Instagram Hashtags in Comments: Boost Your Reach & Engagement
Instagram hashtags in comments can keep your captions clean. See data on comment hashtags and caption hashtags for a better performance.
August 14, 2025
Ayushi Jain
Table of Contents
A lot of people use Instagram Hashtags in Comments to keep their captions clean. Others stick to putting hashtags in the caption because they think it helps with reach. Instagram hashtags should be placed in captions for accounts under 100K followers because caption placement delivers faster indexing and higher reach, while hashtags in comments work better for larger accounts seeking cleaner aesthetics.
So which one is it? Instagram hashtags in comments or posts?
This guide explains in simple terms:
What happens when you put Instagram hashtags in the comments
How Instagram hashtags in the comments affect reach and visibility
When to use hashtags in the caption instead
What works best for your type of Instagram account
Let’s begin!
Why Instagram Hashtags Still Matter in 2025?
The platform might be pushing Instagram Reels and rolling out AI search, but hashtags on Instagram remain essential. Whether you’re building brand awareness, promoting a product, or trying to land on the Explore page, hashtags remain a direct line to visibility.
They show your Instagram posts to people who’ve never heard of you. And with over a billion users scrolling every day, that kind of exposure still matters a lot.
Why do Instagram hashtags work?
There are multiple reasons why Instagram hashtags in comments or captions work.
They tell Instagram what your post is about. Instagram’s algorithm relies on keywords, hashtags, and user behavior to categorize content. Adding relevant hashtags provides context for displaying your post in hashtag feeds, search results, or curated sections.
They improve discoverability. Hashtags display your post to non-followers. Public Instagram accounts allow content visibility to users searching or following specific hashtags, regardless of prior interaction with your brand.
They drive engagement. Smart hashtag strategies correlate with higher engagement rates. Increased views generate more likes, saves, and followers.
They’re essential for campaigns and UGC. Branded hashtags enable users to tag your promotions, product launches, and user-generated content. Examples like #ShotoniPhone or #AdobePerspective track reach, build community, and establish brand identity.
Do Instagram Hashtags in Comments Work?
Yes, Instagram hashtags in comments do work, but only if you get the timing and tools right. If you’re manually inserting Insyagram hashtags in a comment after you’ve hit publish, you risk missing the early momentum your post needs. That’s a critical window; the first few minutes after your content goes live are when Instagram decides how to rank it based on engagement rates.
For small to mid-size Instagram accounts, this delay in indexing can lower reach dramatically.
For larger accounts (those with over 100K followers), the difference is less significant — and may even lean in your favor.
What Does the Data Say?
Posts from accounts with more than 100K followers that placed Instagram tags in comments performed 1.2% better in reach than those with hashtags in the caption because larger accounts have sufficient engagement velocity to overcome indexing delays, while accounts with 50-100K followers saw 1.6x higher reach when Instagram hashtags were placed in captions. That might sound small, but at scale it matters. For example, if your post reaches 1 million users, that 1.2% equals 12,000 extra views.
If 1.2% of those additional viewers purchase a $100 product, that generates $14,400 in revenue from hashtag placement alone. Conversely, accounts with 50–100K followers saw1.6xhigher reach with hashtags in the caption.
So, does putting Instagram hashtags in comments work?
Yes, but only if:
You post Instagram hashtags in comments instantly using tools, or you’re fast with manual entry.
Your Instagram strategy prioritizes clean visuals, and you have an engaged following.
You’re tracking performance to see if it’s actually helping your content.
And won’t work if:
You’re under 100K followers and manually adding Instagram hashtags in comments after publishing.
You want fast reach and need Instagram to index your content immediately.
You’re not tracking Instagram hashtag performance or using relevant keywords.
Where to Put Hashtags in Instagram
The optimal placement for Instagram hashtags varies based on account size, scheduling methods, and visual content preferences.
How Instagram Indexes Hashtags
Instagram indexes caption hashtags faster than comment hashtags.
Caption hashtags are tracked and indexed immediately when posts go live, appearing in hashtag feeds instantly.(Instagram hashtags in captions)
Comment hashtags experience indexing delays until the comment posts—even a few minutes’ delay can reduce early engagement opportunities.(Instagram hashtags in comments )
Instagram Hashtags in Captions
Solo creators and small businesses achieve better results with Instagram hashtags in captions.
