When aiming to boost your Instagram engagement and get more likes, understanding which hashtags truly perform is key. It’s not just about slapping on a few generic terms. it’s about strategic placement and relevance. To effectively leverage the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes, think of it as optimizing your content for discoverability. You’re trying to signal to Instagram’s algorithm and potential followers exactly what your post is about, drawing in those who are genuinely interested. Here’s a quick guide to kickstart your strategy:

The idea is to mix broad, high-volume hashtags with more niche, targeted ones. For instance, while #love might be incredibly popular, #travelphotography or #healthyrecipes will attract a more specific, engaged audience for relevant content. Start by using a blend of ultra-popular tags like #instagood, #photooftheday, and #fashion if applicable to your content. Then, layer in medium-sized hashtags e.g., #instadaily, #fitnessmotivation and highly specific niche hashtags e.g., #islamicart, #halalfoodie that directly relate to your image or video. Tools like 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool can be invaluable for identifying trending and relevant hashtags, helping you pinpoint exactly what hashtags get most likes Instagram users are searching for, and what hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes. This diverse approach ensures your post has a wider reach while still connecting with a highly relevant audience, ultimately driving up your like count.

Table of Contents

The Science Behind Instagram Hashtags and Likes

Understanding why some hashtags perform better than others isn’t just about popularity. it’s about relevance, timing, and community. Like trending hashtags

Think of hashtags as the navigational system of Instagram.

When users search for content or follow specific tags, your post has a higher chance of being discovered if it uses the right ones.

The platform’s algorithm constantly analyzes how users interact with content tied to specific hashtags.

If your post, featuring what hashtags get most likes Instagram users are searching for, receives high engagement likes, comments, saves, shares shortly after being published, it signals to Instagram that your content is valuable.

This can lead to your post appearing higher in hashtag feeds, including the coveted “Top” section, thus exponentially increasing its visibility and potential for likes. Landscape instagram dimensions

The goal is to get your content in front of as many relevant eyeballs as possible, which then naturally translates into higher engagement.

Why Hashtags Drive Engagement

Hashtags act as a bridge between your content and interested users. When someone searches for “what hashtags get most likes Instagram” or browses the feed of #travelphotography, your photo stands a chance of being seen by someone actively looking for that kind of content. This direct correlation to user interest means that the more accurately your hashtags describe your content, the more likely you are to attract genuine engagement. It’s about finding your tribe and connecting with them. For example, a travel blogger using #travelgram and #wanderlust is casting a wide net, but adding #halaltravel or #muslimtraveler will attract a more specific, engaged audience who are genuinely interested in that niche. This layering of broad and niche terms is crucial for maximizing reach while maintaining relevance.

The Algorithm’s Role in Hashtag Performance

Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that is relevant and engaging to its users.

When you use the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes, you’re giving the algorithm more data points to categorize your content.

If your post starts to receive likes and comments quickly after being published, especially from users who don’t already follow you but found you via a hashtag, the algorithm views this as a positive signal. Instagram upload photo ratio

This signal tells Instagram that your content is valuable and should be shown to more users.

This effect compounds: more visibility leads to more engagement, which leads to even more visibility. It’s a virtuous cycle.

Regularly analyzing which of your posts using “what hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes” are performing best can provide invaluable insights into your audience’s preferences and what truly resonates with them.

Top-Tier Hashtags for Broad Reach

When discussing what hashtags get most likes Instagram users frequently see, certain tags consistently rank high due to their universal appeal and immense search volume.

These are your foundational hashtags, the ones that give your content a shot at being seen by millions. Instagram wide photo dimensions

Think of them as the expressways of Instagram, funneling massive amounts of traffic.

While they might not bring the most targeted engagement, they are essential for initial visibility.

Utilizing a mix of these broad hashtags alongside more specific ones is a common strategy among successful Instagrammers.

It’s about maximizing your exposure before narrowing down to your niche.

General Popular Hashtags

These are the titans of Instagram, used across countless niches and industries. Instagram video story resolution

They often relate to emotions, daily life, or general aesthetics.

#love: With billions of posts, this hashtag is a perennial favorite, often used for personal moments, heartwarming content, or passion projects.
#instagood: A classic, signifying high-quality or appealing content. It’s a go-to for almost any visually pleasing post.
#photooftheday: Encourages daily posting and curation of the best image from that day.
#fashion: A massive category, encompassing everything from personal style to brand showcases.
#happy: Capturing positive emotions and joyous moments.
#cute: Often used for pets, children, or adorable items.
#tbt Throwback Thursday: A weekly trend that encourages users to post nostalgic content.
#art: For artists, creators, and appreciators of visual arts.
#picoftheday: Similar to #photooftheday, another widely used tag for daily highlights.

