What Are Instagram Explore Tags? Which Instagram Tags Should We Use? 🔍📸
Instagram may not call them “Explore Tags” the way TikTok has “Discover Tags,” but hashtags on Instagram play a very similar role. They’re powerful tools to help your content appear on the Explore page, in hashtag feeds, and in front of audiences beyond your followers. Used correctly, they can significantly boost reach, engagement, and discoverability. 🚀
This guide explains what Instagram Explore tags (hashtags) are, how they work in Instagram’s algorithm, and which types of tags you should use for maximum growth.
What Are Instagram Explore Tags?
Instagram hashtags are keywords preceded by “#” (like #TravelGram, #OOTD, or #Foodie) that categorize your post. When someone taps or follows a hashtag, they can see posts grouped under it. More importantly, hashtags help the algorithm understand what your content is about so it can recommend it on:
- Explore Page 🧭 (the main discovery hub for new content)
- Hashtag Feeds (e.g., posts under #StreetStyle)
- Reels Recommendations
In other words, hashtags = SEO for Instagram.
Types of Instagram Hashtags
- Trending Hashtags
- Popular, fast-moving tags tied to events or memes.
- Example: #MetGala2025, #MondayMotivation.
- Niche-Specific Hashtags
- Tailored to industries, hobbies, or professions.
- Example: #WeddingPhotographer, #PlantParents.
- Community Hashtags
- Used by specific groups or interest-based communities.
- Example: #DogsofInstagram, #Bookstagram, #FitFam.
- Branded Hashtags
- Created by companies or influencers for campaigns.
- Example: #JustDoIt (Nike), #ShotOniPhone (Apple).
- Location Hashtags
- Ideal for local businesses, events, or travel content.
- Example: #NYCBrunch, #ParisCafe.
- Generic Hashtags
- Extremely broad and saturated.
- Example: #love, #fashion, #instagood.
Which Instagram Tags Should We Use? 🧪
| Hashtag Type | Why Use It | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trending | Ride viral waves & seasonal events | #ThrowbackThursday, #SuperBowlAds |
| Niche | Attract a targeted audience | #DigitalArtist, #MinimalistHome |
| Community | Build belonging & loyal following | #MomLife, #Bookstagram |
| Branded | Boost campaign visibility | #ShareACoke, #GucciBeauty |
| Location | Target local customers & travelers | #TorontoEats, #LondonFashion |
| Generic | Small support, less impact | #style, #cute |
Best Practice: Combine 5–7 niche hashtags, 2–3 community/location hashtags, and 1–2 trending hashtags. Avoid overloading with generic ones.
Step-by-Step Instagram Hashtag Strategy 🛠️
1. Research Before Posting
- Use Instagram’s search bar to see hashtag activity.
- Check post counts — aim for a mix of popular (1M+ posts), mid-tier (100K–1M), and small (10K–100K) hashtags.
2. Match Relevance, Not Just Popularity
- If you’re a food creator, #OOTD won’t help you.
- Irrelevant tags confuse the algorithm and your audience.
3. Use Instagram Insights 📊
- For business/creator accounts, see which hashtags drive the most impressions.
- Refine based on actual performance.
4. Create a Hashtag Set Template
- Save groups of hashtags for different content themes (e.g., Reels, carousel posts, seasonal campaigns).
5. Place Tags Smartly
- Hashtags work in both captions and comments, but Instagram recommends placing them in captions for maximum visibility.
Example Story 🎥
A travel blogger only used broad tags like #travel and #vacation. Their posts got lost in millions of results. After switching to a layered strategy (#SoloTravel, #EuropeBackpacking, #BudgetTravelTips), engagement doubled. Their posts started showing up on Explore for niche audiences who were actually interested.
Hashtag Use Diagram 🧩
Content ready → Research trending/niche/community tags
↓
Select 5–7 niche + 2–3 community/location + 1–2 trending
↓
Add hashtags to caption → Publish
↓
Track performance in Insights → Adjust next set
Pro Tips 🌟
- Stick to 10–15 hashtags per post (instead of maxing out 30).
- Rotate hashtags — don’t copy-paste the exact same set every time.
- Avoid banned or spammy hashtags (Instagram may shadowban content using them).
- Use Reels-specific hashtags like #ReelTok, #ReelItFeelIt for video posts.
- Build your own branded hashtag to encourage UGC.
Conclusion ✨
Instagram Explore tags (hashtags) are powerful discoverability tools. But the key isn’t spamming #fyp or #love — it’s finding the right balance of niche, community, trending, and location hashtags. By testing, tracking, and refining your hashtag sets, you can consistently boost reach and appear on Explore, where growth happens.
FAQs ❓
1. Do hashtags still work on Instagram in 2025?
Yes, but relevance and engagement matter more than sheer volume.
2. How many hashtags should I use?
10–15 is the sweet spot.
3. Should I put hashtags in captions or comments?
Captions work best for reach, though comments are acceptable.
4. How do I know which hashtags perform?
Check Instagram Insights → Impressions from Hashtags.
5. Do trending hashtags guarantee Explore placement?
No, but they increase chances if your content performs well.
6. What’s a banned hashtag?
Tags flagged for spam/abuse (#followforfollow). Using them hurts reach.
7. Can I reuse the same hashtags?
Rotate sets — Instagram may flag repetitive usage as spammy.
8. Should small accounts use big hashtags?
Mix big (1M+) with mid-tier and small ones to balance exposure.
9. Do location hashtags help businesses?
Yes, especially for restaurants, salons, events, and local services.
10. Should I create my own branded hashtag?
Yes — it builds community and campaign recognition.
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