Why?
Caption hashtags index instantly, ranking content immediately
No scheduling tools or delay concerns
Fastest method for exposing content to relevant audiences.
Here’s what else you should know about hashtags on Instagram:
Approximately 93.8% of users place hashtags in captions
Caption placement enhances niche and campaign hashtag performance
Instagram Hashtags in Comments
Instagram hashtags in comments work effectively under specific conditions:
Automation: Automation tools like RecurPost, Later, or Plann are necessary for Instagram hashtags in comments because these platforms automatically place your Instagram hashtags in the comment the second your post goes live without indexing delays that manual posting creates.
Visual appeal: Instagram hashtags in comments maintain a clean aesthetic appeal while maximizing hashtag effectiveness because comment placement creates a polished feed appearance that targets engagement from people browsing the Instagram feed or explore page without cluttering caption text.
Accounts exceeding 100K followers achieve 1.2% higher reach using comment hashtags versus caption hashtags, creating significant impact at scale.
Let’s take an example:
If a post reaches 1M people, that’s 12,000 extra views.
If 1.2% of those people purchase a $100 product, you’re looking at $14,400 in revenue — all triggered by smart hashtag placement.
And for smaller accounts?
Accounts with 50–100K followers perform significantly better with hashtags in the caption — reporting up to 1.6x higher reach.
Difference: Instagram Hashtags in Comments or Posts
Many users search “Instagram hashtags in comments or posts, what’s better?” This section examines audience perspective, algorithm processing, performance impact, and key differences between placement options.
First, let us discuss the differences:
Instagram Hashtags Placement
InstagramHashtags in Caption
InstagramHashtags in Comments
Indexing Speed
Instant
Delayed if not posted immediately
Best For
Small and mid-size accounts (under 100K followers)
Large accounts (100K+), influencers, aesthetic-driven brands
Visual Impact
Can look cluttered unless formatted
Cleaner post and caption layout
Automation Needed
No
Recommended to post a comment instantly
Performance Impact
Consistently strong for accounts under 100K
1.2% higher reach for accounts over 100K
Setup Complexity
Simple, no extra steps
Requires scheduling tools or fast manual posting
Hashtag Strategy Fit
Great for evergreen and content-first brands
Ideal for clean visuals and high-volume campaigns
What Instagram Users See
Caption hashtags remain immediately visible under content, either integrated into text or grouped at the end(Instagram hashtags in captions)
Comment hashtags remain hidden until users open comments, creating a cleaner post appearance, particularly beneficial when using numerous tags(Instagram hashtags in comments)
User experience comparison:
Instagram Hashtags in Captions: Visible, transparent, potentially crowded
Instagram hashtags in Comments: Clean, minimalist, less visible
What Instagram’s App Algorithm Sees
Instagram processes hashtags differently based on placement.
Caption hashtags index immediately, allowing posts to appear in feeds and hashtag sections instantly(Instagram hashtags in captions)
Comment hashtags experience indexing delays unless automated tools post them simultaneously with content, potentially missing critical early engagement(Instagram hashtags in comments)
Algorithm priorities:
Indexing speed
Engagement velocity
Early reach
How It Plays Out in Actual Instagram Post Performance
InstagramHashtags in Caption
Instagram Hashtags in Comments
Reach (for small accounts)
Higher reach, especially for accounts under 100K
Lower reach if hashtags are not added immediately
Reach (for large accounts)
Solid, but may be slightly lower than the comment placement
Slightly higher reach (+1.2%) for accounts with 100K+ followers
Indexing Speed
More consistent engagement across post types
Slight delay unless automated
Visual Presentation
It can look cluttered with 20–30 hashtags
Cleaner, more polished look
Manual Posting Suitability
Ideal for manual posting — no extra steps
Risky if you forget to add them quickly
Automation Tools
Doesn’t require automation
Works best with scheduling tools that support auto-posting comments
Consistency & Reliability
More consistent for engagement across post types
Less reliable unless executed with precision
Best For
Small creators, solo brands, fast posting
Big brands, influencers, aesthetic feeds
So, Instagram Hashtags in Comments or Posts, Which One Wins?
Instagram hashtags deliver results only when properly implemented. Common hashtag strategy failures include:
1. You’re using a banned or broken hashtag strategy
Instagram bans certain hashtags temporarily or permanently, including generic or misused tags like #instadaily or #likeforlike. Banned hashtags suppress reach and may flag posts as spam.
