How Many Hashtags Should I Use on Instagram in 2026

If you use Instagram, you have most likely asked this question at least once: 

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram? 

You are not alone. In fact, this is one of the most often asked Instagram questions in the world. Every producer, blogger, student, company owner, and influencer seeks the same thing: increased reach, likes, and followers. 

Hashtags appear to be little. However, they contribute significantly to Instagram growth. When used appropriately, hashtags may help your article reach thousands of additional individuals. However, if used improperly, they may restrict your reach rather than expand it. 

So today, we will address this issue truthfully and forthrightly, with no tales, misunderstandings, or bogus tactics. 

This post will explain: 

What are hashtags, actually? 

Why hashtags matter on Instagram. 

how many hashtags should i use on instagram

How many hashtags to use on Instagram in 2026 

Best hashtag count for reels, posts, and stories. 

Mistakes to avoid. 

Proven hashtag techniques that really work. 

Examples for copying and use 

So, let's begin. 

What are Instagram hashtags? 

Before answering how many hashtags to use on Instagram, we must first grasp what hashtags are. 

A hashtag is a word or phrase that begins with the # symbol. 

Example: 

#instagram
#travelphotography
#foodlover

When you add a hashtag to your post, Instagram associates it with other posts that use the same hashtag. 

As a result, anyone who searches or follows that hashtag will see your material, regardless of whether they follow you. 

In simple words: 

Hashtags assist Instagram in understanding your material. 

Hashtags assist people find your content. 

That is why hashtags are so effective. 

Why Are Hashtags Important on Instagram? 

Now let's examine why hashtags are so important.  Hashtags assist Instagram in three primary ways: 

1. Hashtags Extend Reach

When you include hashtags in your post, it will appear in hashtag search results. This means new people may view your information. 

Without hashtags, your message primarily reaches your followers. 

2. Hashtags help the Algorithm

Instagram's algorithm analyzes hashtags to determine: 

What your post is about. 

Who should see your post? 

Instagram displays your post to the appropriate audience if your hashtags match your content. 

3. Hashtags Help You Gain Followers Naturally 

If the correct individuals view and appreciate your post, they may: 

Follow you. 

Save your post. 

Share it! 

This promotes natural growth, which is the greatest type of growth. 

As a result, selecting the appropriate amount of hashtags is critical. 

Direct Answer: How Many Hashtags Should I Use On Instagram? 

Let's be clear. 

Best Hashtag Numbers: 

Posts with 8-15 hashtags. 

Reels: Three to eight Hashtags 

Stories: 1-3 hashtags. 

Golden Rule: 

Use less, more meaningful, and targeted hashtags. 

The safest and most clever way to grow your Instagram following is to use this strategy. 

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram? 

Now, let's answer the primary question unequivocally. 

Instagram enables the use of up to 30 hashtags. 

Instagram officially permits: 

30 hashtags each post 

10 hashtags per narrative. 

But the reality is: 

Just because you may utilize 30 hashtags does not mean you should always do so. 

So, what is the proper number? 

The Best Answer (short version) 

The optimum amount of hashtags to use on Instagram is: 

Five to fifteen relevant hashtags. 

This range is best suited for: 

Reels 

Posts 

Carousels 

However, the precise figure varies depending on your content style, target, and specialization. 

Now, let's break it down step by step. 

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram posts? 

How many hashtags should you use on Instagram posts include: 

Single picture posts. 

Carousel Posts 

Posts with the Best Hashtag Counts: 

8 to 15 hashtags.

Why it works: 

Enough hashtags to reach more people. 

Not too much as it appears spammy. 

The algorithm finds it easier to understand your information.  Using 8 to 15 hashtags generates more engagement than utilizing 25 to 30 random hashtags. 

How Many Hashtags Should I Use on Instagram Reels? 

How many hashtags should you use on Instagram Reels are currently the most popular material on Instagram. 

However, reels function somewhat differently. 

Best hashtag count for Reels: 

Three to eight hashtags. 

Yes, using fewer hashtags is preferable for reels. 

Why? 

Reels prioritize viewing time over hashtags. 

Too many hashtags can confuse the algorithm. 

Instagram pushes reels based on interest signals. 

So focus on: 

One or two niche hashtags. 

1-2 content-related hashtags 

1-2 broad hashtags 

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram stories? 

So how many hashtags should you use on instagram Stories differ in that they are short-lived. 

Best Hashtag Count for Stories: 

One to three hashtags 

Why? 

Stories are not meant to be rigorously searched. 

Too many hashtags seem cluttered. 

One good hashtag suffices. 

Hashtags may be hidden behind stickers or writing. 

Does Using All 30 Hashtags Reduce Reach? 

This is a very frequent query. 

The Truth: 

Using all 30 hashtags does not always decrease reach. 

However... 

Using 30 unrelated or duplicated hashtags may limit reach. 

The Instagram algorithm checks: 

Relevance 

Engagement 

Content quality 

If your hashtags are: 

Spammy. 

Unrelated 

Repeated for each post. 

Your reach may suffer. 

That is why quality matters more than quantity. 

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Why Fewer Hashtags Sometimes Work Better 

Many producers believe that more hashtags equal wider reach. 

But in reality: 

Too many hashtags confuse the algorithm. 

Instagram might not know who to display your content to. 

Engagement decreases 

That is why numerous profiles expand faster with fewer, focused hashtags. 

Consider hashtags as keywords, not lottery tickets. 

Types of Hashtags You Should Use 

To determine how many hashtags to include in your Instagram post, you must first grasp the many sorts of hashtags. 