Using a few of these in your hashtag strategy can significantly increase the initial reach of your posts.

However, be mindful that while they offer vast exposure, the competition is fierce, and engagement might be less targeted compared to niche hashtags. It’s a balancing act.

Lifestyle and Daily Life Hashtags

These hashtags tap into the everyday experiences, aspirations, and routines that resonate with a large audience.

They are more specific than general popular hashtags but still maintain a broad appeal, making them excellent choices for those seeking the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes within a lifestyle context. Keywords for instagram post

#instadaily: For content shared daily, highlighting everyday life.
#lifestyle: Encompassing various aspects of how people live, from hobbies to home decor.
#travel: A huge category for adventurers, globetrotters, and anyone sharing their journeys.
#food: For foodies, chefs, and anyone sharing culinary delights.
#fitness: For health enthusiasts, athletes, and those sharing workout routines or progress.
#motivation: Used for inspiring content, quotes, or personal growth journeys.
#selfie: The ubiquitous tag for self-portraits.
#friends: Capturing moments of camaraderie and social connections.
#fun: For lighthearted, enjoyable content.

These hashtags help categorize your content within popular lifestyle niches, increasing its chances of being discovered by users interested in similar daily experiences and aspirations.

Niche-Specific Hashtags for Targeted Engagement

While broad hashtags are great for reach, the real magic for consistent engagement often lies in niche-specific hashtags.

These are the “what hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes” for a highly targeted audience.

Think of it this way: instead of shouting into a stadium, you’re having a focused conversation with a group of deeply interested individuals.

This strategy brings higher-quality engagement, meaning more likes, comments, and saves from people who genuinely care about your content. Instagram video layout size

It’s about building a loyal community around your specific interests.

Community and Industry Hashtags

These hashtags connect you with others who share your professional interests, hobbies, or cultural affiliations.

For a Muslim professional, this could mean tapping into specific communities that align with Islamic values and interests.

#muslimcommunity: For content relevant to the global Muslim population.
#islamicart: For showcasing or appreciating art with Islamic themes.
#halalfoodie: For food bloggers and enthusiasts focusing on halal cuisine.
#islamicquotes: For sharing wisdom, duas, or reflections from an Islamic perspective.
#modestfashion: For those in the modest fashion industry or sharing their style.
#muslimah: For content celebrating Muslim women.
#muslimpreneur: For Muslim entrepreneurs and business owners.
#islamicreminders: For spiritual guidance and reminders.
#quran: For content related to the Holy Quran.
#prophetmuhammad: For content honoring the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Using these hashtags can significantly boost your visibility within relevant communities, leading to more meaningful interactions and potentially, more likes from a genuinely interested audience.

This approach is far more effective for long-term growth than simply chasing the absolute most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes, as it builds a dedicated following. Instagram square post dimensions

Location-Based Hashtags

For businesses, events, or content relevant to a specific geographic area, location-based hashtags are incredibly powerful.

They help local users discover your content and are a strong answer to “what hashtags get most likes Instagram” for local engagement.

#cityname e.g., #london, #newyorkcity: For general content related to a city.
#cityfood e.g., #londonfood, #nycfoodie: For culinary content specific to a city.
#cityevents e.g., #dubai events, #kualalumpurevents: For promoting local happenings.
#neighborhoodname e.g., #marinadelrey, #shoreditch: For hyper-local content.
#traveldestination e.g., #malaysia, #turkey: For content related to a specific country or major destination.

Leveraging these helps you connect with local audiences, which is particularly vital for brick-and-mortar businesses or local events.

Data shows that posts with location tags often see higher engagement rates.

Branded and Campaign Hashtags

These are unique to your brand or specific campaigns you’re running. Instagram reach tags

While they might not be the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes initially, they are crucial for building brand identity and tracking campaign performance.

#yourbrandname: Encourages users to tag you and helps collect user-generated content.
#yourcampaignname: Tracks specific marketing initiatives.
#yourproductname: For showcasing specific products.
#youreventname: For promoting and tracking conversations around an event.

Encouraging your followers to use your branded hashtags can create a sense of community and make it easier to discover content related to your brand.

Strategic Hashtag Implementation and Best Practices

Simply knowing what hashtags get most likes Instagram users are searching for isn’t enough.

You need a strategy for how to use them effectively.

The optimal number of hashtags, their placement, and how you research them all play a crucial role in maximizing their impact. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Instagram post trending hashtags

It requires experimentation and refinement based on your audience and content.

