How to Use Hashtag on Instagram: Instagram Marketing Strategies That Work Today

When Instagram first introduced hashtags, it revolutionized how users discovered and engaged with content. Suddenly, a simple sign to measure weights in pounds became a powerful tool for categorizing and organizing posts, enabling users to find content related to their interests with just a click. When you use hashtag on Instagram, it becomes an integral part of building a brand’s online presence, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers. Instagram marketing strategies are indeed always enhanced with trending Instagram hashtags. 

However, with the platform’s constant evolution and the introduction of new features, it begs the question: is hashtag in Instagram still relevant in today’s Instagram landscape? 

Use Hashtag on Instagram: What is a Hashtag on Instagram?

Before we get into ‘what to hashtag on Instagram?’, let’s review the basics: what is a hashtag on Instagram?

A hashtag on Instagram is a combination of characters (letters, emojis, and even numbers) preceded by the # symbol. As you already know, the prime purpose of a hashtag in Instagram is to label content and neatly put them into categories. 

When it comes to Instagram marketing strategies, it’s important that you use hashtag on Instagram wisely, since they can make your content discoverable. You can research and come up with specific Instagram hashtags for Reels and the best hashtags for Instagram for likes and followers to enhance your strategies. 

Instagram Hashtags 2023: The Changing Landscape of Instagram 

Instagram has come a long way since its early days as a photo-sharing platform. It has grown into a dynamic social media powerhouse, with over two billions of active users worldwide. Alongside its exponential growth, Instagram has undergone several changes, including algorithm updates and the introduction of features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV. These changes have undoubtedly impacted the use of hashtag on Instagram, making it essential to reassess our content strategies and explore how they fit into the current Instagram ecosystem. 

Despite the shifting dynamics, Instagram trending hashtags are relevant and can be a powerful tool for content discovery and engagement. While their importance may have evolved, their potential to expand reach and boost visibility remains intact. Hashtags continue to bridge your content and your target audience, allowing you to tap into relevant communities and connect with users who share similar interests.

Instagram Hashtags 2023: Strategies to Use Hashtag on Instagram Effectively

So the hashtag on Instagram can be pretty effective in your content marketing strategy, but how to use them effectively as per Instagram hashtag trends?

• Find Out About Your Target Audience:

The first step to building comprehensive Instagram marketing strategies is to find out what your target audience wants. Once you know what your audience is interested in, you have a leeway to find out relevant and trending Instagram hashtags. 

• Research and Choose the Right Hashtag in Instagram

To maximize the impact of ‘use hashtag on Instagram’ tactics, it’s crucial to research and select the most relevant hashtag on Instagram for your content. Aim for a mix of popular and niche hashtags that are specific to your area of operation. This approach helps you strike a balance between visibility and competition. Tools like RiteTag, Hashtagify, and Instagram’s own search feature can assist you in finding suitable hashtags.

• Use the Required Number of Hashtag on Instagram and Not More

While you may want to add all of the best hashtags for Instagram for likes and followers that you find during your research, using just the right number of them (and making the selections accordingly) is very crucial. 

As the platform itself suggests, instead of bombarding your target audience with trending Instagram hashtags when figuring out what to hashtag, you can simply choose three to five relevant hashtags to match up the particular topic of your posts. 

Using a niche hashtag on Instagram can in fact help you narrow down your target audience, so it might be a good way to reach out to your particular pool of customers and encourage them to engage with your posts. 

• Create Branded Hashtag on Instagram 

Branded hashtag in Instagram can be a powerful tool when applying the ‘use hashtag on Instagram’ tactic for your Instagram marketing strategy. This helps to increase brand awareness and encourage user-generated content. Creating a unique hashtag associated with your brand or campaign can encourage your followers and customers to use it when sharing their experiences or interacting with your content. This strategy helps in building a sense of community and boosts visibility and engagement.

• Engage with Hashtag in Instagram 

Hashtags can be used to engage with your target audience. You can find and interact with potential followers and customers by searching for trending Instagram hashtags relevant to your brand or industry. Leave thoughtful comments on posts, like and share content, and build relationships within the community. This approach helps foster connections and increase your visibility among like-minded individuals.

• Incorporate Trending Instagram Hashtags in Stories and Captions 

Hashtags are not limited to just captions anymore: Instagram has added a new feature that enables you to add hashtags to your Stories as well. Make sure to pick the best Instagram hashtags for reels and the best hashtags for Instagram for likes and followers to increase the visibility of your Stories and engage with a wider audience. Additionally, including trending Instagram hashtags in your captions can further enhance the discoverability of your posts. 

• Monitor Hashtag Performance 

Keep track of your hashtags’ performance to identify which are most effective in reaching your target audience. Using Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools can be an efficient way to analyze the engagement and reach of your posts with different hashtags. This data will provide valuable insights into your audience’s preferences and help you refine your Instagram marketing strategies.

Instagram Hashtags 2023: The Future of Hashtag on Instagram 

So now we know how to use hashtag on Instagram in the most effective way to build your Instagram marketing strategies! The future of Instagram hashtags will likely be shaped by the platform’s ongoing evolution and user preferences. While hashtags has been a staple feature for content discovery and engagement, there may be shifts in its usage and significance in the coming years. 

As Instagram continues to refine its algorithm and introduce new features, we can expect the use of hashtag in Instagram and Instagram hashtag trends to adapt accordingly. The platform may emphasize user behavior, personalized recommendations, and machine learning, influencing how hashtags are prioritized and displayed in search results. This means that strategic hashtag selection and relevance to your content will become even more crucial. 

Additionally, Instagram’s focus on fostering communities and niche interests may lead to the rise of more specialized hashtags for Instagram. Brands and creators may find value in creating or leveraging existing hashtags that cater to specific subcultures, industries, or passions. These niche hashtags can help foster engagement among highly targeted audiences, and build authentic connections.

Build the Best Instagram Marketing Strategies with yMedia

In conclusion, Instagram hashtags are still very much relevant in 2023, albeit in a slightly different landscape. Now, you may think that picking what to hashtag and using some of the trending Instagram hashtags on your posts would be easy as cakewalk, but in reality, it is often not that easy. In fact, the tactic of using hashtags on Instagram requires significant time and effort on your part. 

However, worry not! yMedia is here to take over all your content marketing worries, including Instagram marketing strategies, so you can put your full focus on accelerating your business instead!

At yMedia, ]we specialize in building content marketing strategies with a major focus on building connections with your target audience.  Contact us today to find out more!