InsTagram REveals its secrets
Instagram released an update answering questions many users have pondered and debated about. The Instagram #Hashtag Update provided significant insight into the proper usage of its hashtags. Forget about what you think you know about Instagram #Hashtags, as they reveal their secret sauce. Let’s review!
Instagram #Hashtags Dos and Don'ts
Hashtags Dos
Post #Hashtags and Keywords in the caption. Prior to this update, it was suggested by many social media gurus to post #Hashtags and Keywords as the first comment to your post. But we now know that Instagram wants us to stuff those #Hashtags and Keywords into the initial post.
Instagram finally, finally, finally, tells the world how many #hashtags to use. *Drum roll* The magic number of #hashtags is 3 to 5 per post. That's right! Instagram wants you to use only 3 to 5 #hashtags. This is surprising and unexpected as Instagram allows up to 30 #hashtags. For years many social gurus have advised users to use the full amount of #hashtags, mixing and blending a combination of popular and niche #hashtags.
Hashtags Don'ts
Final thoughts
Admittedly, I am not a big Instagram user. Let's be honest, there are only so many hours in a day and I'm not a fan of spending them on various social media accounts. That's why its important to me and it should be to you, that you maximize your time and get the most out of your time and efforts.
As I slowly analyze these changes, the first thing that comes to mind is that Instagram is yet again changing its algorithm. Again, in order to maximize your time, it's best to make the appropriate changes to your posting strategies in order to benefit from the changes and get a leg up on your competition.
My suggestion would be to start doing some testing ASAP and compare the results! I would also create your own #hashtag. For example, I've always “tried” to remember to use the #hashtag #daunknownadmin in my social media posts for branding purposes. It makes it easier for users to find you, especially when they can simply put your #hashtag in the search box.
The challenge going forward is to find the right combination of popular vs niche #hashtags. With Instagram suggesting using only 3 – 5 #hashtags, it will be difficult to find the right balance between the two to three levels of #hashtags. For what it's worth, I would still reserve one #hashtag for your brand, while still being thoughtful about the remaining 4 #hashtags.
I hope you find this post useful and informative. If you have any comments, questions, or have anything to add or share please post them in the section below. Thank you and good luck!
