Boost Engagement with 100+ Popular Hashtags: A 2024 Guide

Alright, let’s cut to the chase – hashtags are the real MVPs of social media. You want your posts to blow up? Then you need to get your hashtag game on point. They’re not just some random words after your caption; they’re like the GPS that helps people find your content in the sea of endless posts.

In 2024, using popular hashtags isn’t optional; it’s a must. The social media world is crowded, and if you want your post to shine, you’ve got to play smart. This guide is your ultimate hookup for the best popular hashtags to use on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more. Think of it as your social media survival kit.

Ready to level up?

Trending Hashtags Across Social Media Platforms

Hashtags are the keys to getting your content noticed on social media. Let’s break down the popular hashtags across major platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and see how they can boost your reach in 2024.

Instagram Hashtags

Instagram thrives on visuals, and the right hashtags can push your content to the forefront. Here are 10 popular hashtags Instagram users should consider:

1. #instagood – A timeless hashtag that works for nearly any post, showing that your content is worth a double-tap.
2. #picoftheday – Perfect for highlighting your best shots of the day.
3. #fashion – Essential if you’re in the style game, helping your posts connect with the fashion community.
4. #travel – Ideal for sharing your adventures and connecting with fellow wanderlusters.
5. #reels – Must-use for boosting your Instagram Reels visibility.
6. #photooftheday – Show off your best images and get them noticed.
7. #nature – Great for outdoor and nature-themed content.
8. #ootd (Outfit of the Day) – Popular in fashion circles for showcasing daily looks.
9. #foodie – For all things delicious, from recipes to restaurant dishes.
10. #beauty – Perfect for makeup, skincare, and all things glamorous.

Mix these with trending hashtags for Instagram to maximize reach and engagement.

TikTok Hashtags

TikTok moves fast, and so do the trends. Here are 10 popular hashtags TikTok creators should keep in rotation:

1. #fyp (For You Page) – A must-use if you want to land on TikTok coveted For You Page.
2. #viral – Everyone’s goal on TikTok; this hashtag boosts your chances.
3. #duet – For those creative collaborations that TikTok is known for.
4. #tiktokchallenge – Hop on the latest challenge to ride the trend wave.
5. #trending – A catch-all for current trends on TikTok.
6. #funny – Humor never goes out of style, and this tag connects you with those looking for laughs.
7. #music – Essential for music-related content, from dance to lip-syncs.
8. #dance – For all the movers and shakers on TikTok.
9. #tiktoktrend – Keep your content relevant with this general trending tag.
10. #lifehack – Share your tips and tricks with those who love quick fixes.

Staying on top of trending TikTok hashtags can help you keep your content fresh and visible.

YouTube Hashtags

On YouTube, hashtags can help people find your videos. Here are 10 popular hashtags YouTube creators should use:

1. #youtube – It’s simple but effective for general content visibility.
2. #youtubeshorts – Vital for getting attention on those bite-sized video clips.
3. #vlog – If you’re sharing daily life or travel content, this is the tag to use.
4. #tutorial – Great for educational content, from how-tos to DIY.
5. #subscribe – A clear call to action that can help grow your channel.
6. #gaming – Perfect for the massive gaming community on YouTube.
7. #howto – For instructional videos that solve problems or teach new skills.
8. #review – Ideal for content that evaluates products or services.
9. #unboxing – Popular with product reviewers and fans of new gadgets.
10. #reaction – Used for videos where you react to other content, which is hugely popular.

These are particularly useful for increasing views on hashtags for YouTube Shorts and viral hashtags for YouTube videos.

Facebook Hashtags

Facebook might be a veteran platform, but hashtags are still relevant. Here are 10 popular hashtags Facebook users should know:

1. #throwbackthursday – Share those nostalgic moments with this classic tag.
2. #lifeupdate – Keep friends and followers in the loop with what’s new.
3. #giveaway – Boost engagement with contests and giveaways.
4. #motivationmonday – Perfect for inspiring your network at the start of the week.
5. #family – Great for posts that celebrate family moments.
6. #blessed – A popular tag for expressing gratitude.
7. #friends – Highlight friendships and shared experiences.
8. #happy – Share joyful moments with this positive tag.
9. #love – Universal and always relevant, especially for personal posts.
10. #tbt (Throwback Thursday) – A shorter version of #throwbackthursday that’s equally effective.

Use these alongside specific interest hashtags to better connect with your audience on Facebook.

