Instagram Hashtags: 400+ Ideas To Grow Your Account (2025)

When you strategically use hashtags on your posts, Instagram knows exactly where to place them—putting your brand in front of potential customers who are already interested in what you sell.

Smart hashtags can transform your Instagram marketing results. But what makes a hashtag effective for your business? And with Instagram’s algorithm constantly evolving, how many hashtags should you actually use when selling on Instagram?

Instagram hashtags help the Instagram algorithm showcase your content to people who actually want to see it. To make sure you drive engagement, this guide has 400+ trending Instagram hashtags for 2025. These come with proven strategies for choosing hashtags that drive real engagement and sales for your store.

What are Instagram hashtags?

Instagram hashtags are clickable tags you create by adding the “#” symbol before any word or phrase. When you include a hashtag like #smallbusiness in your post caption, Instagram connects your content to thousands of other posts using that same tag.

You can turn almost any word or phrase into a hashtag—just add “#” in front of it. Numbers work fine, but you can’t include spaces or special characters like “&.” Most Instagram creators use hashtags to join conversations around their industry or niche to help potential followers discover their products.

How hashtags work on Instagram

Hashtags behave differently depending on the type of Instagram content you’re creating:

Hashtags on Instagram posts

You can add up to 30 hashtags per public post, either in your caption or first comment. Keep in mind that private accounts won’t show up in hashtag discovery feeds, so make sure your brand profile is public.

When someone clicks a hashtag, they see a feed of all public posts using that tag. Many users browse hashtag feeds to discover new brands and products.

Hashtags on Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories include a hashtag sticker that works just like post hashtags. When viewers tap the sticker, they’re taken to that hashtag’s feed to see related content.

Hashtags on Instagram Reels

Add hashtags to your Instagram Reels captions or first comments just like regular posts. This helps Instagram’s algorithm understand your content and show it to users browsing the Explore page.

Instagram hashtags and algorithm changes

Instagram updates its algorithm multiple times each year, and these changes directly impact how hashtags work and how effective they are for reaching your audience.

Impact of removing the “follow hashtags” feature

Until late 2024, Instagram users could follow hashtags just like they’d follow accounts. When someone followed #handmade, for example, posts using that hashtag would appear in their feed—even from accounts they didn’t follow. This was a goldmine for brands trying to reach new customers. 

That feature is gone now, making it tougher to gain visibility through hashtags alone. But Instagram has added new hashtag options to compensate. You can now include hashtags directly in your Instagram bio, giving your brand another way to be discovered.

How the 2025 algorithm evaluates hashtags

Instagram’s current algorithm cares more about relevance than quantity. Instagram posts with five to 10 highly relevant hashtags often outperform those stuffed with 30 random ones.

The platform can now “read” your content beyond hashtags. It analyzes your captions, video dialogue, and on-screen text to understand what your post is actually about. This means your content itself matters more than ever—hashtags are just one piece of the puzzle.

Do hashtags still work on Instagram?

Yes, hashtags are still valuable for growing your Instagram account—but they work differently now. Today’s most effective hashtags share three key traits:

1. They have high-quality content wins: Instagram’s algorithm favors engaging content over hashtag volume. Focus on creating posts that make people stop, watch, and interact. Quality content with smart hashtags will always beat mediocre content with perfect hashtag research.
2. They amplify what’s already working: Hashtags don’t guarantee more views or followers—they boost content that’s already performing well. Think of them as accelerators, not magic bullets. If your post starts gaining traction, hashtags help the algorithm show it to more people.
3. They provide context, not guarantees: The right hashtags help Instagram understand your content and match it with interested viewers. Use hashtags that accurately describe your post, your industry, and your target audience. The more precise you are, the better Instagram can connect you with people who want what you’re selling.

