The Instagram algorithm is constantly changing, so we’re often asked how to appeal to and reach your primary audience with your posts. Your audience go to Instagram for ‘inspiration’ and want to see visually appealing, positive imagery. Hashtags play a huge part in the reach and performance of your post which means pinpointing the optimum number of hashtags for a post, can be tricky without extensive research. Over the recent months, Instagram have been supplying the online world with contradicting messages on the correct number of hashtags to use. The most recent advice suggested creators use around 3-5 hashtags, which is surprising considering just earlier this year, Instagram also released advice to use between 8 and 15 hashtags to maximise potential reach.
The team at Youbee Media were outraged by this communication as we always felt ‘the more the merrier’ with hashtags on Instagram. So, we decided to delve a little deeper.
Although this update could be a way to reduce the number of spam hashtags, hashtags clearly have a purpose. If you’re still a little in the dark about the value of hashtags, take a look at our previous blog here.
What does this all mean?
From Hashtag research, it was found that actually, the posts containing more hashtags yield the best results. As well as this, research has also found that over the years, this is still the case. The average reach rate has increased showing that the more the hashtags the more accounts your post will reach.
So, from this we can take away that you should ‘go big or go home’ when it comes to your hashtag strategy. While using fewer hashtags can be good, using 20-30 relevant (and targeted) hashtags is even better for your overall reach and engagement rates – which is what we all want!
Analysing your hashtags and tracking performance of your posts is an important part of your marketing strategy as one size doesn’t always fit all. What works for Youbee Media’s Instagram posts, might not work for yours – test them out, play around with the content and do some research.
Number of Instagram Hashtags for optimal Reach and Engagement
We have now established that the more relevant the hashtags, the better chance your post has of performing well. So, understanding the types of hashtags you should use, is key.
Here are 5 types of Hashtags to consider:
- Location - tag where your business is based, what areas you cover or the location specific to the post. This will help local people and businesses to find you based on where you do business.
- Branded – include your business name, the name of your campaign or event to help more people find your brand.
- Industry – hashtags are a search term, so mention what you do. For example, #MarketingAgency, #DigitalAgency #MarketingSupport
- Community – think about a specific group of people, or if there is a community that you’re trying to reach. For example, #NewParent #FirstTimeMum
- Descriptive – This is your opportunity to talk more about the content of the post itself. If this is relating to a #NewBlog or #Recruitment it could really help your reach.
