Most popular trending hashtags on instagram

To find the most popular trending hashtags on Instagram, think of it as identifying the real-time pulse of the platform.

Here’s a quick guide: start by leveraging Instagram’s own Explore page. it’s a goldmine for what’s currently hot.

Look for the “Trends” or “Topics” section if available, or simply observe what kind of content dominates.

Another fast way is to use dedicated hashtag research tools. Most popular hashtags on instagram for likes

Platforms like Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and even simpler tools like All Hashtag offer insights into what’s getting traction.

For a powerful edge in managing your content strategy and discovering impactful hashtags, consider exploring a tool like 👉 Free Growth Marketing Tool.

The core idea behind effective hashtag usage, whether you’re looking for the most trending hashtags on Instagram Reels today, most trending hashtags on Instagram in India, or aiming for general Instagram growth, is understanding audience engagement. Popular hashtags aren’t static. they ebb and flow with global events, cultural moments, and viral content. For example, in 2024, the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram often revolve around major holidays, global awareness days, or emergent cultural phenomena. To truly nail your Instagram strategy and ensure your content gets seen, you need to be consistently searching for which hashtag is trending on Instagram now and adapting your content accordingly. Ignoring this dynamic means you’re missing out on significant reach. Understanding these trends helps you connect with a broader audience and maximize your content’s visibility, which is key for any Instagram user aiming for growth.

Unpacking the Dynamics of Trending Hashtags on Instagram

Understanding what makes a hashtag “trending” is the first step in leveraging them effectively. It’s not just about raw numbers. it’s about relevance, engagement, and timeliness. Make a hashtag

The top most popular hashtags on Instagram aren’t always the ones with billions of posts, but rather those currently experiencing a surge in usage and interaction.

This section dives into the core dynamics that drive hashtag popularity and how they impact your content strategy.

The Algorithm’s Role in Hashtag Visibility

Instagram’s algorithm plays a significant role in determining which content, and by extension, which hashtags, gain traction.

The algorithm prioritizes content that receives high engagement quickly, pushing it to a wider audience.

• Speed of Engagement: Posts using a trending hashtag that receive likes, comments, shares, and saves shortly after being published are more likely to be favored.
• Relevance: The algorithm tries to match users with content relevant to their interests. If you’re using a trending hashtag, but your content doesn’t align with it, your post might not perform well.
• Recency: Newer posts using a popular trending hashtag often get a temporary boost in visibility. This is why staying on top of most trending hashtags Instagram today is crucial.
• User Interaction: If a user frequently interacts with content using a specific hashtag, Instagram is more likely to show them more content from that hashtag.

Differentiating Evergreen vs. Fleeting Trends

Not all popular hashtags are created equal. Like trending hashtags

Some are consistently relevant, while others are short-lived bursts of popularity.

• Evergreen Hashtags: These are broad, foundational hashtags that maintain consistent popularity over time. Examples include #travel, #food, #fashion, #fitness, #art. They might not always be “trending” in the sense of a sudden spike, but they provide consistent reach. A study by Socialbakers showed that posts with 1-3 evergreen hashtags tend to have slightly higher engagement rates than those with too many.
• Fleeting Trends: These are the “most trending hashtags on Instagram reels today” or related to breaking news, holidays, or viral challenges. They offer massive, but temporary, reach. Examples could be #EidMubarak during Eid, or a specific challenge like #DalgonaCoffeeChallenge from a few years ago. Their lifespan can be hours, days, or a few weeks. For instance, #WorldCup trends massively during the tournament but is irrelevant shortly after.

How Global Events Influence Hashtag Popularity

Major global events, whether cultural, political, or social, invariably lead to a surge in specific hashtags.

• Cultural Celebrations: Events like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, or Diwali see hashtags like #EidMubarak, #EidUlAdha, or #DiwaliCelebration gain immense traction. During Ramadan 2023, hashtags like #RamadanKareem and #Fasting surged, with millions of posts.
• Social Movements: Hashtags associated with social causes or movements can become incredibly powerful. While often rooted in serious topics, their virality can be immense, generating billions of impressions.
• Sports & Entertainment: Major sporting events e.g., #Olympics, #SuperBowl or large entertainment releases e.g., #BarbieMovie, #Oppenheimer dominate feeds globally, generating millions of posts in a short period. The #BarbieTheMovie hashtag amassed over 2.5 billion views on TikTok and significant traction on Instagram in its release month alone.