Types of Instagram hashtags

Your hashtag strategy should mix different types to maximize reach and engagement. Here are the main categories and how they can work for your business:

• Branded hashtags: Unique to your store
• Location-based hashtags: Target local customers
• Community and industry hashtags: Connect with your niche
• Daily hashtags: Tap into weekly trends
• Entertainment hashtags: Build relationships with followers
• Mass-appeal hashtags: Reach broad audiences
• Occasion-based hashtags: Connect with seasonal moments
• Trending hashtags: Ride current events
• Special event hashtags: Promote sales and launches
• Niche hashtags: Target specific interests

Let’s break down each type:

Branded hashtags

Create hashtags that are uniquely yours and include them in your bio. They build brand recognition and encourage customers to share content featuring your products. 

For instance, luxury watch brand Bremont uses #BremontAltitude and #BremontWatches to create a consistent brand presence:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BREMONT (@bremontwatches)

📚Learn: How to get your brand verified on Instagram and use hashtags from your verified account to maximize your reach.

Location-based hashtags

Perfect for businesses using Instagram to sell products in specific areas. Tags like #FloridaLife or #NewYorkDrinks help you connect with local customers who are more likely to visit your store or buy from nearby businesses.

Community and industry hashtags

Often simple and memorable, these describe what you sell or the space you operate in. For example, Adored Vintage regularly includes #clothingboutique, while Beefcake Swimwear uses #inclusiveswimwear. Check what successful competitors in your space are using—their hashtag research can inform your strategy.

Daily hashtags

Weekly themes like #MondayMotivation or #ThrowbackThursday are ready-made content opportunities. Fashion brands often leverage #OOTD (outfit of the day), while lifestyle brands might add tags like #SundayFunday to their content strategy. Discover new daily themes by checking tags on posts from specific days or searching the days of the week to see what autofills.

Entertainment hashtags

These add personality to your posts and strengthen relationships with existing followers. They’re usually tied to specific moments rather than your brand.

For instance, if you share a behind-the-scenes photo where you accidentally spill a box of packing peanuts, you might humorously tag it #winning.

Mass-appeal hashtags

Broad tags like #instagood or #lovelife can cast a wide net. While they reach huge audiences, they’re also extremely competitive. Use them sparingly and always pair with more specific hashtags.

Occasion-based hashtags

Connect with followers’ daily experiences or seasonal moments. Beauty brand Prose uses #springstyle and #springvibes to tie its products to the season, making its content feel timely and relevant:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prose: Custom Beauty (@prose)

Trending hashtags

Jump on current events, viral moments, or cultural conversations—but only when they genuinely relate to your brand. These hashtags can drive massive reach, but like fashion trends and slang, their popularity fades quickly, so timing matters.

Special event hashtags

Promote your sales, contests, and product launches with beacon tags like #contestalert, #instagiveaway, #flashsale, or #newdrop. These help interested customers find your promotional content and can drive immediate action.

Niche hashtags

Target customers with specific interests or values. Health-focused brands might use #organic or #eatinggreen, while eco-conscious businesses could tag #zerowaste or #sustainableliving. These hashtags reach smaller but highly engaged audiences.

Which types should you use?

Choose hashtag types that match your business model and brand voice. A global brand probably doesn’t need location-based hashtags, while a business-to-business (B2B) company might skip entertainment hashtags entirely. Focus on the hashtag types that will connect you with your target audience—quality beats quantity every time.

📚Read more:How to Use Instagram for Business: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)

Top Instagram hashtags by category for 2025

When you’re ready to use hashtags that work for your business, you can pore through the hundreds of popular Instagram hashtags organized by category. Choose the ones that match your products and audience:

Best hashtags for likes and follows

• #likes
• #like
• #follow
• #likeforlikes
• #love
• #instagood
• #instagram
• #followforfollowback
• #followme
• #photooftheday
• #picoftheday
• #fyp
• #instalike
• #photography
• #instadaily
• #me
• #picoftheday
• #beautiful
• #myself
• #likeforfollow
• #fashion
• #smile
• #instadaily
• #followers
• #likeforlike
• #followback
• #followforfollow
• #comment
• #likesforlikes

While these hashtags get heavy use, they don’t guarantee quality followers or meaningful engagement. Many are used by accounts focused on trading likes and follows rather than building genuine communities.