1. Niche hashtags 

These relate to your specific subject. 

Example: 

#foodbloggerindia
#fitnesscoachonline

#studentlifeindia

These attract high-quality followers. 

2. Medium-Sized Hashtags 

These contain 50k to 500k posts. 

Examples: 

#healthyfoodideas
#workfromhomeindia

These are simpler to rank in. 

3. Broad hashtags

These contain millions of posts. 

Examples: 

#instagram

#love

Use only one or two wide hashtags.

Best Hashtag Formula That Works in 2026 

Here is a simple formula you can use: 

For Instagram Posts (10 Hashtags)

5 unique hashtags. 

Three medium hashtags. 

Two broad hashtags. 

For Instagram Reels (5 hashtags)

Two niche hashtags 

2 medium hashtags. 

One large hashtag. 

Where should you use hashtags? 

Another typical misunderstanding is location. 

Option 1: Captioned 

Looks natural. 

Good for SEO 

Option 2: In First Comment 

Keep the caption clean. 

Still works. 

Best Practice: 

Both are equally effective 

Instagram has verified that hashtag location has no influence on reach. 

Should you hide hashtags? 

Yes, you may hide them if desired. 

Popular methods to hide include: 

Add points (..... ) 

Use line breaks. 

Hashtags can be added in comments. 

Hiding hashtags does not diminish efficacy. 

Common hashtag errors to avoid 

Even if you know how many hashtags to use on Instagram, errors can diminish your results. 

Using banned hashtags 

Some hashtags are forbidden. 

Using them may: 

Shadowban your account. 

Reduce reach. 

Always check the hashtag before using it. 

Copy-pasting same hashtags

Instagram may recognize this as spam. 

Instead: 

Rotate hashtags. 

Change set 

Using Irrelevant Hashtags 

Example: 

Using exercise on a food blog. 

This attracts the wrong audience. 

Does Instagram Shadowban Hashtags? 

Instagram does not formally use the term "shadowban. " 

However: 

Using banned hashtags. 

Spam behavior. 

Irrelevant hashtags. 

Can limit your reach. 

As a result, always utilize hashtags organically and truthfully. 

How to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Content 

Here are some simple ways: 

1. Use Instagram Search 

Type a term and verify. 

Number of posts 

Related hashtags.

2. Verify Competitors 

See what other creators do. 

3. Combine Small and Medium Hashtags

Avoid utilizing just huge hashtags. 

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How Frequently Should You Change Hashtags? 

You do not require new hashtags every day. 

However: 

Change sets every five to seven postings. 

Rotate according to content. 

This keeps your account secure and up-to-date. 

Do hashtags still function in 2026? 

Yes, hashtags continue to function. 

But they are not magical. 

They function best when used with: 

Good content 

Captions that are clear and concise. 

Engagement 

Hashtags help people locate your material, not spread it. 

Final Thoughts on How many hashtags should you use on instagram

If you only recall one thing from this essay, make it this: 

Hashtags are instruments, not shortcuts. 

Using the appropriate amount of hashtags allows Instagram to grasp your content. However, your success is determined on value, consistency, and authenticity. 

Now that you know how many hashtags to use on Instagram, experiment and refine your technique. 

Growth takes time, but with the correct hashtags, it becomes much easier. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How many hashtags should you use on Instagram 

What is the 3 by 3 hashtag rule?

The 3 by 3 hashtag regulation means using: 

3 niche hashtags (very specific) 

Three medium hashtags (moderate competition). 

Three broad hashtags (high reach) 

In total, you utilize nine hashtags. 

This rule ensures a balance between reach and relevance, so your message reaches the appropriate people rather than random individuals. 

Is 7 hashtags too many?

No, seven hashtags are not too many. 

In reality, many Instagram specialists believe that five to ten hashtags are preferable to utilizing all thirty. 

If your seven hashtags are relevant and focused, they can increase reach and interaction. 

So, indeed, seven hashtags are safe and effective. 

What is the 5-3-1 rule on Instagram?  

The 5-3-1 guideline is a wise hashtag approach: 

5 niche hashtags. 

Three medium hashtags 

One generic hashtag. 

This brings the total number of hashtags to nine. 

It allows Instagram to properly comprehend your material and display it to the most relevant users. 

Does adding #fyp help?

The hashtag #fyp (For You Page) is more effective on TikTok than on Instagram. 

On Instagram: 

fyp does not ensure reach. 

It is extremely broad and competitive. 

Instagram prefers content-based hashtags. 

So, instead of using the term "fyp," look for hashtags that are relevant to your subject, niche, or target group. 

What did Elon Musk say about hashtags?

Elon Musk once stated that hashtags are unattractive and needless, particularly on X (Twitter). 

However: 

His opinion is primarily about Twitter/X. 

Instagram still uses hashtags to interpret content. 

Hashtags still aid in discovery on Instagram. 

So you should still use hashtags on Instagram, but wisely rather than excessively. 

What is the 70 20 10 rule for social media?

The 70-20-10 principle balances your content: 

70% useful or educational content. 

20% of the material is shared or community-based. 

10% promotional content 

This approach fosters trust and keeps your audience interested rather than feeling marketed to. 

Does hashtag increase reach?

Yes, hashtags can boost reach when used appropriately. 

Hashtags assist: 

New users see your post. 

Instagram understands your content. 

Improve visibility outside of followers. 

However, hashtags work best when combined with excellent content and engagement. 

What is '#' used for?

The #symbol is used to make hashtags. 

Hashtags on Instagram: 

Group comparable information. 

Help users search topics 

Improve content discovery. 

In simple terms, it converts a word into a searchable link.