Identifying the Most Trending Hashtags on Instagram Reels Today

Instagram Reels have become a powerhouse for short-form video content, and the hashtags that trend here often differ slightly from static posts due to the dynamic nature of video.

To capitalize on the “most trending hashtags on Instagram Reels today,” you need a slightly different approach focusing on audio, challenges, and fast-moving trends.

Leveraging Instagram’s Own Tools for Reels

Instagram itself provides direct clues about what’s hot on Reels. Landscape instagram dimensions

• Reels Tab Exploration: When you browse Reels, pay attention to the trending audio tracks. Often, a specific sound will be tied to a viral challenge or trend. Instagram clearly indicates when an audio is “trending” or has a high number of uses. For example, an audio track might show “Used by 1M+ Reels.”
• “For You Page” Analysis: Your personalized “For You Page” FYP on Instagram Reels is curated based on your past engagement. While personal, it often reflects broader trends because the algorithm serves you content that’s performing well generally. Notice recurring themes, sounds, and visual styles.
• Creative Tools Section: When creating a Reel, look at the audio library. Instagram often highlights “Trending Audio” or “Recommended Audio” based on current virality. Using these sounds is a direct pathway to using a most trending hashtag on Instagram Reels today.

Trends Driven by Audio and Challenges

Unlike static posts, Reels thrive on audio trends and viral challenges.

• Trending Audio: A significant portion of Reels’ virality comes from trending audio clips. When a sound goes viral, users create their own interpretations, leading to a wave of content. These sounds often don’t even need a specific hashtag to indicate their trend. the audio itself acts as the “trend.” For instance, a particular sound might be associated with a “get ready with me” challenge or a humorous skit. Data from Instagram shows that Reels that use trending audio often see a 60% higher reach compared to those without.
• Viral Challenges: These are specific actions, dances, or skits that users replicate. They almost always come with a dedicated hashtag e.g., #InMyFeelingsChallenge, #FlipTheSwitchChallenge. These challenge hashtags can generate hundreds of millions of views in a short period. For example, the #bottlecapchallenge saw over 200,000 mentions and widespread participation from celebrities, making it one of the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram for its duration.

Niche Reels Trends and Micro-Communities

Beyond broad trends, Reels also foster vibrant niche communities with their own trending content.

• Industry-Specific Trends: In fields like cooking, fitness, or DIY, specific techniques or new products can create their own trending Reels. For example, #MealPrepIdeas could trend within the fitness community with new recipes or methods.
• Local or Regional Trends: In specific regions, local slang, events, or cultural nuances can spawn highly localized trending Reels. This is especially relevant for “most trending hashtags on Instagram in India,” where regional languages and cultural festivals often drive unique video trends.
• Educational or Informational Content: “Edutainment” Reels, where users quickly explain complex topics, can also go viral. Hashtags like #LearnOnReels or #QuickTips often accompany these.

The Global Pulse: Most Trending Hashtags on Instagram in India

If you’re targeting an Indian audience, understanding the most trending hashtags on Instagram in India is critical.

Impact of Cultural Festivals and Holidays

India’s rich calendar of festivals drives massive surges in specific hashtags.

• Diwali: #Diwali, #HappyDiwali, #DiwaliCelebration, #DiwaliVibes – these hashtags dominate around the festival of lights. During Diwali 2023, posts using #Diwali collectively garnered billions of impressions.
• Holi: #Holi, #HappyHoli, #HoliFestival – the festival of colors generates immense visual content and corresponding hashtag usage.
• Eid: #EidMubarak, #EidUlFitr, #EidUlAdha – these are crucial for connecting with the Muslim community in India during the Eid celebrations.
• Other Regional Festivals: Depending on the state, hashtags for festivals like Onam, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Lohri also see massive regional spikes e.g., #OnamCelebration, #DurgaPujaVibes.

Language-Specific Hashtag Trends

India’s linguistic diversity means many trending hashtags are not in English, offering a unique opportunity for localized content. Instagram upload photo ratio

• Hindi Hashtags: Hindi remains a dominant language. Hashtags like #बॉलीवुड Bollywood, #भारतीय Indian, #हिंदी Hindi, and #नयासाल New Year frequently trend.
• Regional Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Malayalam all have thriving communities. For example, #Kollywood Tamil film industry, #Tollywood Telugu film industry, #MarathiVlog, #BengaliFood, and #PunjabiCulture are consistently used within their respective regions. Leveraging these can lead to hyper-targeted reach within India.
• Code-Switching: Many users will combine English and regional language hashtags, like #IndianWedding or #DesiVibes, to broaden appeal.