The Right Number of Hashtags

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using the maximum isn’t always the best strategy.

Many experts suggest a sweet spot for optimal engagement.

3-5 highly relevant hashtags: This minimalist approach keeps your caption clean and focuses on direct relevance. It can work well for established accounts with a strong following.
5-10 relevant hashtags: A balanced approach that combines broad appeal with niche specificity, often recommended for growing accounts.
10-20+ diverse hashtags: Some accounts find success using a larger number, mixing popular, niche, and long-tail keywords. This can be effective for maximizing discoverability, especially for new accounts trying to get noticed.

Key takeaway: Experiment to find what works best for your audience. Monitor your Instagram Insights to see which posts and thus which hashtag strategies yield the best results.

Hashtag Placement: Caption vs. First Comment

Where you put your hashtags can sometimes impact readability and aesthetics. Instagram picture proportions

In the Caption: Directly integrated into your post description. This is straightforward but can make your caption look cluttered if you use many hashtags.
In the First Comment: Many users prefer this method to keep the caption clean. The hashtags still work the same way for discoverability. You simply publish your post and then immediately add a comment with your chosen hashtags. This is a popular technique for those who want to use a larger number of hashtags without detracting from the main message of their post.

Both methods are effective for getting your content discovered.

The choice often comes down to personal preference or brand aesthetics.

Researching Trending and Niche Hashtags

To stay ahead, you need a dynamic hashtag strategy. This means constantly researching and adapting.

Instagram’s Search Bar: Start typing a keyword related to your content in the search bar, and Instagram will suggest related hashtags along with their post count. This is excellent for discovering related niche terms and seeing their popularity.
Competitor Analysis: See what hashtags successful accounts in your niche are using. Don’t just copy, but use it as inspiration to find similar or complementary tags.
Industry Tools: Tools like the one mentioned earlier 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool offer advanced hashtag research capabilities, including trending hashtags, competition analysis, and performance tracking. These tools can identify what hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes, specifically tailored to your content.
Trending Topics: Pay attention to current events, holidays, and cultural moments. Integrating relevant trending hashtags can give your post a temporary boost in visibility. For example, during Eid, using #EidMubarak or #EidAlAdha would be highly effective.

Avoiding Common Hashtag Mistakes

While hashtags are powerful, misusing them can actually hinder your progress. Instagram picture size in cm

It’s not just about knowing what hashtags get most likes Instagram users are looking for, but also about avoiding pitfalls that can get your content ignored or even penalized.

Think of it as knowing the rules of the road before you hit the highway.

Irrelevant Hashtags

Using hashtags that have no connection to your content is a surefire way to annoy users and potentially trigger Instagram’s spam filters.

Problem: If you post a picture of a mosque and use #fitnessmotivation, users searching for fitness content will see your post and quickly scroll past, signaling to Instagram that your content isn’t relevant to that hashtag. This can negatively impact your discoverability.
Solution: Always ensure your hashtags accurately describe your content. Relevance is key to attracting genuine interest and engagement. If your content is about halal finance, use #halalfinance, not #luxurycars unless the car is directly related to a halal financing deal.

Over-Populated vs. Too Niche

There’s a balance to strike between using incredibly popular hashtags and those that are too specific.

Over-Populated #love, #fashion: While they offer massive reach, your post can get lost in the noise within seconds due to the sheer volume of new content being published under these tags. It’s like trying to get noticed in a massive crowd.
Too Niche e.g., #mycatsnameissnowball: If only a handful of people ever search for or follow this tag, your post will have very limited discoverability, even if it’s perfectly relevant.
Solution: Aim for a mix. Include a few broad hashtags for reach, several medium-sized ones e.g., 100K-500K posts for wider discoverability, and several highly specific niche hashtags e.g., 10K-50K posts to attract your most engaged audience. This tiered approach maximizes your chances of being seen by both new and highly relevant audiences.

Hashtag Spamming

Repeatedly using the exact same set of 30 hashtags on every single post, regardless of content, can be flagged as spam by Instagram. Instagram picture width and height

Problem: Instagram’s algorithm is sophisticated. If it detects repetitive, non-contextual hashtag use, it may limit the reach of your posts, or even shadowban your account, meaning your content won’t appear in hashtag feeds.
Solution: Diversify your hashtag sets. Create 3-5 different sets of relevant hashtags and rotate them. Tailor your hashtags for each individual post. For example, if you post a picture of a new halal restaurant, use specific food-related hashtags. If your next post is about Islamic calligraphy, use art and faith-related hashtags. This organic approach signals to Instagram that your content is genuinely categorized and relevant.