LinkedIn Hashtags

LinkedIn is all about networking and professional content. Here are 10 LinkedIn hashtags to make your posts more discoverable:

1. #careeradvice – Share tips and tricks to help others advance in their careers.
2. #leadership – Perfect for posts about leadership styles, tips, and experiences.
3. #personalbranding – Build your professional identity and attract the right connections.
4. #networking – Essential for connecting with professionals in your field.
5. #innovation – Discuss the latest trends and ideas in your industry.
6. #futureofwork – Explore conversations about how work is evolving.
7. #marketing – Ideal for sharing insights or tips on marketing strategies.
8. #entrepreneurship – Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and share business insights.
9. #success – Highlight achievements and milestones in your career.
10. #business – A broad but powerful tag for anything related to the business world.

These hashtags can help you connect with like-minded professionals and grow your influence on LinkedIn.

Pinterest Hashtags

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine, and hashtags can help your pins get discovered. Here are 10 Pinterest hashtags to use:

1. #DIY – Popular for all things crafty and creative.
2. #homedecor – Perfect for pins related to interior design and decorating.
3. #fashion – A go-to for style inspiration.
4. #weddingideas – Essential for those planning or dreaming about weddings.
5. #recipes – Share your culinary creations with this popular tag.
6. #fitness – Great for workout routines and healthy living tips.
7. #beautytips – Ideal for makeup tutorials and skincare advice.
8. #travel – Inspire wanderlust with your travel-related pins.
9. #organization – For tips and tricks on keeping things neat and tidy.
10. #quotes – Share inspiring or motivational quotes to resonate with your audience.

Using the right hashtags on Pinterest can significantly increase the visibility of your pins, making it easier for users to find and save your content.

Industry-Specific Hashtag Strategies

Different industries have unique audiences, and using popular hashtags that resonate within your niche can significantly boost engagement. Here’s how to tailor your hashtag strategy for various sectors:

Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle

The fashion and beauty industries thrive on visual appeal and trends. Here are some popular hashtags Instagram fashionistas and beauty gurus are using:

1. #fashion – A go-to for anything style-related.
2. #beauty – Perfect for makeup and skincare content.
3. #ootd (Outfit of the Day) – Great for sharing daily looks.
4. #skincare – For all things related to skincare routines and products.
5. #makeup – Essential for beauty tutorials and product reviews.
6. #style – A versatile hashtag that works for fashion and lifestyle posts.
7. #selfcare – Popular for content focused on wellness and beauty routines.
8. #streetstyle – Ideal for showcasing urban fashion trends.
9. #hairgoals – Use this for haircare and styling content.
10. #nailart – A favorite among those sharing creative nail designs.

These hashtags help you connect with fashion enthusiasts and beauty lovers, driving more engagement from a targeted audience.

Fitness, Wellness, and Health

Health and wellness content is all about motivation and lifestyle. Here are 10 popular hashtags for fitness and wellness:

1. #fitness – The cornerstone hashtag for workout-related posts.
2. #healthylifestyle – Great for promoting overall wellness.
3. #workout – Perfect for sharing exercise routines.
4. #gym – Ideal for content shot at the gym or related to fitness training.
5. #yoga – Popular among those sharing yoga poses and mindfulness content.
6. #nutrition – Use this for diet and healthy eating tips.
7. #wellness – Broad but effective for any health-related post.
8. #fitfam – A community-driven tag for fitness enthusiasts.
9. #motivation – Use it to inspire and engage with followers.
10. #meditation – Perfect for posts about mental health and relaxation.

These hashtags resonate with people who are passionate about fitness and wellness, helping you reach a highly engaged audience.

Food and Culinary

Food content is always a hit, especially when paired with the right hashtags. Here are 10 popular hashtags for foodies:

1. #foodie – A must for any food-related content.
2. #recipes – Perfect for sharing cooking tips and meal ideas.
3. #instafood – Great for drool-worthy food photos.
4. #foodporn – Popular for showcasing indulgent and visually stunning dishes.
5. #vegan – Use this for plant-based recipes and content.
6. #cleaneating – Ideal for healthy and nutritious meal ideas.
7. #foodphotography – Perfect for those who take pride in their food presentation.
8. #baking – A go-to for anything from cakes to cookies.
9. #streetfood – Showcase local eats with this popular tag.
10. #brunch – For all those late-morning meal posts.

These hashtags are highly effective for engaging with fellow food lovers and increasing the reach of your culinary content.