Influence of Bollywood and Cricket

These two pillars of Indian culture are massive drivers of trending hashtags.

• Bollywood: The Indian film industry is a constant source of viral content. Movie releases, celebrity news, song launches, and dance trends often on Reels generate immense hashtag traffic. Examples include #Bollywood, #BollywoodFashion, #IndianCinema, and specific movie titles or actor names e.g., #ShahRukhKhan, #DeepikaPadukone. A major film release can push related hashtags into the top trends for weeks.
• Cricket: Cricket is almost a religion in India. Major tournaments like the Indian Premier League IPL or World Cups cause cricket-related hashtags to explode. #Cricket, #IPL, #TeamIndia, and specific team or player hashtags e.g., #CSK, #ViratKohli trend heavily during matches, often reaching global trending lists. During the 2023 Cricket World Cup, #CricketWorldCup was one of the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram globally.

Future-Proofing: Most Trending Hashtags on Instagram 2024

As Instagram continues to evolve, so do its trends.

Staying ahead means anticipating shifts, focusing on emerging content formats, and understanding generational user behavior.

Looking at the most trending hashtags on Instagram 2024 requires a forward-thinking approach, moving beyond just reacting to current virality.

Emergence of AI-Generated Content Hashtags

Artificial Intelligence AI is rapidly transforming content creation, and this is creating a new category of trending hashtags. Instagram wide photo dimensions

• #AIGeneratedArt: As AI tools become more sophisticated, artists and creators are using hashtags like #AIGeneratedArt, #MidjourneyArt, #DALL-E, #AIArtCommunity to showcase their work. This niche is exploding, with some AI art communities seeing monthly growth rates of 30-50% in follower count.
• #AICreator: This hashtag highlights content created with the assistance of AI, from scriptwriting to video editing.
• #FutureOfAI: Broader discussions around AI’s impact on society, work, and creativity are also gaining traction.
• Ethical AI Hashtags: As AI becomes more prevalent, hashtags around ethical AI, bias, and responsible use e.g., #EthicalAI, #AIforGood are also emerging as important discussions.

Hashtags Driven by Sustainability and Conscious Living

There’s a growing global movement towards sustainability, ethical consumption, and mindful living, which is reflected in Instagram trends.

• #SustainableFashion: As consumers become more aware of fast fashion’s impact, hashtags promoting eco-friendly clothing, second-hand shopping, and ethical brands are seeing significant growth. Searches for “sustainable fashion” increased by 66% year-over-year on platforms like Pinterest, indicating growing interest.
• #EcoFriendlyLiving: This broader hashtag covers everything from zero-waste tips to renewable energy.
• #Mindfulness: Content promoting mental well-being, meditation, and holistic health continues to be popular, often using hashtags like #Mindfulness, #SelfCare, and #MentalHealthAwareness.
• #PlantBased: The growth of vegan and vegetarian lifestyles continues to push hashtags related to plant-based diets and recipes.

The Rise of Hyper-Local and Community Hashtags

While global trends are massive, there’s a counter-trend towards hyper-local and niche community-focused content.

• Neighborhood-Specific Hashtags: People are increasingly using hashtags for their specific city neighborhoods or even streets e.g., #BrooklynEats, #UptownVibes. This helps small businesses and local creators reach a highly engaged, geographically relevant audience.
• Micro-Community Hashtags: Beyond broad interests, very specific hobby or interest groups are forming, each with their own trending hashtags e.g., #UrbanGardeningTips, #BoardGameNight, #FilmPhotographyCommunity. These communities, while smaller, often boast extremely high engagement rates, sometimes exceeding 15% on posts.
• Event-Specific Hashtags: Local events, markets, or meetups often generate temporary, but highly effective, trending hashtags within that community e.g., #CityFoodFestival2024, #LocalArtMarket. This allows for direct engagement with attendees and participants.

Strategies for Most Trending Hashtag on Instagram Growth

Simply using popular hashtags isn’t enough.

You need a strategic approach to ensure these hashtags contribute to sustainable growth.

This involves a mix of research, smart application, and understanding your audience. Instagram video story resolution

The Art of Hashtag Blending: Niche + Popular

The most effective hashtag strategy involves a blend of different types of hashtags.