Advanced Hashtag Strategies for Growth

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to dig into more advanced tactics to truly leverage the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes and sustained growth.

These strategies involve deeper analysis, proactive engagement, and continuous adaptation.

Following Relevant Hashtags

Beyond just using hashtags, actively following them can provide valuable insights and engagement opportunities.

Discover new content: Following relevant hashtags, like #muslimentrepreneurship or #halaltravelblog, allows you to see what content is performing well within your niche. This can inspire your own content ideas.
Engage with other users: By regularly browsing these feeds, you can discover posts from potential collaborators, competitors, or simply engaged users. Liking, commenting, and saving these posts can put you on their radar and potentially lead to reciprocal engagement. It’s a great way to grow your network organically.

Utilizing Instagram Insights for Hashtag Performance

Instagram’s native analytics tool, Insights, is a goldmine of data for understanding your hashtag performance.

Accessing Insights: Switch to a Professional Account Creator or Business Profile to access Insights.
Metrics to Track: Look at “Impressions from Hashtags” under each post’s “View Insights.” This metric tells you how many people discovered your post specifically through hashtags.
Analyze and Adapt: Identify which posts received the highest impressions from hashtags. Then, review the hashtags used on those posts. Are there specific niche hashtags that consistently overperform? Are broad hashtags bringing in more impressions but less engagement? Use this data to refine your hashtag strategy over time. For example, if you find that posts about Islamic history perform better with #IslamicHistory than #History, adjust your future posts accordingly.

User-Generated Content UGC and Hashtags

Encouraging your audience to use specific hashtags is a powerful way to generate authentic content and expand your reach. Instagram picture scale

Create Branded Hashtags: Develop a unique hashtag for your brand, campaign, or community e.g., #MyHalalJourney, #IslamicLifestyle.
Promote Your Hashtag: Include your branded hashtag in your bio, captions, and stories. Run contests or challenges that encourage users to post content using your tag.
Showcase UGC: Regularly share user-generated content that features your branded hashtag on your own profile. This not only provides fresh content for you but also motivates others to participate, as it gives them a chance to be featured. UGC is highly effective because it comes across as authentic and trustworthy to other potential followers.

The Role of Content Quality in Hashtag Success

Even the most meticulously researched and popular hashtags on Instagram for likes won’t save poor content.

At the end of the day, Instagram is a visual platform, and high-quality, engaging content is the bedrock of any successful strategy. Hashtags are merely the vehicle. your content is the destination.

Visual Appeal and Aesthetics

High-quality images and videos are paramount.

Resolution and Lighting: Ensure your photos are clear, well-lit, and high-resolution. Blurry or dark images will be scrolled past quickly, regardless of the hashtags.
Consistent Aesthetic: Develop a consistent visual style or theme for your feed. This makes your profile more appealing and professional, encouraging new visitors to explore more of your content and eventually follow you. A cohesive aesthetic helps build brand recognition and visual identity.
Storytelling Through Visuals: Use your images and videos to tell a story or convey a message. Compelling visuals grab attention and encourage users to linger on your post.

Engaging Captions

Your caption is where you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Value and Information: Provide value through your captions. This could be by sharing tips, insights, personal stories, or asking engaging questions. For a Muslim professional, this could mean sharing reflections on Islamic principles, entrepreneurial advice from an Islamic perspective, or insights into halal living.
Call to Action: Encourage engagement by asking questions, prompting users to share their thoughts, or directing them to your bio link. For example, “What are your favorite verses from the Quran for peace of mind? Share below!”
Storytelling: Use your caption to elaborate on the visual content, share a behind-the-scenes look, or tell a personal anecdote. Storytelling builds a connection with your audience and makes your content more memorable.

Authenticity and Value

Be Genuine: Share your true self, your passions, and your perspectives. People connect with realness. For a Muslim professional, this means authentically integrating your faith into your content, not just for show, but as a core part of your identity and message.
Provide Value: Every piece of content you post should offer something to your audience—whether it’s inspiration, education, entertainment, or practical advice. When users consistently find value in your content, they are more likely to engage and become loyal followers.
Consistency: Regularly posting high-quality, valuable content is crucial for maintaining momentum and growing your audience. Consistency signals to Instagram that you are an active and reliable content creator, and it keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes?

The most popular hashtags on Instagram for likes generally include broad terms like #love, #instagood, #photooftheday, #fashion, #beautiful, #happy, #cute, #tbt, #art, and #picoftheday. These offer wide reach but also face immense competition.

What hashtags to use on Instagram to get likes effectively?

