Instagram Hashtag Optimization: A Complete Beginner’s Guide


Instagram Hashtag OptimizationPin

Here’s a quick beginners guide on how to effectively optimize your Instagram hashtags for increased engagement…



Instagram is a hugely popular social media platform. With the arrival of reels, there’s now additional ways to boost your presence on the platform. Optimizing for visibility comes down to a few, key things: consistency, quality content, and hashtags

If you want your content to get more engagement on Instagram and Instagram reels, you need to make sure you’re hitting all the above-mentioned bases when creating content. Using trending hashtags won’t save poor content, and poor content cannot be helped by good hashtags. 

If you’re content is on point and you’re posting consistently, perhaps a better understanding of Instagram hashtag optimisation will start to move the needle for you, with respect to engagement on your posts. 

Here’s literally everything a beginner needs to know about hashtag optimization, complete with actionable tips you start implementing right away 

Best Practices For Instagram Hashtag Optimization

Instagram Comment ManagementPin

1. Research Regularly

The digital landscape is always evolving. A hashtag that’s trending today might lose its luster tomorrow. Therefore, consistent research is fundamental.

  • Stay Updated with Trends: Platforms like Hashtagify and Trendsmap can keep you informed about trending hashtags in real time.
  • Analyze Competitors: Keep an eye on what hashtags your competitors are using. You might discover a gem you hadn’t considered.
  • Listen to Your Audience: Sometimes, the best hashtag suggestions come from your followers. Monitor their posts and comments to glean insights.

2. Combine Broad and Niche Hashtags

Using only broad hashtags can drown your post in a sea of content. Conversely, using only niche tags might restrict your reach.

  • Broad Hashtags: These are generic and have a vast audience, e.g., #Travel or #Fitness. While they can get you a wide reach, standing out can be a challenge.
  • Niche Hashtags: Tailored for a specific audience, e.g., #SoloBackpacking or #YogaForBeginners. They ensure your content reaches those genuinely interested in your niche.

The golden rule? Maintain a mix. This way, you get the best of both worlds.

3. Use Analytics

Don’t let your efforts go in vain. Tracking is as crucial as implementation. Understand which hashtags are driving traffic and engagement to refine your strategy.

  • Instagram Insights: This in-built tool can show you which hashtags are getting the most traction.
  • Third-party Tools: Platforms like Sprout Social or Iconosquare offer more detailed analytics, helping you discern patterns over longer durations.

Remember, the key isn’t just to see which hashtags are popular but to understand why they’re working.

4. Engage with Others

Social media is about community and interaction. Using hashtags isn’t a one-way street. Engage, communicate, and connect.

  • Comment and Like: Engaging with posts under the hashtags you use can increase your visibility and foster relationships.
  • Collaborate: Partner with influencers or users in your niche. Their audiences might find your content relevant.
  • Host Challenges or Contests: Encourage users to post under a specific hashtag. It can drive engagement and make your hashtag trend.

Wrapping Up…

How to Capture Aesthetic Instagram Profile PicturesPin

In the dynamic world of social media, where algorithms frequently change and user preferences evolve, leveraging the power of hashtags remains a consistent strategy for content visibility. For creators navigating the bustling corridors of Instagram Reels, understanding and optimizing hashtags isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential.

Through regular research, one can stay attuned to the ever-shifting sands of trending topics. A balanced blend of broad and niche hashtags ensures that while your content enjoys widespread visibility, it still resonates deeply with a targeted audience.

Analytics, whether native to Instagram or from third-party platforms, offer invaluable insights, serving as a compass guiding your future content strategies. And, above all, the essence of social media lies in engagement.

By actively interacting under chosen hashtags, creators not just amplify their content but also foster meaningful connections and communities.

To put it succinctly, in the realm of Instagram Reels, hashtags aren’t mere afterthoughts or digital accessories. They are potent tools—bridges that connect content with its rightful audience. In understanding their nuances and adapting strategies accordingly, creators can truly harness their potential, ensuring their Reels not only shine brightly but also resonate far and wide.

On top of this, you NEED to learn how to shoot good content on your phone – you can easily fix that here.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • Mint Mobile 15GB Plan

    If you don't use a lot of data, this plan is a great option. You'll get 15GB of data per month and 5GB hotspot data allowance. It's not a lot but for light users, it is likely more than you'll ever need

    +

    Data: 15GB

  • Visible+ Pro Plan

    Visible+ Pro is built for heavy users who want it all: 4K streaming, ultra-fast hotspot speeds, and premium 5G access on Verizon’s best network. No throttling. No compromises. Just pure, high-performance mobile.

    +

    Data: Unlimited

  • Visible+ Plan

    If you’re tired of overpaying for unlimited data, Visible is one of the best alternatives out there—especially right now. For a limited time, you can get Visible’s unlimited plan for just $20/month, and that price is locked in for an entire year when you use code SAVE5 at checkout.

    +

    Data: Unlimited