The Art of Hashtag Etiquette on Instagram: Do’s and Don’ts

April 5, 2023

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As Instagram continues to be a powerhouse in the world of social media, hashtags play an essential role in connecting users with similar interests, promoting content, and increasing engagement. However, misusing hashtags can be counterproductive and even detrimental to your reputation on the platform. To help you navigate the world of Instagram hashtags, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to ensure you’re using them in the most effective and respectful way.

Do’s:

Do Your Research

Before using a hashtag, take the time to research its meaning and popularity. Make sure it aligns with your content and target audience. Utilizing popular and relevant hashtags increases the likelihood that your content will be discovered by the right users.

Be specific and relevant

Choose hashtags that are specific to your content and niche. Using overly generic hashtags can result in your content being lost in a sea of unrelated posts. Keep your hashtags relevant to increase engagement with your target audience.

Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags

Incorporate a combination of popular and niche hashtags to increase your chances of being discovered. While popular hashtags help you reach a broader audience, niche hashtags cater to a more targeted group, fostering a sense of community and increasing engagement.

Keep it organized

Use Instagram’s caption and comment features to keep your hashtags organized. You can include a few relevant hashtags in your caption, then add more in a comment to avoid cluttering your caption.

Monitor hashtag performance

Keep track of the hashtags you use and evaluate their performance. Use analytics tools to identify which hashtags are driving the most engagement, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Don’ts:

Don’t use too many hashtags

Instagram allows a maximum of 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you should use them all. Using too many hashtags can look spammy and unprofessional. Stick to a reasonable number of relevant hashtags to maintain a polished appearance.

Don’t use irrelevant hashtags

Avoid using hashtags that have no connection to your content or audience. Irrelevant hashtags not only dilute your message but can also lead to negative impressions and decrease engagement.

Don’t hijack trending hashtags

Trending hashtags are tempting to use, but if they’re not relevant to your content, it’s best to avoid them. Hijacking trending hashtags with unrelated content can be seen as disrespectful and may result in negative feedback from users.

Don’t use banned or controversial hashtags

Some hashtags are banned or flagged by Instagram due to their association with inappropriate content or controversy. Using these hashtags can lead to penalties from the platform and may even result in your content being removed.

Don’t spam popular accounts

Avoid using hashtags to spam popular accounts or influencers in hopes of getting noticed. This tactic is considered poor etiquette and can lead to negative impressions or being blocked by other users.

Conclusion

Hashtag etiquette on Instagram is essential for creating a positive experience for both yourself and your audience. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be able to use hashtags effectively and respectfully while increasing engagement and growing your presence on the platform.