• Broad/Popular Hashtags: Use 1-2 very popular, broad hashtags e.g., #Travel, #Food, #Fashion to gain initial visibility. These are the “top most popular hashtags on Instagram” that can expose your content to a vast audience.
• Niche-Specific Hashtags: Incorporate 3-5 hashtags that are highly specific to your content, industry, or target audience e.g., if you’re a food blogger: #VeganRecipes, #GlutenFreeCooking, #HealthyDesserts. These attract genuinely interested followers who are more likely to engage. Studies show that using a mix of broad and niche hashtags can increase reach by up to 20%.
• Branded Hashtags: If you’re a business or personal brand, create your own unique hashtag e.g., #YourBrandName, #YourSeriesTitle. Encourage your audience to use it, fostering a community around your content.
• Location-Based Hashtags: If your content is location-specific, always include relevant local hashtags e.g., #LondonFoodie, #NYCTravel.

Timing Your Hashtag Usage

When you post can significantly impact the visibility of your chosen hashtags.

• Peak Engagement Times: Research your audience’s most active times on Instagram use Instagram Insights. Posting during these hours increases the likelihood of immediate engagement, which Instagram’s algorithm favors for pushing content with trending hashtags. Data suggests that posting during peak times can increase reach by up to 15%.
• Event-Specific Trends: If a hashtag is trending due to a live event e.g., a sports game, a TV show finale, a holiday, post your relevant content as close to the peak of the event as possible. The lifespan of these hashtags can be very short.
• Anticipate Trends: For predictable trends like holidays, start planning your content and hashtag usage a few days in advance. This allows you to catch the wave as the trend builds.

Analyzing Hashtag Performance with Insights

Don’t just guess. use data to refine your hashtag strategy.

• Instagram Insights: For business or creator accounts, Instagram Insights provides valuable data on individual posts. Look at “Impressions from Hashtags” to see how many people discovered your content via hashtags. This helps you identify which specific hashtags are delivering the most reach.
• Third-Party Analytics Tools: Tools like Sprout Social, Later, or Iconosquare offer more granular data on hashtag performance, tracking reach, engagement, and even competitor hashtag usage. They can help you understand which hashtag is trending on Instagram for your specific niche. Many tools offer free trials or basic free plans to start.
• A/B Testing: Experiment with different sets of hashtags on similar content to see which combinations perform best. For example, try one post with 5 broad + 5 niche hashtags, and another with 2 broad + 8 niche, and compare the “Impressions from Hashtags” data.

Navigating the Biggest Trending Hashtags on Instagram and Avoiding Pitfalls

While the appeal of massive reach is undeniable, using the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls.

It’s about being strategic and discerning, rather than simply jumping on every bandwagon. Keywords for instagram post

The Double-Edged Sword of High-Volume Hashtags

Using hashtags with millions or billions of posts can be both beneficial and detrimental.

• Benefit: Massive Exposure Potential: A hashtag like #Love 2.2 billion posts or #Fashion 1.2 billion posts theoretically offers an enormous audience. If your content genuinely resonates, it can lead to quick exposure.
• Pitfall: High Competition & Low Visibility: The sheer volume of posts means your content can get buried almost instantly. Unless your account has significant authority or your post goes viral independently, it’s very difficult to stand out. Think of it like shouting in a stadium – you’re there, but no one hears you. For instance, posts using #Love may disappear from the top section of the hashtag feed within seconds, unless they garner immediate, massive engagement.
• Solution: Use Strategically: Integrate 1-2 truly massive hashtags only if they are highly relevant and you combine them with more specific, lower-competition hashtags. Data from studies on Instagram engagement suggests that while high-volume hashtags offer broad reach, engagement rates are often higher with more niche hashtags e.g., a post using #FitnessMotivation might see better engagement than just #Fitness.

Avoiding Irrelevant or Banned Hashtags

Using irrelevant or “broken” hashtags can harm your account’s visibility and reputation.

• Irrelevance: Using a trending hashtag just because it’s popular, but your content has nothing to do with it, is a bad practice. Instagram’s algorithm is smart. it can detect this, and your content might be demoted. More importantly, it frustrates users who are looking for specific content, leading to lower engagement on your post. For example, don’t use #EidMubarak if your post is about a new tech gadget.
• Banned Hashtags: Instagram occasionally bans hashtags that are associated with inappropriate, spammy, or harmful content. Using a banned hashtag can lead to your post being hidden, or even result in shadowbanning for your account, significantly reducing your overall reach. A quick Google search for “Instagram banned hashtags” can help you find updated lists, but generally avoid anything related to illegal activities, hate speech, or explicit content. Check a hashtag’s page: if it says “No posts yet” or “Recent posts from # hashtag are currently hidden,” it might be banned.