To effectively get likes, you should use a mix of broad, medium-sized, and niche-specific hashtags.

This strategy ensures wide reach while also targeting a highly engaged audience.

Tools and Instagram’s search bar can help you find relevant tags.

What hashtags get most likes Instagram users are searching for?

Users typically search for hashtags relevant to their interests, hobbies, or needs. This includes popular general terms, but also highly specific niche hashtags related to their passions, such as #halalfoodie, #travelphotography, or #islamicart.

How many hashtags should I use for optimal likes?

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, many experts suggest using between 5-15 highly relevant hashtags.

Experimentation is key to finding the optimal number for your specific content and audience, and reviewing Instagram Insights can help determine this.

Should I put hashtags in the caption or the first comment?

Both methods are effective.

Placing hashtags in the first comment can keep your caption cleaner and more readable, which many users prefer for aesthetic reasons.

Placing them directly in the caption is also fine and works just as well for discoverability.

How can I find trending hashtags for my content?

You can find trending hashtags by using Instagram’s search bar it suggests related tags and their popularity, analyzing what successful competitors in your niche are using, and utilizing third-party hashtag research tools.

Staying updated on current events and cultural moments can also reveal trending tags.

Do irrelevant hashtags hurt my post’s performance?

Yes, using irrelevant hashtags can hurt your post’s performance.

It can signal to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is not genuinely categorized, potentially leading to reduced reach and lower engagement from users who quickly scroll past your post.

What is a “shadowban” and how do hashtags relate to it?

A “shadowban” is when Instagram limits the visibility of your content without direct notification.

It can happen if you engage in spammy behavior, which includes consistently using the exact same set of irrelevant or overused hashtags, or using prohibited hashtags.

How important is content quality for hashtag success?

Content quality is paramount.

Even with the best hashtags, poor-quality images, videos, or captions will fail to engage users. Hashtags merely help users discover your content.

It’s the quality of the content itself that encourages likes, comments, and follows.

Can using branded hashtags help me get more likes?

Yes, branded hashtags are excellent for building community and encouraging user-generated content UGC. When users post with your branded hashtag, it exposes your brand to their followers, expanding your reach and potentially leading to more likes and engagement on your original content.

How can I track the performance of my hashtags?

You can track hashtag performance using Instagram Insights available for Professional Accounts. Under each post’s “View Insights,” look for “Impressions from Hashtags” to see how many people discovered your content through the tags you used.

Should I use very popular hashtags or very niche ones?

A balanced strategy involves using a mix of both.

Very popular hashtags offer broad reach, while very niche ones attract a highly engaged and relevant audience.

This blend maximizes both visibility and quality engagement.

Are there any hashtags I should avoid?

Yes, avoid hashtags that are explicitly banned by Instagram often due to their association with spam or inappropriate content, or those that are completely irrelevant to your post.

Also, avoid anything that promotes forbidden content like gambling, alcohol, or immoral behavior.

How often should I change my hashtag sets?

It’s a good practice to rotate and refresh your hashtag sets regularly. Don’t use the exact same 30 hashtags on every post.

Instead, have a few different sets relevant to various content themes and adapt them to each specific post.

Can using location-based hashtags increase likes?

Yes, location-based hashtags can significantly increase likes, especially for local businesses, events, or travel content.

They help local users discover your posts, leading to higher engagement from a relevant geographic audience.

What is the role of long-tail hashtags?

Long-tail hashtags are more specific, often multi-word phrases e.g., #halalstreetfoodlondon. They typically have lower search volume but attract highly targeted users who are actively looking for that precise content, leading to higher conversion rates for likes and engagement.

Should I include a call to action in my caption along with hashtags?

Absolutely.

A strong call to action e.g., “What are your thoughts?” or “Tag a friend who needs this!” encourages interaction, which in turn signals to Instagram’s algorithm that your content is engaging, potentially leading to more visibility and likes.

Does the order of hashtags matter?

No, the order of hashtags does not directly affect their performance in terms of discoverability.

All hashtags used in a post are treated equally by Instagram’s algorithm, regardless of their position.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned or problematic?

Banned hashtags often don’t show any search results, or they might display a message indicating content issues.

While Instagram doesn’t publish a list, a quick search on the platform can usually reveal if a tag is problematic.

Avoid anything associated with spam, hate speech, or inappropriate content.

Is it better to use English hashtags or local language hashtags?

If your target audience is primarily English-speaking, stick to English hashtags for broader reach.

However, if you’re targeting a specific local or cultural audience, using hashtags in their local language can be highly effective for connecting with that specific community and driving relevant engagement.

Most popular hashtags on instagram for likes