Instagram Tag Search 101: Finding the Best Hashtags on IG

To many, hashtags are mere clutter at the end of an Instagram post’s caption. But these unassuming tags have a special power. They signal the algorithm to push out your content to people interested in your niche. 

But you can’t expect to reach the right people with just random tags. You need to find relevant hashtags your target audience is actually interested in. Not sure how? We’ve got you. Today, we’re discussing the ins and outs of Instagram tag search.

Why Should You Use Hashtags on Instagram?

Every aspiring influencer knows that a stellar hashtag strategy can help catapult them to Instagram fame. Creators implement these strategies believing that their content will be pushed out to those who follow the hashtags they use. Sadly, there have been reports that soon, Instagram won’t allow its users to follow hashtags anymore.

Now that people can’t follow hashtags anymore, why are they even needed? Why invest so much time into hashtag research to find the best tags in your niche?

Here are some of the many benefits of using popular hashtags in your Instagram content today:

• It boosts content visibility: Hashtags categorize content on Instagram according to topic or niche. Then, the Instagram algorithm delivers these posts to those interested in the topics aligned with the hashtags in their captions.
• It helps you reach a targeted audience: Even if millions of people see your content, if it’s not relevant to them, it won’t perform well. Using hashtags allows you to reach your specific target audience, helping your content drive more engagement.
• It increases likes and comments: Hashtags increase the number of people who see your content. And the more eyes you get on your posts, the more engagement they’re likely to drive. That means more meaningful interactions, from likes to comments to saves.

How To Do Instagram Tag Search Right on the App

Influencers trying to find the best hashtags for Instagram might assume they’ll only find high-quality tags from third-party tools. Some might look for a free hashtag generator online or maybe invest in expensive tools for tag research. But in reality, you can actually do it straight from the Instagram app.

Yup, you heard us right! You can use the in-app search box to do an Instagram search by tag. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. On the search bar, type the “#” symbol. Then, type a topic you want to look for tags about.
4. Browse through the recommended hashtags that appear in the results. These are typically the most popular hashtags related to your key topic.
5. Take note of the ones you’d like to use in future posts.

You can also explore the posts under the hashtags you see to find even more tags related to your niche. It’s an excellent way to discover more tags that don’t start with the search query you typed in!

Can You Search Multiple Tags on Instagram?

Sadly, no, you can’t Instagram search multiple tags to find content that contains numerous tags you’re interested in. You can only search one hashtag at a time and explore the posts under that tag. This limitation makes it more difficult to find posts combining two different topics.

A Sneaky Pro-Tip: How To Search Multiple Tags on Instagram Through Google

Sure, you can’t search for multiple tags on Instagram. But we’re not going down without a fight! We’ve found a sneaky hack to help you look for posts that use multiple specific tags. And for that, you can use the one and only Google search engine!

Here’s how it works. Let’s say you’re looking for content that contains both the hashtags #winter and #fashion. On Google search, simply type “site:Instagram.com #fashion #winter.” All the results that come up are Instagram posts that use both tags!

When you search Instagram for multiple tags, you can get more inspo for posts that marries two topics together. It’s an awesome way to look for content ideas when you need your creative juices to flow!

Tips for Using Hashtags on Your Instagram Posts

Now that you know what tags to use in your Instagram content, it’s time to implement your hashtag strategy. Want to make sure you do it without a hitch? Here are some of our most important tips to remember when you’re choosing your tags per post.

Combine Popular and Niche Hashtags

Popular hashtags are great and all, especially for reaching as many people as possible. But using them means competing with millions of other influencers to show up in those tags’ search results. So, balance it out with niche hashtags that are more specific and can target a smaller yet more pointed community.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Audience With Too Many Tags

You can use up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should max it out! On the contrary, we recommend using just five to 10 tags per post. That way, your caption won’t look cluttered, and you won’t overwhelm your fans. Instead of stuffing your post with many generic tags, include a few ultra-relevant ones.

Avoid Using Banned Hashtags as They Can Lower Your Post’s Visibility

There are tons of banned hashtags on Instagram that are either inappropriate or propagate hate on the platform. When you use these tags, Instagram deprioritizes your content on the feed, lowering your visibility. Using them repetitively might even get you shadowbanned! So, if you want high-performing posts with significant reach and engagement, avoid using these controversial hashtags at all costs.

Hashtags Are a Must if You Want to Successfully Grow On IG

Hashtags have been around for years, but they continue to be a game-changer for aspiring Instagram influencers. When you incorporate the right hashtags into your posts, you reach your target audience much easier. That means your content will be delivered to people who actually resonate with it. As a result, you get more engagement and followers for your page!

And the first step to crafting the perfect hashtag strategy is by conducting a high-quality Instagram tag search. You can do this either through the platform’s search bar or third-party hashtag generators. Whichever route you take, you’ll find relevant hashtags that will lead more people to your content.

Looking for more ways to attract potential fans? Plixi can get the job done! We catch your target audience’s attention by liking and commenting on their content with your account. As a result, they flock to your page. This leads to more followers and reciprocal engagement on your posts.

Ready to propel your online presence to new heights? Let Plixi boost your Instagram engagement today!

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