How to Find Suitable Instagram Reel Hashtags

You’ve crafted the perfect Instagram Reel. The video is engaging, the edits are on point, and you’re confident it’ll resonate with your audience. But then… crickets. That’s right: No likes, no shares, and no comments. Just silence. You’re left wondering what went wrong. The truth is, without the right Instagram Reel Ideas and hashtags, even the best content can fall flat.

Hashtags are crucial to boosting the reach of your Reels, helping them get discovered by users beyond your current followers. But not just any hashtags will do. You need to use hashtags that are relevant to your content, popular enough to drive engagement, and specific enough to avoid getting lost in the algorithm’s shuffle.

In this post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Instagram Reel hashtags, including how to find the best tags for your videos and a handy list of options to copy and paste. With these tips, you can optimize your hashtag strategy and give your Reels the best chance of going viral.

Importance of Hashtags on Instagram Reels

Person Using Phone - Instagram Reel Hashtags

1. Hashtag Ideas Help with Finding Your Content

Creating engaging content isn’t always easy. Brands and influencers often wonder what ideas will resonate with their audiences. A solid hashtag strategy can spark inspiration and help you discover new content angles. Explore pages and hashtag feeds allow you to review popular posts and identify trending topics.

This will help you create content that generates engagement. You can also make a master list of hashtags to streamline your research and planning processes. Over time, specific hashtags are more effective than others. Use this data to refine your approach and focus on the tags that provide the most value.

2. Make Your Reels Trendy on Instagram

Staying on top of trends is crucial for social media success. Each platform has its own trending topics, and Instagram is no different. Create reels that tap into these trends to help you reach new audiences and drive engagement.

Trending topics can vary from popular TV shows to viral memes or even seasonal events. By posting content that aligns with what users are searching for, you will improve your chances of going viral. Hashtags can help you track trends and create relevant content. For example, if a specific hashtag is trending, you can make a reel that uses that tag to help boost your visibility.

3. More Variety for Your Instagram Account

Using hashtags on your Instagram reels opens up more opportunities for discovery. When users search for a specific hashtag, your post may appear in the results, even if they don’t follow you. This can help you reach new audiences and grow your following.

Additionally, incorporating different types of content into your Instagram strategy will keep your current followers engaged. For example, if you typically share static images, adding reels to your content mix will create variety and encourage users to interact with your profile. Regularly reviewing your analytics will help you understand which types of content perform best with your audience.

4. You Can Include Many Hashtags

Instagram allows you to add up to 30 hashtags to your posts. This provides you with the opportunity to reach a wider audience and enhance your visibility. However, don’t just use hashtags for the sake of it. Make sure to include relevant tags that align with your content.

This will help you attract the right audience and drive engagement. Some brands and influencers may gather a list of more than 30 hashtags during their research. You can create different hashtag sets and rotate them for each post. This will help you analyze which tags perform best and refine your strategy over time.

5. Connect with Your Target Audience

Using hashtags strategically can help you connect with your target audience. Many users search for specific hashtags to find content that interests them. By using relevant hashtags, you can improve your chances of appearing in these search results and reaching new users. Additionally, create content around popular hashtags to help boost your visibility.

Connecting with your target audience will help improve your engagement rates. If you share content that appeals to a broad audience without any targeting, you run the risk of hurting your engagement. Instagram’s algorithm favors posts with high engagement rates and may bury content with low interactions.

6. Find New Customers with the Search Option

Instagram hashtags are a powerful tool for reaching new audiences. Many users search for hashtags with specific intent, whether that’s to find entertaining content or to solve a problem. For example, someone might search for #DogVideos to find cute pet content, while another user may search for #SocialMediaTips to find helpful advice.

By understanding how people use hashtags, you can create targeted content that appeals to their interests. Additionally, using a mix of broad and niche hashtags can help you attract a wider audience and improve your engagement.

7. Branded Hashtags for Gaining Traction

Branded hashtags are a valuable tool for boosting your visibility and engagement. Creating a unique hashtag for your brand or specific campaign will help you track all related content in one place. When users click on your branded hashtag, they will be directed to a feed of your posts. This makes it easy for them to find and share your content.

Additionally, incorporating popular hashtags into your posts can help you reach new audiences and improve your engagement. However, don’t rely solely on these hashtags for discovery. Focus on creating high-quality content that encourages shares and interactions.

