99 Good Hashtags for Instagram to Increase Your Reach

If you've been trying to grow your Instagram presence, you've likely noticed that some posts take off instantly while others barely get noticed. The secret to this discrepancy often lies in those little pound signs we call hashtags. Let's dive deep into everything you need to know about using hashtags effectively in 2025.

What are Instagram hashtags?

Instagram hashtags are more than trendy additions to your posts—they're powerful tools that function as a sophisticated content categorization system. These clickable keywords or phrases create a searchable related content database, starting with the # symbol. When you add a hashtag to your post, it becomes discoverable by anyone interested in that particular topic, even if they don't follow your account.

Betty Booze (👇) nailed their hashtag game by covering all the right angles. They didn’t just target cocktail lovers—they also tapped into the non-alcoholic crowd with #mocktails, a smart move considering their sister brand, Betty Buzz, specializes in booze-free drinks.

By including #garnishgame and #cocktailrecipes, they’re reaching people looking for creative drink ideas, while #superbowlsunday ensures visibility around a major drinking occasion. 

They also carefully selected these hashtags to align with popular search terms, ensuring their posts appear in relevant searches. This well-rounded strategy maximizes reach across different audiences.

However, it’s like a balancing act… I’d like to challenge jumping onto the MOST popular terms.  Choosing hashtags with moderate popularity makes you face less competition and increases the likelihood of your post standing out. For example, instead of using #food, opt for #foodiegram or #foodlover. This targeted approach allows you to reach a more engaged audience specifically interested in your content.

📣 For other ways to promote on Instagram, click here! Our article presents 9 powerful strategies to promote your business on Instagram beyond hashtagging.

Do hashtags still matter on Instagram?

​​Some say hashtags are losing their impact, but the data disagrees. Posts with hashtags see 12.6% more engagement than those without—proof that Instagram still relies on them to categorize content. 

Note ⚠️ In November 2024, Instagram removed the option to follow hashtags, making it harder to track specific topics. This change shifts hashtags from an engagement tool to a brand discovery tactic. Users are less likely to see repeated content from the same tags, so brands must focus on using highly relevant, strategic hashtags to appear in search results rather than relying on them for long-term visibility.

Here are the ways hashtags come in handy:

👥 Audience building

• Create pockets of community around your brand
  Hashtags help like-minded users discover posts through search and the Explore page, making it easier for the right audience to find you. They also allow you to create little communities around specific interests. 
• Custom hashtags boost brand awareness
  Custom hashtags make it easier for people to discover and share your content. When followers use your branded hashtag, they help amplify your brand. 
• They’re necessary for growing your Instagram business account
  Hashtags are crucial to growing your Instagram business account without dumping all your cash into paid ads. By using targeted hashtags, you can organically reach new followers genuinely interested in what you offer, helping you build a sustainable presence.

☝️ Speaking of growing a sustainable presence. You will appreciate our article on how to gain more Instagram followers beyond hashtags. Most are cost-free hacks, so you can start making progress immediately.

📊 Analytics and Insights

• They help you track campaign performance
  Hashtags aren't just for categorizing—they’re key to understanding what resonates with your audience. Instagram’s analytics reveal which hashtags drive the most engagement, giving you insights to refine your strategy and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Offers competitive analysis opportunities
  Staying ahead of the curve means knowing what your competitors are up to—and hashtags are a simple way to get the inside scoop. By observing the hashtags your competitors use, you can see which ones are driving engagement and helping them reach more people. 
• Enables trend monitoring and participation
  Hashtags are the easiest way to jump into trending conversations. Analytics help you spot these trends early to create content that aligns with what’s hot. When you hop on these trends quickly, you get more eyes on your content, increasing your visibility and engagement. 

How to use hashtags on Instagram

Let's break down the key elements of successful hashtag usage:

Placement strategy 

The eternal debate about whether hashtags should go in your caption or the first comment continues. Here's what you need to know:

Placing them in your caption:

✔️ Keeps all information in one place

✔️ Can be incorporated naturally into your message

✔️ Appears immediately with your post

✔️ Works well for branded hashtags

Placing them as a first comment

✔️  Keeps captions clean and professional, hence popular among major brands

✔️  Allows for easy updating of hashtags

✔️  Can be done after posting to test different combinations

Optimal number 

Quantity doesn't always equal quality when it comes to hashtags on Instagram. Research shows that:

• Posts with 3-5 relevant hashtags tend to perform best
• Though you can use up to 30 hashtags, Instagram sees it as spamming and may shadowban your post
• Quality and relevance matter more than quantity

Timing considerations 

Did you know that when you add hashtags affects their effectiveness?

• Adding them immediately when you post maximizes initial exposure
  The best time to add hashtags is when you post. Doing so gives your content an immediate boost, allowing users to discover it as soon as it goes live. 
• Consider time zones when using location-based tags
  If you're targeting a specific region, it’s crucial to consider time zones when using location-based hashtags. Posting at a time that aligns with your target audience’s active hours can increase your chances of reaching them while they’re engaged rather than asleep.

