Instagram has become one of the most powerful social media platforms for individuals, influencers, and brands alike. With more than a billion monthly active users, standing out in such a vast digital sea can be a challenge. One powerful tool to increase visibility and engagement is the use of hashtags. But not all hashtags are created equal. If your goal is to maximize your likes, understanding which Instagram hashtags tend to perform the best can make a significant difference.
Why Hashtags Matter
Hashtags help users discover content related to their interests. When you add a hashtag to a post, it becomes searchable by anyone using that term. The right hashtags can broaden the reach of your content, increase engagement, and even help you attract new followers. Most importantly, posts with well-chosen hashtags tend to get more likes than those without.
Top Categories of Hashtags That Get the Most Likes
Some hashtags consistently generate more engagement than others. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular categories and examples within each:
1. Trending and Popular Hashtags
- #love – Universally popular, often used with relationship or aesthetically pleasing content.
- #instagood – A versatile tag that suits almost any high-quality content.
- #photooftheday – Ideal for photographers and influencers showcasing their daily best shot.
These are broad and used by millions, which means high exposure but also tough competition.
2. Emotion and Connection
- #happy – Spreads positivity and resonates with people quickly.
- #cute – Especially effective for pet, baby, or adorable lifestyle content.
- #beautiful – Works wonders for travel, nature, and fashion posts.
Emotion-driven hashtags appeal to what people feel. Humans respond emotionally, which translates into more likes and shares.
3. Niche-Specific Hashtags
While broad hashtags get millions of views, niche-specific ones attract a more targeted audience. For example:
- #fitnessmotivation for workout or health-related content
- #foodie for culinary enthusiasts
- #travelgram for wanderlust-inducing photos
These tags perform well within communities and often result in higher engagement rates despite having lower overall volume.
4. Engagement-Boosting Hashtags
- #likeforlike
- #followforfollow
- #instalike
Though sometimes considered shallow, these hashtags are still widely used to gain quick likes. Use them sparingly to avoid appearing spammy.
Tips for Using Hashtags Effectively
Simply knowing the popular hashtags isn’t enough. Here are some best practices to make them work for you:
- Mix broad and niche hashtags – This allows for both wide reach and focused engagement.
- Don’t use banned or overused hashtags – Some common hashtags get shadowbanned due to spammy behavior. Check before you post.
- Create your own branded hashtag – Great for building a community around your content.
- Use relevant hashtags – Always align your hashtags with the actual content of your post.
How Many Hashtags Should You Use?
The optimal number can vary, but most studies suggest using between 5 to 11 hashtags per post. Although Instagram allows up to 30, cramming too many can look messy and reduce effectiveness. Choose wisely and focus on quality rather than quantity.
Image not found in postmeta
Conclusion
When used strategically, hashtags are one of the most effective ways to increase your post visibility and get more likes on Instagram. Stick to a mix of popular, emotional, niche, and trending hashtags to reach diverse audiences. Keep experimenting to find what resonates best with your followers, and never underestimate the value of authentic, high-quality content. Remember, while hashtags can get you discovered, it’s the quality of your post that converts a view into a like.