How to Generate the Perfect Instagram Hashtags
Hashtags are your ticket to reaching non-followers on Instagram. Learn how to find, mix, and place the right hashtags to maximize your reach and engagement in just 5 steps.
Enter your topic or keyword
Open the SocialKit Hashtag Generator and type in a keyword related to your post — for example "fitness," "travel," or "food photography." The tool analyzes trending and relevant hashtags instantly.
Be specific. "Travel photography" generates better hashtags than just "travel."
Review the generated hashtags
The tool returns a mix of high-volume, medium-volume, and niche hashtags. Each category serves a purpose: high-volume for reach, medium for engagement, and niche for targeted audiences.
Aim for a mix of 3-5 high-volume (1M+), 5-10 medium (100K-1M), and 5-10 niche (<100K) hashtags.
Copy your selected hashtags
Click on any hashtag to add it to your selection. When you are happy with your mix, hit the "Copy All" button to copy them to your clipboard, formatted and ready to paste.
Save your favorite hashtag sets in a notes app for quick access on future posts.
Paste into your caption or first comment
Paste the hashtags at the end of your Instagram caption, or post them as the first comment for a cleaner look. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post.
Using hashtags in the first comment keeps your caption clean while still getting the same reach benefits.
Monitor and adjust your strategy
After 24-48 hours, check your Instagram Insights to see which hashtags drove the most reach. Replace underperforming tags with fresh ones on your next post. Hashtag performance changes over time.
Rotate your hashtag sets every few weeks to avoid being flagged for repetitive behavior.
Your progress
0 of 5 steps completed
Common questions
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. Research shows that posts with 9-15 relevant hashtags tend to perform best. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
Do banned hashtags affect my reach?
Yes. Using banned or shadowbanned hashtags can suppress your entire post. Use the SocialKit Banned Hashtag Checker to verify your hashtags before posting.
Should I use the same hashtags on every post?
No. Instagram's algorithm may flag repetitive hashtag usage as spam. Rotate between 3-5 different sets of hashtags tailored to each specific post.
Are hashtags still relevant in 2026?
Yes. While Instagram has added new discovery features, hashtags remain one of the most effective ways to reach non-followers. They are especially powerful for niche content and smaller accounts.
Try these next
Ready to find your perfect hashtags?
Open the Hashtag Generator and discover trending, relevant hashtags for your Instagram posts in seconds.
Open Hashtag Generator