Pro tip: Always double-check tags through Instagram’s search tool before using them. If it looks empty or weird, skip it.
2. You’re using irrelevant or overly broad hashtags
Overly general tags like #happy, #love, or #summer lack targeting power despite being popular. Effective hashtags describe specific content, brand attributes, and audience intent.
3. You copy-paste the same hashtags every time
Repeatedly using identical hashtag sets triggers spam detection and prevents discovery of new hashtags that could attract different audiences.
4. You’re using hashtags too late
Adding comment hashtags minutes after publishing sacrifices momentum. Instagram prioritizes fast-spiking posts, making delayed hashtags ineffective.
5. Your content doesn’t match the hashtags
Hashtags cannot compensate for low-quality content. Instagram tracks when users scroll past posts, reducing reach regardless of hashtag strategy.
6. You’re over-optimizing
Hashtags should complement content rather than overwhelm it. Adding 30 irrelevant tags to manipulate algorithms proves counterproductive.
Bottom line: Instagram hashtags in comments fail without valuable, engaging content. Prioritize content quality, then implement strategic hashtag placement.
Theory is great, but results talk louder. Here’s hard data from a study that analyzed over 650,000 Instagram posts across accounts of all sizes. Here’s what they found about hashtag placement based on follower count:
Best Placement
Result
Under 5K
Caption
Better reach and visibility
5K–50K
Caption
Still, the most consistent results
50K–100K
Caption
1.6x higher reach vs comments
100K+
Comments
1.2% higher reach vs captions
What this tells us:
Small accounts (under 100K) should focus on hashtags in the post caption for maximum visibility.
Larger accounts (100K+) can experiment with putting Instagram hashtags in comments — especially if using automation tools to post them instantly.
Instagram gives small accounts a better shot when hashtags are visible right away.
Let’s translate that into money.
If a brand with 1M followers adds Instagram hashtags in comments and reaches 12,000 extra users (1.2%), and 1.2% of those people buy a $100 product, that’s $14,400 from a small shift in placement.
Key takeaway: Don’t follow what big accounts do unless your numbers match. Focus on what works for your audience, your goals, and your Instagram strategy.
How to Track Hashtag Performance for Higher Engagement (Most Users Skip This)
You can’t improve your hashtag strategy if you’re not tracking what’s working. Here’s how to track performance effectively:
1. Use Instagram Insights
Professional accounts provide post-level analytics. Access “View Insights” under posts to check:
Impressions from hashtags
Reach from non-followers
Engagement breakdown
These metrics reveal whether hashtags attract new viewers or merely reach existing followers.
2. Use third-party analytics tools
For deeper data analysis, consider these tools:
Tool
Strengths
Flick
Keyword ranking, hashtag sets, and banned tag alerts
Later
Visual scheduler with performance tracking
Metricool
Hashtag engagement analysis + A/B testing
RecurPost
Best for testing and recycling high-performing hashtags
These tools help you test variations like:
Hashtags in captions vs comments
Popular vs niche hashtags
Branded Instagram hashtag performance
3. Test + adjust every 2–4 weeks
Instagram feeds evolve their tags constantly. You should, too.
Make it a routine:
Remove hashtags that underperform
Add new hashtags related to recent trends or content changes
Track how each batch performs over time
Final Tip: Build a Hashtag System
Create 3–5 saved sets of relevant hashtags categorized by:
Topic
Audience segment
Content type
Location
Product or campaign
Rotate them across posts and track which group performs best. You’ll be surprised by how much difference the right hashtags make.
Which Hashtag Method Is Better For Business Growth?
Hashtags for business growth are how you get seen without paying for ads.
If You’re a Small Business (Under 100K Followers):
Stick to hashtags in the caption.
They give you faster indexing and instant placement in the hashtag feed.
You don’t need fancy tools or automation.
You’ll also show up faster, which helps you get discovered by users outside your current follower base.
If You’re a Larger Brand or Influencer (100K+ Followers):
See if you can afford to experiment.
Instagram hashtags in comments work well if your goal is a polished layout or your Instagram strategy involves high-frequency posting with automation.
If you post 5+ times a week, using the first comment for hashtags can keep your grid looking clean while still driving engagement — if they’re posted instantly.
