Hashtags are also still an important part of Instagram. While it’s most important to have quality and consistency in your content, using the correct hashtags will make sure that your posts reach people who don’t already follow you. The point here, though, is that the goal is not to stuff as many hashtags as you can, but the ones that will actually make sense for your content and audience.
If you are trying to gain more likes, followers and overall reach, this guide will help you to understand best hashtags for instagram for likes and followers and which hashtags work best and how to use them smartly.
Table of Contents
Are Hashtags still Effective on Instagram?
Yes, hashtags work-but not as they worked before, years ago.
In addition, Instagram is more focused on being relevant and engaging and the quality of content. Hashtags Help Instagram to understand what your post is about, a hashtag helps Instagram show the post to users who are not interested in other similar posts. If used properly, they can increase visibility and bring in true followers.
Likes and Followers – General Hashtags (Best)
These hashtags are popular in a wide range of niches and work well in terms of general engagement:
#instagood
#photooftheday
#explorepage
#reelsinstagram
#likes
#followers
#trending
#viral
#instadaily
These hashtags have very high competition, and therefore work best in are combined with niche-related.
Best Instagram Reels Hashtags
Currently, the most reach on Instagram is given to reels. If you are looking to gain more likes and followers using Reels, try using:
#reels
#reelsvideo
#reelitfeelit
#instareels
#viralreels
#trendingreels
#explore
Reels don’t do as well using hashtags that are not related to the topic of the video just because it’s trending.
Hashtags for Growth: Best Hashtags to Grow Your Followers
If it is follower growth, not just the simple act of liking, that you have in mind, use hashtags that are indicative of those looking to connect:
#followme
#followforfollow
#instafollow
#newaccount
#growyouraccount
#contentcreator
Use these sparingly and use them in conjunction with content-focused hashtags for better results.
Niche Based Hashtags Circuit better
Instead of just using the popular hashtags, aim your content by using niche hashtags. These reach a smaller and more engaged audience.
For example:
Fashion: #fashionstyle #ootd #streetwear
Fitness #fitnesslife #workoutmotivation #healthyliving
Travel: #travelgram #wanderlust #exploreworld
Food #foodlover #instafood #foodphotography
Business: #entrepreneurlife #digitalmarketing #smallbusiness
Niche hashtags help you to get discovered by the people who are sincerely interested in your content.
How Many Hashtags Are You Supposed to Be Using?
Instagram allows you to have a maximum of 30 hashtags, but it’s not always more of a good thing.
Most creators find a good amount of results with 8 to 15 hashtags relevantly. This keeps your post clean and does not look spammy and still improves reach.
You can place hashtags in:
- The caption
- The first comment
Both these methods work just as well as each other.
Hashtag tips that actually work
Banned hashtags are a no-go, even if they run exceedingly popular, and spammy hashtags are a no-go as well.
- Rotation of hashtags instead of using the same hashtags all the time and on every post.
- Not set to just trends, connect hashtags with your content.
- Hashtag with small and medium-sized hashtags with big ones.
- Track the most-reaching hashtags in Instagram insights.
Hashtags are most effective when used with proper visuals, captions and posting them on a consistent basis.
Best Time to Use Hashtags
Hashtags are most effective with a timely reaction to your post. Posting at the times that your audience are will help Instagram advance your content further via hashtags feeds and Explore.
Test out what times you post and monitor the performance to see what is working for your audience.
Conclusion
The best hashtags for Instagram for likes and followers are the hashtags that are tailored to your content, niche, and audience. Popular hashtags gets exposure, but niche and relevant hashtags gets real engagement and followers.
Instead of trying to chase every trend, be consistent, have quality content, and use hashtags. When done correctly, hashtags can still help your Instagram grow in 2026 and beyond.