Best fashion and beauty hashtags

• #fashion
• #beauty
• #haul
• #style
• #shopping
• #styleinspo
• #ootd
• #outfitoftheday
• #outfit
• #whatiwore
• #shoppingaddict
• #beautydoesnthavetobepain
• #currentlywearing
• #instastyle
• #lookgoodfeelgood
• #fashionblogger
• #fashionista
• #fashionstyle
• #fashionable
• #fashiongram
• #fashionblog
• #fashionaddict
• #fashionphotography

Best food and beverage hashtags

• #food
• #foodporn
• #foodie
• #instafood
• #foodphotography
• #foodstagram
• #yummy
• #yum
• #instagood
• #foodblogger
• #foodlover
• #delicious
• #homemade
• #healthyfood
• #dinner
• #foodgasm
• #foodies
• #tasty
• #cooking
• #lunch
• #takeout
• #restaurant
• #healthy

Best travel hashtags

• #travel
• #nature
• #photography
• #travelphotography
• #photooftheday
• #instagood
• #travelgram
• #picoftheday
• #photo
• #beautiful
• #art
• #naturephotography
• #wanderlust
• #adventure
• #instatrave
• #travelblogger
• #landscape
• #summer
• #trip
• #hike
• #explore

Best pet hashtags

• #pet
• #dog
• #pets
• #dogsofinstagram
• #cute
• #petsofinstagram
• #dogs
• #cat
• #love
• #puppy
• #cats
• #petstagram
• #animals
• #animal
• #instadog
• #dogstagram
• #doglover
• #catsofinstagram
• #dogoftheday
• #doglovers
• #petlovers
• #doglife
• #instapet
• #catstagram
• #catlover

Best tech and gadgets hashtags

• #techie
• #latesttech
• #ilovemygadgets
• #gadgetsgalore
• #apple
• #android
• #applevsandroid
• #wearabletech
• #VR
• #mobile
• #makinglifeeasier
• #tech
• #technology
• #technews
• #gadgets
• #instatech
• #software
• #innovation

Best wedding hashtags

• #wedding
• #bride
• #weddingdress
• #weddingphotography
• #weddingday
• #weddinginspiration
• #weddingplanner
• #prewedding
• #bridal
• #bridetobe
• #weddingphotographer
• #weddings
• #groom
• #engagement
• #party
• #weddingideas

Best fitness hashtags

• #fitness
• #gym
• #workout
• #fitnessmotivation
• #motivation
• #fit
• #bodybuilding
• #training
• #health
• #lifestyle
• #fitfam
• #healthylifestyle
• #sport
• #healthy
• #gymlife
• #life
• #crossfit
• #personaltrainer
• #goals
• #exercise
• #muscle

Best holiday hashtags

• #stockingstuffers
• #christmasdecor
• #spookyhalloween
• #happyhalloween
• #thanksgivingtable
• #turkeyorham
• #valentineformyvalentine
• #happyfourth
• #newyearseve
• #newyearsresolution
• #holidaycrazy
• #holidayspirit
• #kwanza
• #hanukkahgift
• #underthetree

Best Instagram contest hashtags

• #instacontest
• #instagiveaway
• #giveaway
• #sweepstakes
• #contestalert
• #contestentry
• #winit
• #freebie
• #winitwednesday

Best photography hashtags

• #photography
• #photooftheday
• #photo
• #picoftheday
• #photographer
• #model
• #photoshoot
• #portrait
• #beauty
• #travelphotography
• #canon
• #selfie
• #landscape
• #sunset
• #fotografia
• #portraitphotography
• #photographylovers
• #artist
• #nikon

Best B2B hashtags

• #business
• #businesstips
• #marketing
• #ecommerce
• #socialmedia
• #digitalmarketing
• #SEO
• #contentmarketing
• #marketingstrategy
• #consulting
• #workplace
• #startups
• #productivity
• #strategy
• #sales