Person Filming - Instagram Reel Hashtags

1. Explore the Instagram Explore Page for Hashtag Ideas

The Instagram Explore Page is tailored to your unique interests, showcasing content based on your interactions with the app. This includes posts you engage with, accounts you follow, and even your search history across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. While the Explore Page is a good starting point for discovering new hashtags, it requires manual searching to find relevant ones.

You’ll need to click on individual posts to find their associated hashtags, which can be time-consuming. Furthermore, the results are personalized, so they may not include the most popular tags. Still, the Explore Page remains a valuable resource for discovering hashtags relevant to your content and expanding your reach to a broader audience.

2. Utilize the Hashtag Autocomplete Feature

Instagram’s search function is a helpful tool for finding hashtags. When you start typing a hashtag into the search bar, Instagram suggests popular and related tags based on what you’ve entered. This feature helps you discover new hashtags to use for your posts. However, it’s important to remember that the tags suggested by the autocomplete function are often highly popular and used by millions of users.

While it can be beneficial to use these tags to increase your reach, there’s also a risk that your post could get lost in the crowd of content. To optimize your hashtag strategy, try to balance popular tags with more niche options that are less saturated.

3. Follow Relevant Hashtags for Ideas

You can follow hashtags on Instagram in addition to accounts. By following a hashtag, you can see related content in your feed and on the Explore Page. This helps you stay updated on trends and topics relevant to your brand. Using these hashtags in your posts can improve your discoverability on Instagram.

4. Analyze Influencer Hashtag Use

Top influencers possess a profound understanding of Instagram and its capabilities for reaching their target audiences. One way they do this is by using hashtags strategically. To optimize your hashtag usage, research the hashtags influencers in your niche are using. You can find this information by examining their posts or stories. This will help you identify popular and relevant hashtags to boost your content’s visibility.

5. Use Hashtags in Instagram Stories

Hashtags aren’t limited to posts and Reels; you can also use them in Instagram Stories. Including hashtags in your Stories can help increase their reach and visibility, as they allow users to discover your content through hashtag searches. You can add hashtags to your Stories by using the text tool or the hashtag sticker.

6. Create Your Own Branded Hashtags

Developing a unique branded hashtag can be an effective way to encourage user-generated content and build a community around your brand. Create a custom hashtag for your brand or a specific campaign, and promote it on your channels. This will encourage your audience to use the hashtag when posting about your brand, making it easier for you to find and share their content.

7. Experiment and Track Hashtag Performance

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hashtags, so it’s essential to experiment and analyze what works for your brand. Try using different types of hashtags, including popular, niche, and branded tags, and track their performance. You can monitor engagement on individual posts to see which hashtags drive the most reach and interactions. Use these insights to refine your hashtag strategy over time.

8. Stay Updated on Hashtag Trends

Hashtag usage is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay informed on current trends. For example, some hashtags may be popular one day and irrelevant the next. Using outdated hashtags can hurt your content’s reach, so regularly research trending tags and incorporate them into your strategy. Resources like Later’s hashtag generator and Instagram’s Explore Page can help you find up-to-date hashtags.

5 Expert Tips for Instagram Reel Hashtags

Person Working - Instagram Reel Hashtags

Releasing the Potential of Instagram Hashtags: A Comprehensive Guide

Hashtags are crucial for expanding your reach on Instagram. They categorize your content and connect you with like-minded users. To maximize your hashtag strategy, follow these tips:

1. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags.

Popular hashtags (#love, #instagood) have high search volume but also intense competition. Niche hashtags (#cactuslover, #desertphotography) are less common but help you reach targeted audiences. Find a balance to optimize your visibility.

2. Research hashtags before using them.

Check how many posts are associated with a hashtag and explore related options. Avoid overused hashtags that could bury your content. Use tools like the Instagram search bar, Display Purposes, or RiteTag for inspiration.

3. Location matters.

When your brand is a brick-and-mortar business (or your product or service is only available in a particular city or region), it’s always a good idea to include your location in your hashtags. That way, your content will reach more people who are located in your area, and there’s a higher chance of converting your Instagram success to real money and growth for your business.