Key Takeaway: Whether you’re pushing a branded hashtag, launching a product, or promoting user-generated content, where you write hashtags can affect how many people see your content and ultimately, how many convert.
Best Practices for Using Hashtags
Using hashtags incorrectly negates the benefits of perfect placement.
Build a smarter hashtag strategy with these practices:
1. Use the Maximum Amount — But Only If They’re Relevant
Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post
Select relevant hashtags rather than merely trending hashtags for posting
Each tag should directly connect to your content, product, audience, or niche
2. Mix Different Hashtag Types
Combine:
Popular hashtags for broad reach
Niche hashtags for higher conversion intent
Location hashtags for targeted campaigns
3. Use Line Breaks to Clean Up Your Caption
To keep captions neat, format your hashtags using a clean line break or five dots like:
(Add_Your_Caption_Here)
(Add_Five_Dots_Here)
(Add_Your_Hashtags_Here)
4. Don’t Recycle the Same Hashtags in the First Comment
Instagram flags accounts that use the exact same set over and over.
Rotate different hashtags based on the post topic, image, or audience.
5. Track Your Performance
Use Instagram Insights or tools like Flick and Metricool to check which tags are actually working.
If your top tags aren’t sending traffic, swap them out.
Don’t assume what worked two months ago still works today.
Should You Use AI to Pick the Best Hashtags?
AI tools for hashtag selection(Instagram hashtag generator) vary in quality and depend on your input quality.
Tools You Can Try:
Flick – one of the best for performance tracking + suggestions
IQHashtags – great for finding banned or shadowbanned tags
ChatGPT – useful for brainstorming niche hashtags or specific hashtags
Instagram’s own search tool – still underrated for spotting what’s trending in real time
Pros of Using AI:
Saves time
Helps you discover specific hashtags you might miss
Surface combinations of relevant, popular, and low-competition tags
Great for idea generation when you’re stuck
Cons of using AI:
Instagram Hashtag suggestions can be too broad (e.g., “#love,” “#instagood”)
You still need to check if they’re relevant to your Instagram post
Doesn’t understand your brand voice or context unless you guide it properly
Bottom Line: Use AI to build your hashtag list! Do not blindly post whatever it suggests. Always review for relevance and make sure your tags match the actual post, caption, and target audience.
Conclusion
Accounts under 100K followers should use caption hashtags for immediate indexing. Accounts exceeding 100K followers gain slight reach advantages from Instagram hashtags in comments, particularly when using automation tools.
Aesthetically-focused brands benefit from comment hashtags without sacrificing visibility when hashtags appear simultaneously with posts.
Both methods work; what matters more is using relevant Instagram hashtags, posting consistently, and tracking what performs.
So, what is your strategy? Instagram hashtags in comments or posts?
1. Is it better to write Instagram hashtags in comments or captions?
Captions are better for fast indexing and smaller accounts. Comments work well for bigger accounts or if you want a cleaner look.
2. Does Instagram hashtagging in comments work for business accounts?
Yes, Instagram hashtags in comments work, especially when automated. Brands often use Instagram hashtags in comments to stay organized and clean up the caption.
3. Will placing hashtags in the first comment affect engagement?
Only if there’s a delay. Post Instagram hashtags in comments right away, and you’re good. A late comment can hurt your reach.
4. What are the benefits of putting hashtags in the caption instead?
No delay, full reach, and easier tracking. Especially useful if you’re using all 30 tags or your scheduling tool doesn’t support comments.
5. How can I make my hashtag placement look clean in the caption?
Use a line break or five dots to push hashtags below the main text. This keeps the caption focused and easy to read.
6. Can I edit my post later to insert hashtags?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes posts in the first few minutes. Adding hashtags later won’t help much.
7. Should I use the same hashtags on every post?
No. Rotate your hashtags to avoid being flagged as spam. Repeating the same ones over and over kills visibility.
8. What’s the best way to find the right hashtags?
Use Instagram’s search tool to check what’s trending in your niche. Look at what similar accounts or competitors are using.
9. How many hashtags should I add per post?
You can use up to 30, but aim for 15–25 well-targeted ones. Focus on a mix of relevant, niche, and branded hashtags.
10. Do private accounts benefit from hashtags?
No. If your account is private, hashtags won’t help with reach. They only work on public accounts.