Best hashtags for small business

• #smallbusiness
• #supportsmallbusiness
• #handmade
• #shoplocal
• #shopsmall
• #smallbusinessowner
• #entrepreneur
• #supportlocal
• #localbusiness
• #businessowner
• #blackownedbusiness
• #explorepage
• #startup
• #entrepreneurship
• #womeninbusiness
• #motivation
• #success
• #girlboss
• #entrepreneurlife
• #handcrafted
• #local
• #smallbiz
• #homemade
• #custom
• #smallbusinesssupport
• #shopsmallbusiness
• #handmadewithlove
• #supportsmallbusinesses
• #supportlocalbusiness

Best music hashtags

• #music
• #hiphop
• #rap
• #musician
• #singer
• #musica
• #dj
• #rock
• #dance
• #song
• #guitar
• #viral
• #producer
• #newmusic
• #musicvideo
• #instamusic
• #livemusic
• #pop
• #concert
• #trap
• #beats

Best art hashtags

• #art
• #artist
• #drawing
• #artwork
• #painting
• #artistsoninstagram
• #illustration
• #digitalart
• #design
• #sketch

Best nature hashtags

• #nature
• #naturephotography
• #sunset
• #flowers
• #wildlife
• #mountains
• #hiking
• #explore
• #outdoors
• #naturelover
• #beach
• #forest

Best Instagram Reels hashtags for 2025

Instagram Reels can significantly expand your reach. Here are the most effective hashtags for this short-form Instagram video format:

Trending Reels hashtags

• #reels
• #reelsvideo
• #reelsinstagram
• #instareels 
• #instagramreels
• #reelsinsta
• #instareel
• #instareels
• #reelsofinstagram
• #videooftheday
• #reeloftheday
• #reelitfeelit
• #foryoupage
• #fyp
• #viralvideo
• #reelsviral
• #viralreels

Reels hashtags for fashion videos

• #OOTDvideo
• #stylevideo
• #outfitreels
• #wardrobevideo
• #lookbook
• #whatiwore

Reels hashtags for food videos

• #instafood
• #viralfoodvideo
• #cookingclips
• #recipevideo
• #cookwithme 

Reels hashtags for travel videos

• #travelvlogger
• #travelvlog
• #travelvideo
• #travelgram
• #travelwithme 

Reels hashtags for fitness videos

• #gymroutine
• #fitfam
• #fitnessvideos
• #workoutvideos
• #exercisevideos
• #fitspiration 

Top Instagram hashtag generators

Finding the right mix of hashtags can be tedious, especially when you’re aiming for that sweet spot of relevance and reach. Hashtag typos are all too common, since Instagram doesn’t autocorrect them, and manually researching tags takes forever.

Hashtag generators can speed up this process significantly. Here are the best tools to help you find effective hashtags quickly:

SISTRIX

The SISTRIX Instagram Hashtag Generator delivers 30 relevant hashtags based on any topic or hashtag you enter. Search different variations of your main keyword to get even more suggestions.

You’ll get 25 free queries each day. For unlimited access, you’ll need a SISTRIX account.

Tailwind

Tailwind’s social media scheduler includes an AI-powered hashtag generator that analyzes your caption text and suggests relevant hashtags.

Create a free account to access the generator and save your best-performing hashtags to custom lists. This makes it easy to copy and paste proven hashtag sets for future posts.

HootSuite

HootSuite’s free AI hashtag generator provides 10 recommendations in five different languages. You can generate hashtags from either text prompts or image uploads.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs takes a different approach—upload any photo and get personalized hashtag recommendations based on what the AI sees in your image. You can format results as a numbered list or single line for easy copying into Instagram captions.

When to use Instagram hashtags

Wondering if you should add hashtags to your post? Here are the main reasons to include them:

Create or join a community

Instagram hashtags help you find and connect with active communities in your niche. Join existing conversations by tagging relevant content and using their hashtags.

You can also start your own community around a unique hashtag to build engagement. Make it accessible and memorable—something that speaks to your product’s vibe like #cozyhome, or connects with your audience’s experiences, like #momlife.

If your hashtag catches on, followers will start using it in their own posts. This creates a stream of user-generated content that builds community and drives attention back to your brand.

Target people and groups

Hashtags put your content in front of people who are already interested in what you sell. Choose tags that match both your brand and your audience’s interests.