4. Tag amplifiers.

Hashtags can be used to attract the attention of influential Instagram accounts, such as the media. “I tag media-related accounts because it’s one more avenue of exposure for potential reach,” says McWhirter. Anh and Chi’s Instagram hashtags often include the names of local newspapers, magazines, and blogs, which can result in valuable reach, including social media sharing and media coverage. Typically, local media outlets will include their hashtags in their bios. For example, Dished Vancouver has a branded hashtag, “#dishedvan,” to encourage foodies to share their photos and boost user-generated content.

5. Think like an Instagram user.

While the purpose of hashtags is partially for things like algorithms and SEO, the end goal is always to serve humans on the platform best, so don’t get too caught up in the tech of it all. “I like to put myself in the shoes of a user,” says McWhirter. Think about what kinds of content people are searching for, and how your brand can be helpful to them. “I ask myself questions like, ‘Do I find this content interesting?’ and ‘What am I getting out of this?’” she adds. Hashtags like #grilledsquid and #seafoodlover will help squid fans find this post.

9 Tips to Create Instagram Reels

Shooting Reels - Instagram Reel Hashtags

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2. Stay Current with Trends

Instagram Reels are now very similar to TikTok. Users share videos that follow viral challenges, trends, or features.

Leverage this by crafting content connected to ongoing trends and challenges. This strategy can enhance your Reels’ visibility and interaction. To discover the latest internet trends, check the Explore page or use Google Trends.

3. Capture Attention Immediately

Instagram Reels thrive on brief, punchy videos. Therefore, aim to keep your content under 60 seconds. This eliminates the option of “saving the best for last.” Longer videos risk losing viewers’ interest, particularly during casual scrolling.

The initial seconds of your video are crucial for engaging your audience and maintaining their focus throughout the entire video. Begin with a captivating approach, such as a close-up shot of your product or a shot of your face if you appear in the video. Alternatively, employ subtitles or text overlays at the beginning to draw viewers in.

4. Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial for success on any social media platform, including Instagram Reels. Regular posting helps grow your following and increase your video views. Develop a schedule for sharing and promoting your Reels.

If you’re unsure about posting frequency, begin with one video per week and gradually ramp up as you become more adept at creating Reels. Always prioritize quality over quantity; avoid compromising content excellence for the sake of posting more frequently.

5. Focus on a Specific Niche or Topic

Instagram hosts a diverse user base with varying interests, from blockchain gaming enthusiasts to makeup tutorial fans. Start by identifying a specific niche or topic to target. This focus will streamline your content strategy and ensure your Reels resonate with your audience.

Higher viewer engagement boosts your Reels’ ranking on the Explore page and in search results. To pinpoint trending topics or niches on Instagram, use the search function to explore popular hashtags and themes relevant to your brand. For example, food-related hashtags rank among the most frequented, underscoring the value of Instagram restaurant marketing.

6. Incorporate Popular Music or Sounds

Music energizes Reels and sets the mood for your video. Using popular tunes or sounds your target audience enjoys can enhance engagement.

Additionally, sound effects can add fun elements to your Reels. Ensure that any sounds you incorporate relate to your content and don’t distract from the primary message.

7. Utilize Hashtags Effectively

Hashtags significantly increase your Reels’ reach. Relevant hashtags help users discover your videos, boosting views. To identify suitable hashtags, leverage Instagram’s search function. Look for popular hashtags that align with your video’s theme.

For instance, if your business promotes landline phone services for seniors, use hashtag tools like Hashtagify and RiteTag to locate appropriate tags.

8. Optimize Video Format and Size

Instagram Reels are designed for mobile viewing, necessitating vertical formatting for optimal screen fit. The ideal aspect ratio for Reels is 16:9, with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels. Aim for video lengths between 15 and 30 seconds.

Additionally, consider using a video stitching app to seamlessly merge multiple clips, ideal for shorter segments or diverse scenes. Such apps facilitate format adjustments and create cohesive, polished videos. Numerous video editing tools exist to help you optimize your vertical videos for correct sizing and formatting.

9. Monitor Competitors’ Strategies

To maintain a competitive edge, observe your rivals’ activities. Analyze their Reels to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement. Following competitors on Instagram allows you to track their content and engagement tactics.

Tools like ReelRank and Insights can help you evaluate your competitors’ Reels' performance and the strategies they employ. This broader analysis can reveal insights into referral and affiliate program usage, audience engagement techniques, and cross-marketing channels, providing valuable information to enhance your promotional efforts.

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