11. What’s the difference between branded and related hashtags?
Branded hashtags are unique to your business. Related hashtags are tied to your content or industry. Use both to hit the right audience.
12. Can hashtags increase visibility on the Explore page?
Yes, especially if your content gets early engagement. Resonant hashtags give Instagram a better idea of where to place your post.
13. Should I insert hashtags in my Instagram Stories, too?
Definitely. You can use up to 10 hashtags in Stories. Use smaller, relevant ones to avoid clutter but still show up in searches. Find Instagram hashtags trending for this strategy.
14. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
Instagram recommends using 3–5 hashtags per post. While you can add up to 30, fewer well-targeted hashtags tend to perform better in the feed and Explore tab.
15. How do I add hashtags on Instagram after posting?
You can edit your original post and add hashtags directly to the caption, or post them as a comment. Both options still count toward post visibility.
16. What is the ideal number of hashtags per Instagram post for maximum engagement?
Studies suggest 9 to 11 relevant hashtags can bring higher engagement. But quality beats quantity—use ones your audience follows.
17. How can I hide hashtags on Instagram posts?
To keep your captions clean, add hashtags in a comment or use line breaks and symbols (like dots) to push them below the “See more” cut-off.
18. Does putting hashtags in comments work on TikTok?
No. TikTok only reads hashtags added in the video caption. Hashtags in the comments don’t impact visibility or reach. To improve discoverability, always place hashtags directly in the caption before posting.
Ayushi Jain is a content writer with expertise in creating engaging, SEO-friendly content across various industries. With a focus on storytelling and clarity, she helps brands connect with their audience effectively.
Over 1 million posts generated by people just like you! Try our free AI tool to create scroll-stopping social media content in seconds - no experience needed.
Instagram Hashtags in Comments: Boost Your Reach & Engagement
Table of Contents
A lot of people use Instagram Hashtags in Comments to keep their captions clean. Others stick to putting hashtags in the caption because they think it helps with reach. Instagram hashtags should be placed in captions for accounts under 100K followers because caption placement delivers faster indexing and higher reach, while hashtags in comments work better for larger accounts seeking cleaner aesthetics.
So which one is it? Instagram hashtags in comments or posts?
This guide explains in simple terms:
Let’s begin!
Why Instagram Hashtags Still Matter in 2025?
The platform might be pushing Instagram Reels and rolling out AI search, but hashtags on Instagram remain essential. Whether you’re building brand awareness, promoting a product, or trying to land on the Explore page, hashtags remain a direct line to visibility.
They show your Instagram posts to people who’ve never heard of you. And with over a billion users scrolling every day, that kind of exposure still matters a lot.
Why do Instagram hashtags work?
There are multiple reasons why Instagram hashtags in comments or captions work.
Do Instagram Hashtags in Comments Work?
Yes, Instagram hashtags in comments do work, but only if you get the timing and tools right. If you’re manually inserting Insyagram hashtags in a comment after you’ve hit publish, you risk missing the early momentum your post needs. That’s a critical window; the first few minutes after your content goes live are when Instagram decides how to rank it based on engagement rates.
What Does the Data Say?
Posts from accounts with more than 100K followers that placed Instagram tags in comments performed 1.2% better in reach than those with hashtags in the caption because larger accounts have sufficient engagement velocity to overcome indexing delays, while accounts with 50-100K followers saw 1.6x higher reach when Instagram hashtags were placed in captions. That might sound small, but at scale it matters. For example, if your post reaches 1 million users, that 1.2% equals 12,000 extra views.
If 1.2% of those additional viewers purchase a $100 product, that generates $14,400 in revenue from hashtag placement alone. Conversely, accounts with 50–100K followers saw 1.6x higher reach with hashtags in the caption.
So, does putting Instagram hashtags in comments work?
Yes, but only if:
And won’t work if:
Where to Put Hashtags in Instagram
The optimal placement for Instagram hashtags varies based on account size, scheduling methods, and visual content preferences.
How Instagram Indexes Hashtags
Instagram indexes caption hashtags faster than comment hashtags.
Instagram Hashtags in Captions
Solo creators and small businesses achieve better results with Instagram hashtags in captions.
Why?
Here’s what else you should know about hashtags on Instagram:
Instagram Hashtags in Comments
Instagram hashtags in comments work effectively under specific conditions:
Accounts exceeding 100K followers achieve 1.2% higher reach using comment hashtags versus caption hashtags, creating significant impact at scale.