Event and Seasonal Hashtags

Seasonal and event-based hashtags for festivals like Halloween can drive engagement by tapping into timely conversations. Here are 10 popular hashtags to consider:

1. #summer – Perfect for warm-weather activities and content.
2. #christmas – Ideal for holiday-related posts.
3. #newyear – Use this to celebrate the start of the year.
4. #halloween – Great for spooky content in October.
5. #thanksgiving – For sharing gratitude and festive meals.
6. #valentinesday – Perfect for love-themed content in February.
7. #blackfriday – Use this during the shopping frenzy in November.
8. #pride – Celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with this tag.
9. #backtoschool – Great for content aimed at students and parents.
10. #mothersday – Honor moms with posts dedicated to this day.

These hashtags help you join in on seasonal conversations and connect with audiences during key moments throughout the year.

Strategic Hashtag Usage: Best Practices and Tips

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the popular hashtags across various platforms, let’s dive into how to use them strategically. It’s not just about slapping a bunch of hashtags on your post; it’s about using them smartly to maximize your reach and engagement.

Optimal Hashtag Count

Knowing how many hashtags to use can make or break your post’s performance. Here’s the sweet spot for each platform:

• Instagram: Using 8-15 hashtags is ideal. While Instagram allows up to 30, sticking to a mix of popular hashtags Instagram users are searching for, along with niche-specific ones, is more effective.

• TikTok: Less is more on TikTok. Aim for 3-5 hashtags, focusing on trending TikTok hashtags that are relevant to your content.

• YouTube: Include 2-3 hashtags in your video titles or descriptions. For hashtags for YouTube Shorts, consider using even fewer, but make sure they’re spot-on.

• Facebook: Keep it simple with 1-2 hashtags, focusing on broad and relatable tags like #family or #love.

• LinkedIn: Stick to 3-5 LinkedIn hashtags to maintain a professional tone while ensuring your post gets seen.

• Pinterest: Aim for 2-5 hashtags per pin. Using too many can feel spammy, so choose the most relevant ones like #DIY or #homedecor.

Hashtag Placement

Where you place your hashtags can affect how your post performs:

• Instagram: Place hashtags either in the caption or the first comment. Putting them in the caption makes them more visible immediately, while adding them in a comment keeps your caption cleaner.

• TikTok: Hashtags should be in the video description to align with the content you’re sharing. This keeps everything in one place, making it easy for viewers to understand the context.

• YouTube: Include hashtags in the video title or description. This helps YouTube’s algorithm categorize your content more accurately.

• Facebook: Place hashtags directly in the post. Facebook isn’t as hashtag-centric, so keeping it simple is best.

• LinkedIn: Hashtags should be added at the end of your post. This keeps the focus on your content while still making it searchable.

• Pinterest: Add hashtags in the pin description. They help users find your pins when searching for specific topics.

Combining General and Niche Hashtags

A mix of broad and specific hashtags can help you reach both a wide and targeted audience:

• General Hashtags: Use widely recognized hashtags like #instagood or #fyp to attract a large audience. These are great for general visibility.

• Niche Hashtags: Include more specific tags like #sustainablefashion or #plantbasedrecipes. These help you connect with a more targeted, engaged audience.

Combining these helps ensure that your content is both discoverable by the masses and appreciated by those within specific communities.

Branded and Campaign Hashtags

Creating your own hashtags can set your content apart:

• Branded Hashtags: These are unique to your brand and help build a community around your content. For example, a fashion brand might use #YourBrandNameStyle to encourage users to share their looks.

• Campaign Hashtags: If you’re running a specific promotion or event, create a hashtag like #YourBrandNameEvent2024. This makes it easy to track engagement and user-generated content.

Avoiding Banned or Overused Hashtags

Using banned or overly saturated hashtags can hurt your reach:

• Banned Hashtags: Some hashtags have been banned by platforms like Instagram due to misuse or spammy content. Before using a hashtag, make sure it’s not on the banned list.

• Overused Hashtags: Tags like #love or #instagood are popular but might not help your post stand out. Try combining them with less common tags to improve your chances of being noticed.

Platform-Specific Hashtag Strategies

Different social media platforms have their own quirks and best practices when it comes to hashtags. Here’s how to tailor your hashtag strategy for each platform to get the most out of your posts.

Instagram Hashtag Strategies

Instagram is the go-to platform for hashtags, and getting them right is crucial.

• Use Hashtag Tools: Tools like Instagram’s Explore Page or Hashtag Suggestions can help you discover trending hashtags for Instagram and stay on top of what’s popular in your niche.

• Hashtag Stories and Reels: Don’t forget to use hashtags in your Stories and Reels. For example, use #popularhashtagsforinstagramreels to get your short videos seen by a broader audience.

