If you’re using hashtags on Instagram and still not seeing your posts getting more attention, you might be wondering, “What am I doing wrong?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Hashtags can be tricky, and there are several reasons why they might not be working as well as you hoped. Let’s break it down and figure out what’s going on.
1. Hashtags Aren’t Everything
First off, hashtags aren’t the magic key to success on Instagram like they used to be. Instagram’s algorithm has changed a lot, and now it focuses more on things like how much people engage with your posts (likes, comments, shares) and how relevant your content is. Hashtags can still help, but they’re only one part of what makes a post do well.
What You Can Do: Focus on making your content really engaging. Create posts that people will want to interact with, whether it’s through a like, a comment, or a share. Hashtags will help get your post in front of people, but it’s the quality of your content that will make them stick around.
2. Using the Wrong Hashtags
Not all hashtags are created equal. If you’re using hashtags that don’t match your content or your audience’s interests, Instagram might not show your post to the right people. For example, using a hashtag like #fitness on a picture of food might confuse the algorithm and hurt your post’s visibility.
What You Can Do: Use hashtags that really connect with what you’re posting. If you’re sharing a picture of a healthy meal, try hashtags like #healthyeating or #cleaneating instead of more general ones like #food. The more specific your hashtags, the better chance you have of reaching the right audience.
3. Instagram Keeps Changing the Rules
Instagram’s algorithm is always changing, and that means hashtags might not work the same way they did a few months ago. Sometimes, hashtags that used to get you a lot of engagement might suddenly stop working as well. This is because Instagram adjusts what it prioritizes over time.
What You Can Do: Stay flexible. If you notice that your hashtags aren’t performing as well as they used to, switch them up. Try using different sets of hashtags and track which ones are getting you the most reach. This way, you can adjust your strategy based on what’s working right now.
4. Hashtags Can’t Save Low Engagement
Even if you’re using the right hashtags, if your posts aren’t getting much engagement, Instagram might not push them out to more people. The algorithm favors posts that already have good interaction. So, if your post doesn’t get much love right away, hashtags won’t be enough to boost it.
What You Can Do: Think about ways to get your followers to engage with your post as soon as you share it. Ask a question in your caption, create a poll in your Stories, or share something that encourages people to comment. The more engagement you get, the more Instagram will show your post to others.
5. You Might Be Shadowbanned
Shadowbanning is when Instagram limits the visibility of your posts, usually because it thinks you’ve broken the rules. This can happen if you use banned hashtags, or if Instagram thinks you’ve been spamming (like by following and unfollowing lots of people). When you’re shadowbanned, your posts won’t show up in hashtag searches, even though you’re using them.
What You Can Do: If you think you’ve been shadowbanned, take a break from posting for a few days, avoid using questionable hashtags, and engage with your followers in a natural, non-spammy way. This will help you get back on Instagram’s good side.
6. Don’t Forget About Local and Branded Hashtags
While everyone focuses on the big, popular hashtags, local and branded hashtags can be just as powerful. Local hashtags (like #NYCfoodie) help you connect with people in a specific area, and branded hashtags (like #YourBrandName) can help you build a community around your business or personal brand.
What You Can Do: Think about adding a few local or branded hashtags to your posts. If you run a business, encourage your followers to use your branded hashtag. This can help you grow your audience in a more personal, targeted way.
7. Instagram Loves New Features
Instagram is always adding new features—like Reels, Guides, and Shopping tabs—and it rewards users who take advantage of these. If you’re only posting photos and using hashtags, you might be missing out on the algorithm boost that comes with using these new tools.
What You Can Do: Try mixing things up by creating content with Instagram’s latest features, like Reels. You can still use your hashtags, but this will give you a better chance of getting noticed by the algorithm.
8. Check Your Engagement Rate
Your overall engagement rate (the percentage of people who interact with your posts) affects how well your hashtags work. If you have low engagement on your posts, even great hashtags won’t help much. Instagram uses your engagement rate as a clue about how interesting your content is to others.