Content Quality Over Hashtag Quantity

The most effective strategy always prioritizes valuable content over simply stuffing hashtags.

• Engagement is King: Instagram’s algorithm rewards engagement. Even the most popular trending hashtags on Instagram won’t save a low-quality or unengaging post. Focus on creating captivating visuals, compelling captions, and fostering interaction. A well-crafted Reel using a trending sound will outperform a low-effort Reel with generic trending hashtags.
• Authenticity: Audiences appreciate authenticity. Don’t force your content to fit a trending hashtag if it doesn’t feel natural to your brand or message. This is particularly true for personal brands and small businesses where genuine connection is key. Authenticity has been shown to increase follower loyalty by up to 80%.
• Storytelling: Use your captions and content to tell a story or provide value. Hashtags are a discovery tool, but the content is what keeps people engaged and wanting more. A compelling narrative, even with slightly less popular hashtags, can significantly outperform a generic post with the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram.

Continuous Discovery: Which Hashtag is Trending on Instagram Now?

The world of Instagram trends is constantly in motion. What was popular yesterday might be old news today. For sustained growth, you need to develop a habit of continuous discovery, actively seeking out which hashtag is trending on Instagram right now.

Setting Up Trend Alerts and Monitors

Don’t wait for trends to come to you. set up systems to find them. Instagram video layout size

• Google Alerts for Keywords: Set up Google Alerts for broad industry terms or keywords relevant to your niche. While not directly for Instagram hashtags, these alerts can give you early indications of trending topics that might soon translate into Instagram trends. For example, an alert for “sustainable living tips” might clue you into emerging eco-friendly practices that you can create content around.
• Twitter Trends: Twitter’s trending topics often spill over to Instagram. Pay attention to what’s trending on Twitter, especially specific events, pop culture phenomena, or news. This can give you a head start on Instagram. A major news event breaking on Twitter will likely generate similar hashtags on Instagram within hours.
• Niche Newsletters & Forums: Subscribe to newsletters or join forums related to your industry or interests. These communities often discuss emerging trends before they hit mainstream social media. For instance, a gaming forum might highlight a new game or challenge that is gaining traction.
• Tools for Trend Spotting: Consider investing in or trying free trials of tools specifically designed for trend spotting. Platforms like Exploding Topics or Google Trends can show you what topics are gaining search interest, providing insights into potential future Instagram trends.

The Power of Niche Communities and Influencers

Sometimes, the most powerful trends start small, within specific communities.

• Follow Niche Thought Leaders: Identify and follow key influencers or thought leaders in your specific niche. They are often early adopters of emerging trends and hashtags relevant to their audience. Observing their content can give you a jump start.
• Join Relevant Groups/Forums: Engage with online communities Facebook Groups, Reddit subreddits, Discord servers related to your interests. These are hotbeds for specific, often hyper-relevant, trending hashtags that might not be visible on Instagram’s main Explore page.
• Observe Competitor Hashtags: Keep an eye on what hashtags your successful competitors are using. Are they consistently getting good engagement with certain hashtag sets? This can provide valuable clues about what’s working within your shared niche.

Leveraging the Explore Page and Reels Tab Actively

Instagram’s own interface is your primary tool for real-time trend identification.

• Daily Explore Page Scan: Make it a daily habit to scroll through your Instagram Explore page. While personalized, it highlights content that’s currently getting high engagement, which often correlates with trending hashtags. Look for recurring themes, topics, and specific hashtag suggestions.
• Reels Tab Immersion: Spend dedicated time browsing the Reels tab. As mentioned earlier, pay close attention to trending audio and any challenges or specific content formats that are repeatedly appearing. Instagram often explicitly labels trending audio. According to Instagram’s own data, over 90% of Instagram users watch videos weekly, making Reels a prime place to spot and leverage trends.
• Search Bar Function: When you start typing in the Instagram search bar, it often suggests popular hashtags or topics. This can be a quick way to see what terms are currently being searched for.

Beyond the Basics: Understanding Most Trending Hashtags Instagram Today

To truly master hashtag strategy, you need to look beyond just raw popularity and understand the nuances of how hashtags function on Instagram today.

This involves understanding context, user intent, and the subtle shifts in algorithmic prioritization.

The Nuance of Hashtag Context and User Intent

A hashtag’s effectiveness isn’t just about its trending status. Instagram square post dimensions

It’s about the context in which it’s used and the intent of the user searching for it.