Let’s take an example:
And for smaller accounts?
Learn how to raise your Instagram followers
Difference: Instagram Hashtags in Comments or Posts
Many users search “Instagram hashtags in comments or posts, what’s better?” This section examines audience perspective, algorithm processing, performance impact, and key differences between placement options.
First, let us discuss the differences:
What Instagram Users See
User experience comparison:
What Instagram’s App Algorithm Sees
Instagram processes hashtags differently based on placement.
Algorithm priorities:
How It Plays Out in Actual Instagram Post Performance
So, Instagram Hashtags in Comments or Posts, Which One Wins?
Optimal hashtag placement depends on:
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Learn how to grow organic Instagram followers here!
When Instagram Hashtags Will Not Work
Instagram hashtags deliver results only when properly implemented. Common hashtag strategy failures include:
1. You’re using a banned or broken hashtag strategy
Instagram bans certain hashtags temporarily or permanently, including generic or misused tags like #instadaily or #likeforlike. Banned hashtags suppress reach and may flag posts as spam.
Pro tip: Always double-check tags through Instagram’s search tool before using them. If it looks empty or weird, skip it.
2. You’re using irrelevant or overly broad hashtags
Overly general tags like #happy, #love, or #summer lack targeting power despite being popular. Effective hashtags describe specific content, brand attributes, and audience intent.
3. You copy-paste the same hashtags every time
Repeatedly using identical hashtag sets triggers spam detection and prevents discovery of new hashtags that could attract different audiences.
4. You’re using hashtags too late
Adding comment hashtags minutes after publishing sacrifices momentum. Instagram prioritizes fast-spiking posts, making delayed hashtags ineffective.
5. Your content doesn’t match the hashtags
Hashtags cannot compensate for low-quality content. Instagram tracks when users scroll past posts, reducing reach regardless of hashtag strategy.
6. You’re over-optimizing
Hashtags should complement content rather than overwhelm it. Adding 30 irrelevant tags to manipulate algorithms proves counterproductive.
Bottom line: Instagram hashtags in comments fail without valuable, engaging content. Prioritize content quality, then implement strategic hashtag placement.
Figure out how Hashtags work
Data on Instagram Hashtags in Comments
Theory is great, but results talk louder. Here’s hard data from a study that analyzed over 650,000 Instagram posts across accounts of all sizes. Here’s what they found about hashtag placement based on follower count:
What this tells us:
Let’s translate that into money.
If a brand with 1M followers adds Instagram hashtags in comments and reaches 12,000 extra users (1.2%), and 1.2% of those people buy a $100 product, that’s $14,400 from a small shift in placement.
Key takeaway: Don’t follow what big accounts do unless your numbers match. Focus on what works for your audience, your goals, and your Instagram strategy.
How to Track Hashtag Performance for Higher Engagement (Most Users Skip This)
You can’t improve your hashtag strategy if you’re not tracking what’s working. Here’s how to track performance effectively:
1. Use Instagram Insights
Professional accounts provide post-level analytics. Access “View Insights” under posts to check:
These metrics reveal whether hashtags attract new viewers or merely reach existing followers.
2. Use third-party analytics tools
For deeper data analysis, consider these tools:
These tools help you test variations like:
3. Test + adjust every 2–4 weeks
Instagram feeds evolve their tags constantly. You should, too.
Make it a routine:
Final Tip: Build a Hashtag System
Create 3–5 saved sets of relevant hashtags categorized by:
Rotate them across posts and track which group performs best. You’ll be surprised by how much difference the right hashtags make.
Which Hashtag Method Is Better For Business Growth?
Hashtags for business growth are how you get seen without paying for ads.
If You’re a Small Business (Under 100K Followers):
If You’re a Larger Brand or Influencer (100K+ Followers):
Key Takeaway: Whether you’re pushing a branded hashtag, launching a product, or promoting user-generated content, where you write hashtags can affect how many people see your content and ultimately, how many convert.
Best Practices for Using Hashtags
Using hashtags incorrectly negates the benefits of perfect placement.