• Niche and Location-Based Hashtags: Incorporate niche-specific hashtags like #veganrecipes or location-based tags like #nyceats to target specific audiences.

TikTok Hashtag Strategies

TikTok’s algorithm loves fresh content, and the right hashtags can help your videos land on the For You Page (FYP).

• Keep it Relevant: Use hashtags that are directly related to your content. For example, if you’re posting a dance video, use #dance and #trendingtiktokhashtags to increase visibility.

• Participate in Challenges: Engage with TikTok trends by using #tiktokchallenge or #fyp to participate in viral challenges and boost your chances of going viral.

• Utilize Niche Tags: Niche hashtags like #booktok for book lovers or #skincaretips for beauty enthusiasts can help you connect with a more targeted audience.

YouTube Hashtag Strategies

Hashtags on YouTube help categorize your videos and make them more discoverable.

• Use Hashtags in Titles and Descriptions: Include relevant hashtags like #youtubeshorts or #tutorial in your video title and description to help YouTube’s algorithm better categorize your content.

• Focus on Trending Tags: Keep an eye on what’s trending in your niche and use related tags like #viralhashtagsforyoutube to tap into popular searches.

• Shorts-Specific Tags: If you’re posting YouTube Shorts, use #shorts and #howto for quick tips or tutorial videos to attract more viewers.

Facebook Hashtag Strategies

Hashtags on Facebook are less about discovery and more about organizing content.

• Keep it Minimal: Facebook users aren’t as hashtag-focused, so stick to 1-2 relevant hashtags like #giveaway or #throwbackthursday.

• Use Hashtags to Categorize: Use hashtags to categorize your content. For instance, use #lifeupdate for personal news or #motivationmonday for inspirational posts.

• Join Larger Conversations: Participate in broader conversations with popular tags like #family or #blessed to reach a wider audience.

LinkedIn Hashtag Strategies

LinkedIn hashtags are all about professionalism and industry relevance.

• Professional Tone: Stick to professional and industry-specific hashtags like #leadership or #marketing to connect with like-minded professionals.

• Build Thought Leadership: Use hashtags like #personalbranding and #networking to position yourself as a thought leader in your field.

• Engage with Industry Trends: Follow and use trending LinkedIn hashtags related to your industry, like #futureofwork or #entrepreneurship, to stay relevant and engage with your network.

Pinterest Hashtag Strategies

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine, and the right hashtags can boost your pins’ visibility.

• Use Specific Tags: Pinterest users search for specific ideas, so use hashtags like #homedecor or #DIY to make your pins easier to find.

• Inspire Action: Tags like #weddingideas or #fitnessgoals encourage users to save and act on your content.

• Combine General and Niche Hashtags: Use a mix of broad tags like #recipes with more niche tags like #plantbased to reach both general and specific audiences.

Tools and Resources for Hashtag Optimization

Using hashtags effectively requires more than just knowing the popular ones. To truly maximize your social media impact, leveraging the right tools and resources is key. Here’s how you can optimize your hashtag strategy with some of the best tools available.

Hashtag Research Tools

Finding the right hashtags can be a challenge, but these tools make it easier:

• SocialPilot: This tool provides a comprehensive analysis of trending hashtags across various platforms. It’s perfect for social media managers looking to optimize campaigns with popular hashtags.

• Mention: Great for real-time tracking, Mention helps you discover which hashtags are currently buzzing in your industry. It’s especially useful for staying on top of trending hashtags for Instagram and popular hashtags for TikTok.

• Best-Hashtags.com: A straightforward tool that lists the top hashtags by popularity. It’s ideal for quickly finding best hashtags for Instagram or viral hashtags for YouTube videos.

• RecurPost: This tool not only suggests relevant hashtags based on your content but also provides analytics to see which hashtags are driving the most engagement. It’s great for planning popular hashtags Instagram users are likely to search for.

• HashtagsForLikes: Focuses on trending and popular hashtags, offering insights into which tags will give your posts the best visibility. It’s particularly useful for finding popular hashtags TikTok users are engaging with.

Analytics and Performance Tracking

Knowing which hashtags work is as important as using them:

• Instagram Insights: Use this native tool to track how different hashtags perform on your posts. It’s crucial for refining your popular hashtags for Instagram strategy.

• YouTube Analytics: Offers data on which hashtags for YouTube Shorts and videos are getting the most views. This helps in tweaking your hashtag strategy to maximize reach.

• Hootsuite: Hootsuite’s analytics feature allows you to track the performance of your posts across different platforms. It’s particularly useful for monitoring popular hashtags Facebook users respond to.