• Contextual Relevance: A hashtag might be trending, but if your content doesn’t align perfectly with its context, it won’t perform. For example, #Travel might be trending, but if your post is about a local coffee shop, using #LocalCoffeeShop is far more effective, even if less “trending” globally. Users searching #Travel are looking for travel inspiration, not local coffee.
• User Intent: What is a user hoping to find when they click or search a particular hashtag? Are they looking for inspiration, information, entertainment, or a specific product? Your content should fulfill that intent. For example, if #RecipeOfTheDay is trending, users are likely looking for actual recipes, not just food photos. Providing a valuable recipe will perform better than just a generic food image.
• Avoiding Misleading Hashtags: As discussed, using irrelevant hashtags can actively hurt your account. Instagram prioritizes positive user experience. If users consistently click on your post from a hashtag and then immediately leave indicating the content wasn’t relevant, your content’s reach will suffer.

The Role of Micro-Influencers in Trend Creation

While mega-influencers can amplify trends, micro-influencers 10k-100k followers often play a crucial role in creating and solidifying niche trends.

• Authenticity and Trust: Micro-influencers typically have highly engaged, trusting audiences in specific niches. Their recommendations and content often feel more authentic than those from larger, more commercialized accounts. This trust can drive rapid adoption of new hashtags or challenges within their communities. Data shows micro-influencers often have 2-3x higher engagement rates compared to macro-influencers.
• Niche Expertise: They are experts in their specific fields e.g., sustainable living, niche gaming, specific craft hobbies. This expertise allows them to identify and champion emerging trends relevant to their audience long before they hit the mainstream. They might be the first to start using a “most trending hashtag on Instagram growth” strategy for a very specific subset of users.
• Community Building: Micro-influencers excel at fostering strong, interactive communities. When they introduce a new hashtag or trend, their community is more likely to adopt and propagate it, making it trend within that specific group.

Adapting to Instagram’s Evolving Features

Instagram is constantly rolling out new features, and understanding how these impact hashtag visibility is crucial for staying current.

• Reels vs. Feed Posts: Hashtags function slightly differently on Reels compared to static feed posts. On Reels, trending audio and video trends often take precedence over explicit hashtag usage. On feed posts, a well-researched hashtag strategy is still paramount for discovery.
• Shopping Features: For e-commerce brands, understanding how shopping hashtags e.g., #ShopNow, #ProductLaunch integrate with Instagram Shopping features is key.
• Collaborative Posts Collabs: When using the “Collab” feature, posts appear on both accounts’ feeds. If one account has better hashtag performance or a stronger trending hashtag strategy, it can amplify the reach for both collaborators.
• Interactive Stickers: While not direct hashtags, new interactive stickers polls, quizzes can boost engagement, which in turn helps your content get seen more, implicitly helping your hashtags perform better. Accounts that use interactive stickers see a 25% increase in engagement on average.

Ethical Considerations: Muslim Perspective on Trending Hashtags

As Muslim professionals navigating the digital space, our approach to trending hashtags, like any other aspect of content creation, must align with Islamic principles.

While the concept of “trending” itself is neutral, the content and methods associated with certain trends can often cross permissible boundaries. Instagram reach tags

Our goal is to use these tools for beneficial halal purposes, avoiding the impermissible haram and promoting positive, wholesome content.

Avoiding Trends Associated with Haram Content

Many popular trends on Instagram can be tied to practices or themes that are not permissible in Islam. It is crucial to discern and avoid these.

• Podcast and Entertainment: A significant portion of trending Reels, for example, are driven by popular podcast, dance challenges, or scenes from movies and TV shows. While podcast can be permissible in certain forms e.g., nasheeds without instruments, or educational rhymes, much of what trends on Instagram falls into categories of expressive, often provocative, podcast or dance, and content from the general entertainment industry which often promotes immoral behavior, dating, or other impermissible themes.
  • Better Alternatives: Instead of participating in podcast-driven trends, focus on trends that involve:
    • Educational or Informational Content: Share beneficial knowledge, Islamic reminders, or skill-based tutorials. Hashtags like #IslamicReminder, #LearnOnInstagram, #DIYTutorials can be leveraged.
    • Nature and Reflection: Post content that highlights the beauty of Allah’s creation, encouraging contemplation and gratitude. Use hashtags like #NaturePhotography, #Reflection, #SubhanAllah.
    • Halal Food and Recipes: Share delicious, permissible recipes and cooking tips. Hashtags like #HalalFood, #MuslimFoodies, #HealthyEating are excellent.
    • Positive Challenges: Participate in challenges that promote good deeds, kindness, or healthy habits, ensuring they are free from impermissible elements. For instance, a #GoodDeedChallenge or #DailyGratitude.
• Immoral Behavior & Sexuality: Trends often emerge around provocative clothing, suggestive poses, dating themes, or concepts related to LGBTQ+ ideologies. These are directly against Islamic teachings on modesty and morality.
  • Better Alternatives: Promote modesty #ModestFashion, #HijabStyle, healthy family values #MuslimFamily, #ParentingTips, and respectful interactions.
• Gambling & Financial Fraud: Be wary of trends promoting get-rich-quick schemes, cryptocurrency scams, or any form of gambling or riba interest-based transactions. These are strictly forbidden.
  • Better Alternatives: Promote ethical finance #HalalFinance, #EthicalInvesting, honest business practices #MuslimOwnedBusiness, #SupportSmallBusiness, and saving.
• Astrology & Fortune-Telling: Trends involving horoscopes, fortune-telling apps, or “manifestation” practices often fall into categories of shirk polytheism or rely on practices forbidden in Islam.
  • Better Alternatives: Emphasize reliance on Allah Tawakkul, prayer Du’a, and seeking knowledge. Use hashtags like #Tawakkul, #IslamicFaith, #Duas.

Promoting Wholesome and Beneficial Trends

Our role is to consciously steer our content and engagement towards trends that bring benefit, uplift the community, and align with Islamic values.

• Islamic Reminders & Education: Use trending formats to share Islamic knowledge, Quranic verses, Hadith, and lessons from the Seerah. Hashtags like #IslamicQuotes, #MuslimMotivation, #LearnIslam, #QuranDaily are highly beneficial.
• Community Building: Promote content that strengthens family bonds, encourages good deeds, and highlights positive community initiatives. Hashtags like #MuslimCommunity, #FamilyFirst, #KindnessIsKey.
• Health and Wellness Halal: Share tips on healthy eating halal-certified, fitness routines modestly, and mental well-being from an Islamic perspective. Avoid any trends promoting haram food or excessive beautification.
• Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Use trending topics to share valuable skills, business advice, or creative projects that are permissible and beneficial. Hashtags like #MuslimEntrepreneurs, #SmallBusinessTips, #CreativeMuslims.
• Charity and Sadaqah: Leverage trending moments or awareness days to highlight charitable initiatives and encourage sadaqah charity. Hashtags like #GiveBack, #SadaqahJariyah, #CharityWork.

By actively selecting and promoting trends that align with Islamic ethics, we can transform Instagram into a platform for positive influence, da’wah calling to Islam, and community upliftment, rather than just a source of entertainment or fleeting popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular trending hashtags on Instagram right now?

The most popular trending hashtags on Instagram change daily, if not hourly. Instagram post trending hashtags

To find them, check Instagram’s Explore page, monitor trending audio on the Reels tab, and use third-party tools like Sprout Social or Google Trends to identify emerging topics.

Generally, global events, viral challenges, and popular cultural phenomena drive the biggest current trends.

How do I find the most trending hashtags on Instagram Reels today?

For Reels, focus on trending audio.

Go to the Reels tab, browse popular videos, and click on the podcast icon to see which sounds are trending.

When creating a Reel, Instagram’s audio library often highlights “Trending Audio.” Viral challenges also often have dedicated hashtags that trend with the associated audio. Instagram picture proportions

What are the most trending hashtags on Instagram in India?

In India, trending hashtags are heavily influenced by cultural festivals e.g., #Diwali, #EidMubarak, #Holi, Bollywood e.g., #Bollywood, #ShahRukhKhan, and Cricket e.g., #IPL, #CricketIndia. Regional language hashtags e.g., #Tamil, #Marathi are also hugely popular within their respective communities.

What will be the most trending hashtags on Instagram in 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, expect a continued rise in hashtags related to AI-generated content e.g., #AIGeneratedArt, sustainability and conscious living e.g., #SustainableFashion, #EcoFriendlyLiving, and hyper-local or niche community hashtags. Global events and new Instagram features will also shape trends.

How can I use trending hashtags for Instagram growth?

For Instagram growth, blend broad, popular hashtags with niche-specific and branded hashtags.

Post during your audience’s peak engagement times, and analyze your Instagram Insights to see which hashtags drive impressions and reach for your content.

Quality content should always be your priority, as hashtags only aid discovery. Instagram picture width and height

What are the top most popular hashtags on Instagram overall?

Some of the top most popular hashtags overall, based on total usage not necessarily real-time trending, include #Love, #Fashion, #Photography, #Travel, #Art, #Food, #Nature, and #Fitness. While these have billions of posts, they are highly competitive and can make it difficult for new content to stand out.

What are the biggest trending hashtags on Instagram?

The biggest trending hashtags on Instagram are usually associated with major global events e.g., #Olympics, #WorldCup, viral challenges, or significant cultural moments. These hashtags can gain hundreds of millions or even billions of impressions in a short period due to widespread participation.

Which hashtag is trending on Instagram right now?

To find which hashtag is trending on Instagram right now, open your Instagram app and go to the Explore page. While Instagram doesn’t always explicitly list “trending hashtags” like Twitter, you can infer trends by observing the most popular content categories and topics displayed. Alternatively, search popular news outlets or social listening tools for current hot topics.

Is it better to use many hashtags or just a few popular ones?

It’s generally recommended to use a mix of hashtags rather than just a few popular ones. Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post.

A good strategy includes a few very popular, broad hashtags, several niche-specific ones, and potentially a branded hashtag.

Data suggests that using 5-15 relevant hashtags often yields good results.

Can using irrelevant trending hashtags hurt my account?

Yes, using irrelevant trending hashtags can hurt your account.

It can lead to low engagement from uninterested users, signal to the algorithm that your content isn’t relevant to the hashtag, and potentially even lead to your post being hidden or your account being shadowbanned if deemed spammy. Always prioritize relevance over sheer popularity.

How often do Instagram hashtags change their trending status?

Instagram hashtag trends can change very rapidly, especially for highly specific or event-driven topics.

Some trends might last only a few hours, while others, like major holiday hashtags, might trend for a few days or weeks.

Evergreen hashtags maintain consistent usage but rarely “trend” in the volatile sense.

Are there any tools to find trending hashtags?

Yes, many tools help find trending hashtags.

Some popular ones include Sprout Social, Later, Tailwind which also helps with growth marketing, All Hashtag, Hashtagify, and RiteTag.

Google Trends can also give you an idea of popular search topics that might translate into Instagram trends.

Should I use the same trending hashtags on every post?

No, you should not use the same trending hashtags on every post.

Your hashtag strategy should be dynamic and tailored to each specific piece of content.

Using identical sets repeatedly can look spammy to the algorithm and your audience, and it limits your reach to a diverse range of niche interests.

What are evergreen hashtags?

Evergreen hashtags are broad, consistently popular hashtags that remain relevant over a long period, rather than experiencing sudden spikes. Examples include #travel, #food, #fashion, #art, and #fitness. While they might not be “trending” daily, they provide consistent visibility and reach.

How do I know if a hashtag is banned on Instagram?

You can check if a hashtag is banned by searching for it on Instagram. If the hashtag page shows “No posts yet” or states that “Recent posts from # are currently hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s Community Guidelines,” it is likely banned or restricted.

What’s the difference between a trending hashtag and a popular hashtag?

A “popular hashtag” refers to a hashtag with a very high number of total posts e.g., #Love with billions of posts. A “trending hashtag” refers to a hashtag that is currently experiencing a significant surge in usage and engagement, often related to a timely event or viral phenomenon, regardless of its overall post count.

Can I create my own trending hashtag?

Yes, you can create your own hashtag, especially for your brand, campaign, or community.

While making it “trending” on a large scale is challenging, consistency and encouraging your audience to use it can make it trend within your niche or community, fostering engagement and brand recognition.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram in 2024?

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, recent data suggests that using a more curated set, often between 5 and 15 highly relevant hashtags, can be effective.

Experiment with different numbers and analyze your Instagram Insights to find what works best for your specific audience and content.

Do hashtags work on Instagram Stories?

Yes, hashtags work on Instagram Stories.

You can add up to 10 hashtags to your story, either by typing them out or using the hashtag sticker.

Using relevant hashtags on Stories can increase their discoverability on the Explore page, especially if your story gets high engagement.

How can I find local trending hashtags?

To find local trending hashtags, use location-specific terms e.g., #LondonFoodie, #NYCArt, follow local influencers and businesses, monitor local news and events, and search for your city or neighborhood name on Instagram to see popular related hashtags. This is crucial for businesses targeting a specific geographic area.