Types of Instagram hashtags

Understanding different types of hashtags helps create a more effective strategy. Here are the main categories to consider:

Niche-specific hashtags 

Using niche-specific hashtags helps you reach people genuinely interested in what you do. Targeting hashtags relevant to your industry or area of expertise increases the chances of connecting with a more engaged audience. This approach ensures that your content is discovered by those most likely to value your insights, products, or services.

Some examples of niche-specific hashtags:

• #veganrecipes for plant-based food content
• #yogateacher for fitness professionals
• #interiordesign for home decorators
• #smallbusinesstips for entrepreneurs

Location-based hashtags

If you’re a local business or in a location-based industry, like real estate agents, they can help you target the right people online and in your area.

Here's how they would look:

• #nycfood for New York restaurants
• #londonphotographer for UK-based photographers
• #lafitnesscoach for Los Angeles trainers
• #sydneycafe for Australian coffee shops

Branded hashtags

Branded hashtags aren’t just about slapping your name on a tag—they help organize conversations around your brand. Take Renault, for example, with hashtags like #Renault5, #Etech, and #électronique. These tags serve to reinforce brand identity and highlight a specific product line.

You can create your unique hashtag for:

• Encouraging user-generated content
  When followers use your branded hashtag, they are motivated to engage with your content, share their experiences, and contribute their creative takes, giving your brand a more authentic and personal touch.
• Running contests and campaigns
  Branded hashtags make tracking entries and interactions for contests or campaigns easy. They also increase visibility and excitement around your event, making it simple for participants to engage.
• Tracking brand mentions
  Tracking your branded hashtag lets you easily monitor how often your brand is mentioned or discussed. You get valuable insights into your audience's perceptions and engagement levels.

Community hashtags 

These hashtags act as rallying points that bring like-minded people together. Whether book lovers share their latest reads, fitness enthusiasts motivate each other, or digital nomads swap travel tips, community hashtags help turn scattered followers into engaged, interactive groups. They give your content a home within a larger conversation, making it easier to connect with people who genuinely vibe with what you’re all about.

They look something like this:

• #solotravel for lone adventurers
• #fitnesscommunity for health enthusiasts
• #digitalnomads for remote workers
• #creativesofinstagram for artists

🛎️ This might feel like a lot to take in, especially if you're just getting started with your business on Instagram. Luckily, we've simplified how to use Instagram for business effectively in another article.

The 99 best hashtags for Instagram in 2025

Let's examine the most effective hashtags by industry.

Small business and entrepreneurship

Running your own business is no small feat, and the right hashtags can help you get in front of people who appreciate the hustle. According to Shopify, these are some business hashtags you can’t afford to miss this year.

1. #smallbusiness
2. #smallbiz
3. #smallbusinessowner
4. #businessowner
5. #entrepreneur
6. #entrepreneurlife
7. #entrepreneurship
8. #startup
9. #womeninbusiness
10. #girlboss

Support and local business

Running a local business? Hashtags can help you reach customers who care about supporting businesses in their community. Whether you're a neighborhood coffee shop or a local service provider, these tags make it easier for people to find and support what you do.

11. #supportsmallbusiness
12. #smallbusinesssupport
13. #supportsmallbusinesses
14. #shopsmall
15. #shopsmallbusiness
16. #supportlocal
17. #supportlocalbusiness
18. #localbusiness
19. #shoplocal
20. #local

Handmade and custom products

If you’re creating something by hand, you know the value of every stitch, brushstroke, or carved detail. The right hashtags mean people who appreciate craftsmanship will see you work. 

21. #handmade
22. #handcrafted
23. #homemade
24. #custom
25. #handmadewithlove

Travel and tourism

Nothing fuels Instagram like travel content. Whether it’s jaw-dropping landscapes, city adventures, or beachside getaways, the right hashtags can help your posts reach fellow wanderers and travel enthusiasts. These tags make it easier for people to discover your destination, travel tips, or must-visit spots:

26. #Tourism
27. #Travelgram
28. #Explore
29. #Traveling
30. #Vacation
31. #Instatravel
32. #Wanderlust
33. #Travelling
34. #Adventure
35. #Travel
36. #TravelAddict
37. #Getaway
38. #Travelbug

Gym and fitness

If you're a personal trainer, meal prep service, or a pre-workout brand, hashtags are your ticket to reaching people who are passionate about fitness. 

39. #FitnessGoals
40. #BodyTransformation
41. #WeightTraining
42. #ShredLife
43. #FitLife
44. #GetStrong
45. #EveryDayAthlete
46. #NoExcuses
47. #BeastMode
48. #StrongerEveryDay

Fashion and beauty

If you're in the fashion or beauty business, using the right hashtags is essential to get your brand in front of the right audience. These hashtags can help you highlight your latest styles, trends, or beauty tips, connecting you with people who are passionate about what you offer and ready to engage.

