a warning message, avoid that tag. Also steer clear of obviously spammy tags like #Follow4Follow or #LikeForLike, which may not be officially banned but can hurt your credibility with the algorithm.
How Can You Track Which Hashtags Are Working?
Instagram's Insights show aggregate impressions "from hashtags" but won't break down performance by individual tags. To track specific hashtag performance, you need to maintain your own records or use a third-party tool.
Shortimize is particularly useful here because it tracks all your Reels performance over time, allowing you to identify patterns in which hashtag combinations consistently drive higher reach. You can also manually test by alternating hashtag sets between similar Reels and comparing the results.
Should You Use the Same Hashtags on Every Reel?
Not necessarily. While it's fine to have a core set of hashtags that are always relevant to your brand or niche, you should also customize hashtags for each specific Reel's content.
Using identical hashtags on every post can look robotic and may not be optimal for content that varies. Mix your core brand hashtags with content-specific tags and trending hashtags that fit each particular video. This approach gives you consistency while maximizing relevance for each individual Reel.
How Often Should You Update Your Hashtag Strategy?
You should audit your hashtag strategy every 2-3 months at minimum. Social media trends move quickly, and hashtags that worked great three months ago might be saturated or outdated now.
Check your analytics regularly to see which tags are driving reach. Remove hashtags that aren't performing or have become too competitive. Add new trending or niche hashtags you discover. Stay plugged into Instagram changes and algorithm updates. Using tools like Shortimize makes this ongoing optimization much easier by showing you performance patterns over time.
Can Hashtags Alone Make Your Reel Go Viral?
No, hashtags alone won't make you go viral. They're an important discovery tool that can boost your reach, but they work best when combined with high-quality content, strong engagement, good timing, and effective use of trending audio or formats.
Hashtags won't guarantee virality, but they increase your odds of discovery by helping Instagram categorize your content and show it to interested viewers. Think of hashtags as amplifiers for content that's already resonating, not magic bullets that can save poor content.
What's the Best Way to Organize Your Hashtag Research?
Create a hashtag bank organized by category. Keep lists of: your core brand hashtags (always relevant), niche-specific hashtags for your industry, trending hashtags you're monitoring, location hashtags if relevant, and seasonal or event-specific hashtags.
Store these in a note-taking app, spreadsheet, or tool that you can easily access when creating content. Update your lists regularly based on performance data. Shortimize can help by tracking which hashtags correlate with your best-performing content, making it easier to maintain an effective, data-driven hashtag bank.
Ready to stop guessing and start knowing which hashtags actually drive results? Try Shortimize free for 7 days and track your Instagram Reels performance with real data. See which hashtags correlate with your viral content, monitor competitor strategies, and make data-driven decisions about your content strategy. Start tracking today at Shortimize.com.
