Want to maximize likes on Instagram? Using the RIGHT hashtags is key.
But with billions of tags used per day on over 1 billion active accounts, discovering the best performing Instagram hashtags for your niche can be overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover insider secrets to finding top hashtags – both popular AND niche-specific. You’ll get:
- A data-backed hashtag strategy tailored for likes 📊
- New research on algorithms and performance 🧐
- Templates for tracking success metrics 📝
- Curated lists of 2021’s HOTTEST Instagram hashtags 🔥
So if you want more likes on Instagram, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive in…
Why Do The Right Hashtags Matter?
Instagram hashtags make your content discoverable across mobile feeds AND hashtag pages.
Using relevant tags means more users who care about your niche can find and potentially engage with your posts.
And more eyes on your content directly translates to more post likes. Simple! 👍
That’s why over half a billion hashtags get searched per day.
People turn to hashtags to connect with their unique interests and communities. Tagging content helps them sift through the noise.
“Hashtags are the backbone of Instagram engagement” – Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO
But did you know Instagram‘s algorithm also scans hashtags to recommend content across the app?
Yep! It works behind the scenes to serve posts with trending and popular tags into feeds of both hashtag followers and non-followers.
So hashtag strategy directly impacts the algorithmic reach and engagement your posts get.
That’s why using the RIGHT tags for what you post matters!
Now let’s explore optimal hashtag amounts…
What’s the Data-Backed Best Number to Use?
You can include up to 30 hashtags per post. But fewer with MORE relevance drives higher engagement.
In fact, research by Tracker.Report analyzing 5+ million Instagram posts found:
- Highest average likes come from 10-15 tags
- Using just 2-5 hashtags leaves engagement on the table
- 20+ tags leads to declining returns
This graph sums it up best:
So for top Instagram likes per post, use 10-15 total hashtags. This ensures visibility without seeming spammy to users. ✅
Consider mixing both popular AND niche tags within those totals:
- Popular: Wide reach among larger crowds
- Niche: Targeted reach among specialized groups
Let’s explore both types…
Compare Popular vs Niche Instagram Hashtags
Posting with only popular OR only niche hashtags leaves engagement opportunities on the table.
You need a BALANCE across these two categories tailored to each post:
As you can see, popular and niche tags complement each other.
So research both in your industry to attract likes from:
- Mainstream crowds ➕
- Specialized groups
Now I’ll walk you through 5 tactics to discover the best hashtags to incorporate…
Step-By-Step: How to Find Top Performing Niche & Popular Hashtags
Uncovering winning hashtags takes work. But this process yields proven tags that drive likes.
Here are five research frameworks I guide my consulting clients through:
Tactic #1: Study Your Competition
Identify 5-10 creators in your niche.
Check which hashtags they use most frequently across top posts.
Compile the ones consistently driving high engagement for further testing.
Tactic #2: Get Visual Inspo
Search related hashtags or locations in Instagram’s “Top” and “Recent” tabs.
See which posts score highest engagement. Click through to their profiles.
Note down highest performing tags connected to those viral visuals.
Tactic #3: Leverage Instagram Insights
Navigate to your target niche hashtag or location page.
Click “See All” above the top posts carousel.
Check which tags OVERINDEX for that community vs Instagram overall. Those have high relevancy.
Tactic #4: Track Performance
Add a unique hashtag like #likes or #test to new tags you’re sampling.
See which posts drive the most profile clicks or engagement.
Tactic #5: hashtag Analytics
Use tools like Keyhole to check usage volumes and engagement rates for niche tags.
Prioritize emerging hashtags aligning to interests showing upward momentum.
Rinse and repeat this research process before creating each post or campaign.
It takes work but ensures your hashtags TARGET audiences primed to engage! 🎯
Now let’s cover optimal hashtag placement…
Should You Put Tags in Captions or Comments?
Where you place tags impacts discovery speed and clicks.
Hashtags in captions appear in Instagram search instantly. But hashtags in comments take longer to index.
So for fastest visibility, use this hashtag checklist:
Let’s break that down further…
Caption Hashtag Recommendations:
- Include 10-15 of your most IMPORTANT tags
- Mix popular and niche tags tailored to the post content
- Sprinkle in 1-2 branded tags
This ensures your best tags show up quickly when users click from your profile to hashtag pages.
Comment Hashtag Recommendations:
- Add 10-15 additional niche tags
- Use more LONG TAIL tags with lower volumes here
- Include localized tags if publishing user-generated content
Adding tags in comments extends your reach over time as those get indexed.
Now let’s explore examples of top tags across niches…
Hottest Hashtags From 10 Trending Niches on Instagram
Winning tags vary widely across topics.
But researching competitor content and hashtag performance reveals common tags resonating TODAY.
Here are 2021’s top hashtags driving high engagement across 10 major niches:
Food & Cooking Hashtags
#foodporn #instafood #yummy #foodstagram #foodphotography #foodies #foodgasm #foodpics #foodlover #eating #chefFashion & Beauty Hashtags
#ootd #fashionista #instafashion #beauty #fashionblogger #streetstyle #beautiful #instastyle #cute #beautyblogger Fitness Workout Hashtags
#fitfam #fitspo #gainz #fitnessaddict #shredded #gym #workout #fit #fitnessPhotography Hashtags
#photooftheday #photography #photo #love #instagood #art #nature #instagram #travel #fashion #portrait #style #photographerTravel & Local Hashtags
#travel #instatravel #travelgram #tourism #travelblogger #wanderlust #vacation #travelphotography #explore #adventure #trip #traveltheworld #travelawesome #travelling #traveldiaries #wanderer Quotes & Books Hashtags
#quotes #quote #words #poetry #writing #poem #writersofinstagram #quotesoftheday #writerscommunity #spilledink #inspirationalquotes #poetrycommunity #author Business & Marketing Hashtags
#business #success #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #marketing #hustle #girlboss #grind
### Home Decor Hashtags
### Crafting & DIY Hashtags
### Pet Hashtags
As you can see, top themes emerge for each niche.
Now simply integrate relevant tags from the examples above into your own Instagram strategy.
Next I’ll recap some key takeaways...
## Let’s Recap Instagram Hashtag Best Practices
Here are my TOP recommendations for maximizing Instagram likes through savvy hashtag usage:
🔼 **Use 10-15 total hashtags per post** for optimum engagement
🔼 **Strategically mix popular AND niche tags** to attract both mainstream and specialized crowds
🔼 **Research relevant high-performing tags** before creating each and every post
🔼 Check competitor usage plus niche hashtag performance
🔼 **Place 10-15 tags in captions** for instant indexing and click-throughs
🔼 **Put 10-15 tags in comments** too to extend discovery
🔼 **Track hashtag performance** using built-in and third-party analytics
🔼 **Refine hashtags often** based on latest niche trends and feedback data
See how to tie all those steps together into an effective system for intelligently maximizing the Instagram likes you deserve?
Now I’d love to hear from YOU in the comments:
- What‘s your top hashtag tip?
- Do you research tags before posting?
- How many likes do your top posts get?
Let me know how I can help take your hashtag strategy to the next level! 😎){kind=link}