How Hashtags Work
Hashtags are metadata tags that categorize content. When you use #photography, your post appears in search results and feeds for that tag. Platforms use engagement metrics to decide which posts appear at the top of each hashtag feed.
Hashtag Strategy by Platform
- Instagram: 5–10 highly relevant hashtags performs better than 30 random ones. Mix popular (1M+ posts), medium (100K–1M), and niche (<100K) tags.
- TikTok: 3–5 hashtags. Use trending hashtags + niche hashtags. Always include at least one trending tag.
- Twitter/X: 1–2 relevant hashtags. More than 2 reduces engagement.
- LinkedIn: 3–5 professional industry hashtags. Avoid generic tags.
- YouTube: 3–5 hashtags in description. These appear above the title.
💡 The Hashtag Mix Formula:
• 3 large hashtags (1M+ posts) — broad discovery
• 4 medium hashtags (100K–1M posts) — targeted reach
• 3 small hashtags (<100K posts) — high chance of being featured
• 3 large hashtags (1M+ posts) — broad discovery
• 4 medium hashtags (100K–1M posts) — targeted reach
• 3 small hashtags (<100K posts) — high chance of being featured
How to Use the Hashtag Generator
1Open the Hashtag Generator tool.
2Enter your keyword (topic, niche, or description of your post).
3Select your platform (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn).
4Browse generated hashtags organized by category.
5Click tags to select them, then copy the entire selection.
Hashtags to Avoid
- Shadow-banned hashtags: Instagram periodically bans hashtags that attract spam. Using them can reduce your reach.
- Irrelevant hashtags: Using
#loveon a business post hurts your account credibility. - Oversaturated tags:
#instagoodhas 1+ billion posts — your content will be buried in seconds.
FAQ
Do hashtags still work in 2024?
Yes — but strategy matters more than quantity. TikTok's algorithm is keyword-driven; Instagram uses both hashtags and interest signals. Relevant, moderate-volume hashtags consistently outperform shotgun approaches.
Should hashtags go in the caption or comments on Instagram?
Either works for discoverability. In comments keeps your caption cleaner; in the caption ensures hashtags are indexed immediately.