Build a smarter hashtag strategy with these practices:
1. Use the Maximum Amount — But Only If They’re Relevant
2. Mix Different Hashtag Types
3. Use Line Breaks to Clean Up Your Caption
To keep captions neat, format your hashtags using a clean line break or five dots like:
(Add_Your_Caption_Here)
(Add_Five_Dots_Here)
(Add_Your_Hashtags_Here)
4. Don’t Recycle the Same Hashtags in the First Comment
5. Track Your Performance
Should You Use AI to Pick the Best Hashtags?
AI tools for hashtag selection(Instagram hashtag generator) vary in quality and depend on your input quality.
Tools You Can Try:
Pros of Using AI:
Cons of using AI:
Bottom Line: Use AI to build your hashtag list! Do not blindly post whatever it suggests. Always review for relevance and make sure your tags match the actual post, caption, and target audience.
Conclusion
Accounts under 100K followers should use caption hashtags for immediate indexing. Accounts exceeding 100K followers gain slight reach advantages from Instagram hashtags in comments, particularly when using automation tools.
Aesthetically-focused brands benefit from comment hashtags without sacrificing visibility when hashtags appear simultaneously with posts.
Both methods work; what matters more is using relevant Instagram hashtags, posting consistently, and tracking what performs.
So, what is your strategy? Instagram hashtags in comments or posts?
Want to know why people use Instagram?
FAQs
1. Is it better to write Instagram hashtags in comments or captions?
Captions are better for fast indexing and smaller accounts. Comments work well for bigger accounts or if you want a cleaner look.
2. Does Instagram hashtagging in comments work for business accounts?
Yes, Instagram hashtags in comments work, especially when automated. Brands often use Instagram hashtags in comments to stay organized and clean up the caption.
3. Will placing hashtags in the first comment affect engagement?
Only if there’s a delay. Post Instagram hashtags in comments right away, and you’re good. A late comment can hurt your reach.
4. What are the benefits of putting hashtags in the caption instead?
No delay, full reach, and easier tracking. Especially useful if you’re using all 30 tags or your scheduling tool doesn’t support comments.
5. How can I make my hashtag placement look clean in the caption?
Use a line break or five dots to push hashtags below the main text. This keeps the caption focused and easy to read.
6. Can I edit my post later to insert hashtags?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes posts in the first few minutes. Adding hashtags later won’t help much.
7. Should I use the same hashtags on every post?
No. Rotate your hashtags to avoid being flagged as spam. Repeating the same ones over and over kills visibility.
8. What’s the best way to find the right hashtags?
Use Instagram’s search tool to check what’s trending in your niche. Look at what similar accounts or competitors are using.
9. How many hashtags should I add per post?
You can use up to 30, but aim for 15–25 well-targeted ones. Focus on a mix of relevant, niche, and branded hashtags.
10. Do private accounts benefit from hashtags?
No. If your account is private, hashtags won’t help with reach. They only work on public accounts.
11. What’s the difference between branded and related hashtags?
Branded hashtags are unique to your business. Related hashtags are tied to your content or industry. Use both to hit the right audience.
12. Can hashtags increase visibility on the Explore page?
Yes, especially if your content gets early engagement. Resonant hashtags give Instagram a better idea of where to place your post.
13. Should I insert hashtags in my Instagram Stories, too?
Definitely. You can use up to 10 hashtags in Stories. Use smaller, relevant ones to avoid clutter but still show up in searches. Find Instagram hashtags trending for this strategy.
14. How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
Instagram recommends using 3–5 hashtags per post. While you can add up to 30, fewer well-targeted hashtags tend to perform better in the feed and Explore tab.
15. How do I add hashtags on Instagram after posting?
You can edit your original post and add hashtags directly to the caption, or post them as a comment. Both options still count toward post visibility.
16. What is the ideal number of hashtags per Instagram post for maximum engagement?
Studies suggest 9 to 11 relevant hashtags can bring higher engagement. But quality beats quantity—use ones your audience follows.
17. How can I hide hashtags on Instagram posts?
To keep your captions clean, add hashtags in a comment or use line breaks and symbols (like dots) to push them below the “See more” cut-off.
18. Does putting hashtags in comments work on TikTok?
No. TikTok only reads hashtags added in the video caption. Hashtags in the comments don’t impact visibility or reach. To improve discoverability, always place hashtags directly in the caption before posting.
Ayushi Jain is a content writer with expertise in creating engaging, SEO-friendly content across various industries. With a focus on storytelling and clarity, she helps brands connect with their audience effectively.
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