49. #fashion
50. #ootd
51. #style
52. #fashionista
53. #beauty
54. #makeup
55. #skincare
56. #hair

Food and cooking

If you're showcasing your culinary skills or sharing mouthwatering dishes, these hashtags will help you attract food lovers and cooking enthusiasts:

57. #Foodie
58. #InstaFood
59. #FoodPorn
60. #Yummy
61. #RecipeOfTheDay
62. #HomeCooking
63. #Foodstagram
64. #Eats
65. #FoodLover
66. #FoodPhotography
67. #Gastronomy
68. #CulinaryJourney
69. #KitchenExperiments

User-generated content

User-generated content is an excellent way for brands to showcase how their products fit into their customers' everyday lives. By encouraging your audience to use hashtags like #OnMyPlate, they highlight how your food products improve their mealtimes. If you're a fashion brand, #FashionFinds gives followers a chance to show off their latest purchases from your brand. 

70. #MyStory
71. #ShareYourView
72. #FanPhoto
73. #OnMyPlate
74. #FromWhereIStand
75. #BehindTheScenesWithUs
76. #DIYwithUs
77. #FashionFinds
78. #SeenOnMyRun
79. #TechTalk

Business 2 business

If you want to establish your brand in the marketing and business world, these hashtags will help you connect with the right audience:

80. #b2b
81. #work
82. #smallbusiness
83. #business
84. #entrepreneur
85. #marketing
86. #branding
87. #digitalmarketing
88. #sales
89. #ecommerce

Tech and software

Tech-focused hashtags are key for staying relevant and visible in a fast-moving industry:

90. #technology
91. #tech
92. #innovation
93. #engineering
94. #programming
95. #coding
96. #electronics
97. #software
98. #developer
99. #technews

Hashtags can help bring traffic to your posts, but they won’t guarantee real growth if your content isn’t on point. And with organic reach shrinking, relying on hashtags alone won’t cut it. If you’re serious about scaling your business on Instagram, running ads is the way forward, and all-in-one platforms like Madgicx are the hack you need. 

Madgicx helps you easily create, run, and optimize your Instagram (and Facebook) ads from one platform. With Madgicx’s AI Ad Generator, creating eye-catching ads is child’s play. Simply upload your product image, choose an ad example from Madgicx’s Ad Library, or describe your vision, and AI will generate unique ad variations tailored to your brand’s needs. You can customize the ad elements, remove what you don’t need, and add text using the built-in AI Editor.

Once you’re happy with your ads, Madgicx’s AI Marketer takes care of the rest. Using advanced machine learning and predictive analytics, it helps you optimize your ads by providing smart recommendations to ensure they perform at their best. Plus, it’s all actionable with a single click.

Ready to take your Instagram ads seriously? Try Madgicx’s AI for FREE for 7 days.

4 best practices for Instagram hashtags

Follow these proven practices to maximize your hashtag strategy:

1. Research before using

• Check the content associated with hashtags to ensure it matches your brand’s values and aesthetic.
• Look for banned or inappropriate tags that could negatively affect your brand’s reputation. Research the most current list of banned hashtags. Posts with banned hashtags won’t appear in the hashtag search or the associated hashtag feed, meaning fewer people will see your content. 
• Monitor competitor hashtag usage to stay ahead of trends and improve your strategy.

2. Mix hashtag sizes to create a balanced combination of:

• Popular hashtags (1M+ posts)
• Medium-sized hashtags (100K-1M posts)
• Niche-specific hashtags (10K-100K posts)
• Micro-niche hashtags (less than 10K posts)

3. Monitor performance and track effectiveness through:

• Engagement rate – Check the engagement rate to see how well your hashtags drive likes, comments, and interactions.
• Reach and impression statistics – Assess how far your hashtags are spreading by reviewing the reach and impression data.
• Analyze follower growth correlation – Observe how your hashtag use correlates with follower growth to understand its impact on expanding your audience.

4. Maintain brand consistency

• Create a brand-specific hashtag strategy that aligns with your brand’s mission, values, and audience.
• Develop campaign-specific tags to market campaigns or product launches, making tracking campaign engagement and generating buzz easier.

Top Instagram hashtag generators

Finding the right hashtags can be time-consuming, so I’m hooking you up with some of the top hashtag generators in 2025 to simplify the process. The best part? They’re all free.

1. Toolzu

With its vast selection of over 12 million hashtags, this tool lets you discover the best ones to attract your target audience. It sorts the hashtags into multiple categories, including trending and high-converting tags. You can use these hashtags across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and other social media platforms to boost engagement and reach.

2. Copy.ai

You provide details about your post, including its content, niche, and target audience. The tool then uses AI and data analytics to suggest hashtags tailored to your input, considering current trends, popular hashtags, and your niche.

3. Inflact

Inflact is an AI-powered Instagram hashtag generator that automatically creates relevant hashtags for your social media posts by analyzing your photos, keywords, or links.

Conclusion

Hashtags boost organic reach, but they can only get you so far in today’s competitive social media sphere. If you're serious about growing your business, relying solely on hashtags won’t cut it. It’s a good idea to supplement your strategy with advertising platforms like Madgicx to get even more eyeballs on your content. While hashtags may get the ball rolling, the power of a well-crafted ad campaign can get your business the visibility it deserves.

Until next time! #SeeYouInTheFeed