Katherine Gaskin, creator of The Content Planner, shares her research strategy on Shopify Masters: “I like to do all of my research right on Instagram. If I find an influencer or content creator whose followers would like my product, I’ll go to their posts and look at the hashtags. Then I’ll click on each hashtag to see how many posts use it. My sweet spot is between 10,000 to 200,000 posts—that’s the happy medium.

“I always check how often people post to the hashtag and whether the content aligns with my brand vibe and resonates with my target audience,” she says.

Track posts and campaigns

Creating unique hashtags for specific posts or campaigns makes it easy to monitor their performance. Don’t limit yourself to Instagram—use the same hashtag across other social platforms, Instagram ads, and even physical marketing materials for unified tracking.

Stay informed

Following relevant hashtags keeps you current on industry trends. You’ll see what content resonates with your audience and monitor what competitors are doing.

Audrey Castonguay of Wholesome Culture tells Shopify Masters: “Hashtags help me find what people have been putting on their Instagram and what’s being shared.” She recommends searching hashtags relevant to your brand to see what your audience posts, then creating similar content that matches their style and interests.

Improve Instagram SEO

Hashtags boost your content’s visibility in Instagram’s search results. Tag posts with popular or trending search terms to increase your chances of appearing when people search for those topics.

According to Instagram, this strategy works best for posts that already have strong engagement. Instagram tends to prioritize content that’s already gaining traction.

Tips for using hashtags on Instagram in 2025

Optimal hashtag quantity

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but should you use them all?

The “perfect” number varies widely. Some marketers swear by using just two hashtags, while others max out at 30. Instagram’s current recommendation is three to five hashtags per post. The reality? You’ll only find your sweet spot through testing what works with your specific audience.

Scope out X

X can help you spot trending topics worth exploring on Instagram. Check its trending section to see what people are talking about right now.

Remember that X trends lean heavily toward news and current events, while Instagram hashtags work differently. Use X for inspiration and research, not as a direct copy-paste source.

Check out your competition

Study how successful competitors use hashtags in their Instagram strategy. Look for patterns in their hashtag choices—you might discover valuable phrases to test in your own content.

Monitor influencers

Instagram influencers and micro-influencers have built engaged audiences who trust their recommendations. Many have mastered hashtag strategies and found high-performing combinations. Watch what they use and adapt relevant hashtags for your brand.

Avoid banned hashtags

Instagram regularly bans hashtags that appear alongside inappropriate content. While some banned hashtags are obvious (like #nasty), others seem innocent—#fitnessgirls and #tgif have both been banned at various times.

Using banned hashtags can lead to your posts being shadow banned, making them invisible in feeds and search results. Even one banned hashtag can kill your entire post’s reach.

To check if a hashtag is banned, search for it on Instagram. If it doesn’t appear in the results, it’s likely banned.

Measuring hashtag effectiveness

Tracking hashtag performance can be tricky when you’re using multiple tags per post. Here’s how to evaluate whether your hashtags are actually working:

Using Instagram analytics to track hashtag performance

Instagram analytics shares a wealth of data to help you understand which hashtags drive discovery and engagement.

Check your top-performing posts with the highest engagement rates. What hashtags do they share in common? If you suspect one hashtag is doing most of the work, test it solo in a future post to confirm your theory.

Keep in mind that many factors influence post performance—your video hook, featured products, posting time, and more. Track trends over several weeks rather than judging success from a single post.

Signs your hashtag strategy is working

Watch for these indications that your hashtags are effective:

• Overall growth: Monitor your account’s growth using Instagram analytics or third-party social management platforms.
• Specific metrics: Look for month-to-month increases in impressions, reach, and engagement. If you don’t see improvement after a few months, it’s time to adjust your strategy.
• Hashtag popularity: Track your branded hashtags with tools like Keyhole to see their reach, impressions, and usage by other accounts. This shows how much organic traction your hashtags are gaining.

💡Pro Tip: Instagram Insights shows you only what happens in the app. As of 2024, you can use Shopify Analytics to track what Instagram followers do on your website—which pages they visit, products they buy, and sales they generate.