What You Can Do: Focus on improving your engagement. Interact with your followers by responding to comments and engaging with their content. The more active your audience is, the better your hashtags will perform.
FAQs About Hashtags on Instagram
1. How Many Hashtags Should I Use on Instagram?
Instagram allows you to use up to 30 hashtags per post, but that doesn’t mean you need to use all of them. Some studies suggest that using between 5 to 11 targeted hashtags can be more effective. It’s all about quality over quantity—make sure your hashtags are relevant to your content.
2. How Can I Tell If a Hashtag Is Banned?
You can check if a hashtag is banned by searching for it on Instagram. If you see a message like “Recent posts for [hashtag] are currently hidden,” that means the hashtag is banned or restricted. Avoid using banned hashtags, as they can harm your post’s visibility.
3. What Are Niche Hashtags, and Why Should I Use Them?
Niche hashtags are more specific hashtags that relate directly to your content or industry. For example, instead of using #fitness, you might use #yogaforbeginners if your post is about yoga. Niche hashtags help you reach a more targeted audience, which can lead to better engagement.
4. Why Do My Posts Get Less Engagement Even With the Right Hashtags?
Even if you’re using the right hashtags, your posts might get less engagement if your content isn’t resonating with your audience. Engagement depends on more than just hashtags—it also depends on the quality of your content, your caption, the time you post, and how much your followers interact with your posts.
5. Can I Reuse the Same Hashtags for Every Post?
While it’s tempting to stick with a tried-and-true set of hashtags, using the exact same hashtags for every post can make your content seem repetitive. Instagram’s algorithm favors variety, so it’s a good idea to switch up your hashtags based on the content you’re posting.
6. Should I Put Hashtags in the Caption or the Comments?
Both options work, but where you place your hashtags depends on your personal preference. Putting hashtags in the caption makes them immediately visible, while adding them in the comments keeps your caption cleaner. Either way, they’ll still help your post get discovered.
7. How Can I Increase My Chances of Being Discovered Through Hashtags?
To increase your chances of being discovered through hashtags, use a mix of popular, niche, and community-based hashtags. Avoid using only super popular hashtags, as your post could get buried quickly. Instead, focus on hashtags that have an active but not oversaturated community.
8. What Happens If I Use Too Many Hashtags?
Using too many hashtags can sometimes make your post look spammy, and Instagram’s algorithm might deprioritize it. While you can use up to 30 hashtags, it’s important to use them thoughtfully and avoid stuffing them into your post just for the sake of it.
9. Why Are My Hashtags Suddenly Not Working?
If your hashtags suddenly stop working, it could be due to several factors, including algorithm changes, shadowbanning, or even the hashtags becoming less popular. Regularly update your hashtag strategy and stay informed about Instagram’s latest updates to ensure your hashtags are still effective.
10. What Are Branded Hashtags, and How Do I Create One?
A branded hashtag is a unique hashtag that represents your brand or campaign. It can be your business name, slogan, or a specific campaign name. For example, if you own a coffee shop called “Café Bliss,” you might use #CafeBliss to encourage customers to share their experiences. To create one, simply choose a hashtag that reflects your brand and start promoting it consistently across your posts.
Conclusion
While hashtags remain a valuable tool on Instagram, they are no longer the sole method for boosting post visibility. Instagram’s algorithm increasingly values engagement, content quality, and relevance over hashtag use alone. By understanding the full ecosystem of Instagram’s content ranking system and using hashtags strategically alongside other growth techniques, you can optimize your account’s performance.
Keep experimenting, stay updated on Instagram’s evolving features, and continuously analyze your content’s performance to refine your approach. By taking a holistic view of Instagram growth, you’ll be better equipped to make hashtags work for you in the long term. However if you need our further help, please leave us a comment, we will be happy to assist you.
About The Author
Position: Team Lead (Content Writers).
Saboor has been employed as editors head at Socialhubin for years, authoring articles centered around new discoveries, latest news, and advance methods to learn. Additionally, he pens articles pertaining to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter. Almost all social media Platforms, During his leisure time, Saboor delights in reading, traveling, and researching new features In social media.