• LinkedIn Analytics: Use this tool to see how your LinkedIn hashtags are performing, helping you adjust your strategy to better connect with your professional audience.

Using Tools Effectively

Simply having the tools isn’t enough; you need to use them strategically:

• Plan Ahead: Schedule your posts with relevant hashtags using tools like Later or Hootsuite. This ensures you’re always using the best hashtags for Instagram and other platforms at optimal times.

• Experiment and Refine: Use analytics to track which hashtags are performing well. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of popular hashtags to see what works best for your audience.

• Stay Updated: The world of hashtags is constantly changing. Regularly check tools like SocialPilot and Mention to stay on top of trending TikTok hashtags and other platform-specific trends.

These tools and resources will help you make informed decisions about which hashtags to use, when to use them, and how to adjust your strategy based on performance data.

To learn more about how to use hashtags for business and grow your brand’s reach, check out our in-depth guide on effective hashtag strategies.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Understanding how others have successfully used hashtags can provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Let’s explore a few case studies and examples of brands and influencers who have nailed their hashtag strategies, along with common mistakes to avoid.

Successful Hashtag Campaigns

1. Nike’s #JustDoIt Campaign

• Overview: Nike’s iconic #JustDoIt hashtag is a masterclass in branding. It has been used across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, to unify their brand message and encourage user-generated content.

• Result: The hashtag has amassed millions of posts (more than 20M on Instagram), strengthening Nike’s brand identity and engaging a global audience. By using this branded hashtag consistently, Nike has created a sense of community and motivation among its followers.

2. Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke

• Overview: Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign invited users to share pictures of Coke bottles with their names on them, using the hashtag to spread the word.

• Result*: The campaign went viral, with thousands of people sharing their personalized Coke bottles. The hashtag encouraged personal connections, making it a huge success in terms of engagement and brand visibility.

3. #ShotOniPhone by Apple

• Overview: Apple’s #ShotOniPhone campaign highlighted the camera capabilities of the iPhone by showcasing stunning photos taken by users. The hashtag was promoted on Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms.

• Result: The campaign not only showcased user-generated content but also emphasized the product’s quality, leading to increased engagement and brand loyalty. It’s an excellent example of leveraging a branded hashtag to enhance product credibility.

4. Always’ #LikeAGirl

• Overview: The #LikeAGirl campaign by Always aimed to redefine what it means to do something “like a girl”, challenging stereotypes and empowering women.

• Result: The hashtag went viral, sparking a global conversation about gender equality. It successfully connected the brand with a powerful social message, driving both awareness and positive sentiment.

Influencer Campaigns

1. Kim Kardashian’s #KKWBeauty

• Overview: Kim Kardashian used #KKWBeauty to promote her beauty line, encouraging fans to share their looks using the products.

• Result: The hashtag quickly gained traction, leading to high engagement and driving sales. By consistently using this branded hashtag, Kim was able to create a strong, recognizable presence for her beauty brand.

2. Selena Gomez’s #RareBeauty

• Overview: Selena Gomez used #RareBeauty to promote her beauty brand with a focus on self-acceptance and mental health.

• Result: The hashtag not only helped in building a community around the brand but also aligned with a broader social message, resonating deeply with her followers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing Hashtags: While it’s tempting to use as many hashtags as possible, overloading your posts can make them look spammy and reduce engagement. Stick to the recommended number of hashtags for each platform.

2. Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Using popular but unrelated hashtags might get you some initial views, but it’s unlikely to result in meaningful engagement. Always choose hashtags that are relevant to your content.

3. Neglecting Niche Hashtags: Focusing only on broad, popular hashtags can cause you to miss out on connecting with more targeted audiences. Including niche hashtags helps you reach a more engaged community.

4. Ignoring Analytics: Not tracking the performance of your hashtags means you’re missing out on valuable insights. Use analytics tools to see which hashtags are driving engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By learning from these successes and avoiding common pitfalls, you can enhance your own hashtag strategy and achieve better results across all your social media platforms.

Conclusion

Using the right hashtags can be a game-changer for your social media strategy. From boosting visibility to connecting with your target audience, the impact of well-chosen popular hashtags is undeniable. By understanding the unique hashtag strategies for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and utilizing tools to optimize your approach, you can significantly enhance your online presence.

Remember to mix general and niche hashtags, keep track of performance with analytics, and avoid common mistakes like overusing or misusing tags. With these strategies in hand, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of hashtags and driving greater engagement across your social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions