Using Hashtags On IG For More Followers | Superviral

Instagram remains one of the most popular platforms for growing an online presence, especially if you want to expand your reach and gain more followers.

One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is hashtags for Instagram. These simple tags can make all the difference in how your content is discovered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to grow your followers with hashtags on IG.

What Are Hashtags?

Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the pound symbol (#). What makes hashtags for IG so valuable is their ability to group content under specific categories or themes. When used on Instagram, hashtags help make your posts discoverable by a broader audience beyond your immediate followers.

For example, if you post about fitness and use the hashtag #FitnessGoals, people searching for or following that hashtag can come across your post, even if they don’t follow you. This expands your reach and can help grow your followers when your content resonates with that broader audience.

The purpose of hashtags on Instagram goes beyond just categorizing content—they're used to boost visibility, build brand awareness, and connect you with niche communities. Knowing how to use them strategically can significantly increase your chances of gaining more followers.

How to Choose the Right Hashtags

Choosing the right hashtags for Instagram requires strategy and a bit of research. You can’t just pick random hashtags and expect your post to go viral. The key is to balance popular hashtags, create niche content, and target the right audience. 

Here are some tips to help you choose effective hashtags:

• Understand Your Audience: Think about who you want to attract. Are they fitness enthusiasts, fashion lovers, or foodies? Understanding their interests will help you pick hashtags that are relevant to them.
• Research Popular Hashtags: Tools like Instagram's search function and third-party tools can show you the popularity of certain hashtags. Aim to use hashtags that are not overly saturated but have a solid following.
• Mix It Up: Use a combination of popular, moderately popular, and niche hashtags. Popular hashtags like #InstaGood can get your post in front of a large audience, but you also risk getting lost in the crowd. Niche hashtags, such as #PlantBasedEats for vegan food enthusiasts, may bring fewer views, but those views are more targeted and likely to engage with your content.

Check What Your Competitors Are Using: Look at your competitors or influencers in your field. Analyze their hashtag strategies and use them as inspiration for your list.

Types of Hashtags

Instagram offers different types of hashtags for various purposes, each serving its role in helping you attract more followers.​

• Popular Hashtags: These are trending hashtags with millions of posts. Examples include #Love, #PhotoOfTheDay, and #TBT (Throwback Thursday). While they can expose your post to a large audience, they also come with intense competition.
• Niche Hashtags: These are specific to particular communities or interests. Using niche hashtags allows you to connect with smaller, more engaged audiences.
• Branded Hashtags: Companies often create branded hashtags to build community and drive user-generated content. For example, Lululemon uses #TheSweatLife, encouraging their followers to tag posts related to fitness and wellness.
• Event-Based Hashtags: These are hashtags tied to events, holidays, or specific promotions like #BlackFriday or #HalloweenCostume. They work well for capitalizing on seasonal trends.

Location-Based Hashtags: Especially useful for local businesses, these hashtags, like #NYCEats or #LondonFashion, can attract people interested in specific geographic areas.

Best Practices for Using Hashtags

We’ve established that hashtags on IG are powerful tools for increasing visibility and engagement on social media platforms. 

But how can you best use hashtags on Instagram to help you maximize your reach?

• Use the Right Number of Hashtags: While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, studies suggest that the optimal number is between 9 and 12. Too few and you might not reach a broad enough audience; too many and you risk looking spammy.
• Where to Place Hashtags: You can place hashtags on IG either in the caption of your post or in the comments section. Both methods work, but putting them in the comments makes your caption cleaner while keeping your post discoverable.
• Update Your Hashtags Regularly: Trends on Instagram change constantly. Review and update your hashtags regularly to make sure you're using relevant ones. A hashtag that worked well a year ago may not be effective today.
• Leverage Instagram Stories: Don't limit hashtags to your posts. You can also use them in Instagram Stories, increasing your chances of appearing in the Explore section and reaching a wider audience.

Examples of Effective Hashtags on Instagram 

To inspire you, let’s look at examples from successful Instagram accounts that have mastered their hashtag strategy.

Red Bull

Red Bull leveraged hashtags on Instagram by launching the creative hashtag campaign #PutACanOnIt. They encouraged followers to share photos with Red Bull cans in unusual or playful places, tagged with the hashtag. The response had nearly 10,000 original images shared on Instagram and Twitter within just a few months. Fans placed the iconic Red Bull can on various objects like cars, bikes, planes, animals, and even people.

Starbucks

Starbucks runs an annual Instagram campaign called the #RedCupContest to celebrate its holiday-themed drinks and iconic red cups. Each November, the coffee giant encourages customers to share photos of their Starbucks beverages using the hashtag for a chance to win a valuable gift card. Fans consistently participate, with over 40,000 posts tagged on Instagram showcasing their creative shots of Starbucks coffee.

GoPro

The brand uses the hashtag on IG, #GoPro to encourage user-generated content from its community. Fans who use the hashtag get featured on GoPro’s main account, leading to increased exposure and engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While hashtags on Instagram have proven successful for many individuals and brands, it's important to navigate their usage carefully to avoid common pitfalls. 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid: 

• Hashtag overuse: Maximizing all 30 available tags can make your posts appear spammy and desperate. Instead, prioritize quality over quantity in your hashtag selection. 
• Including irrelevant hashtags: Just because a tag is trending doesn't mean it belongs on your post; chasing popularity without relevance can lead to low engagement or even accusations of spam. 
• Failing to stay current with your hashtag strategy: Instagram's algorithm evolves, as does hashtag usage, so neglecting to update your approach may result in your posts getting lost among outdated tags. 
• Using banned hashtags: Instagram occasionally prohibits certain tags due to overuse or misuse. Including these in your posts could cause your content to be hidden from search results. It's important to regularly check and ensure your chosen hashtags remain effective and permissible on the platform.

Mastering hashtags for Instagram is an essential step in growing your audience. By using a strategic mix of popular, niche, and branded hashtags and following best practices, you'll maximize your chances of getting discovered by new followers.

Unlock Instagram Success with Superviral 

At Superviral, we’re committed to helping you gain more followers and increase your Instagram views. We understand that tactics like #likeforlikes, #followforfollows, and #viewforviews don't always deliver as promised. That's why we offer access to over 1 million genuine and engaged accounts to help turn you into an Instagram sensation.

Don't let your Instagram potential go untapped. Increase your Instagram followers today with Superviral.