Instagram has just changed the rules for hashtags. The platform now says you can only use up to five hashtags on your posts and Reels. This is a big shift from the old limit of 30. Instagram explains that this change is meant to help your content perform better and improve everyone’s experience on the app.
For years, hashtags have been a key tool for helping people find new content. They make posts appear in searches and recommendations. However, many creators started using too many generic tags, like #reels or #explore, in an attempt to be seen by more prople.
Instagram says this strategy doesn’t work. Using a long list of unrelated hashtags can actually hurt your contents performance. Instead, the platform advices creators to be more focused. You should choose three five hashtags that are highly relevant to your specific photo or video.
For example, if you post a makeup tutorial, using tags like #MakeupTutorial or #BeautyTips is more effective. These targeted hashtags help connect your content with users who are genuinely interested in the topic. This leads to better discovery by the right audience.
This update encourages quality over quantity. By limiting hashtags, Instagram wants to reduce spammy behavior and make content feeds more meaningful. The goal is to help creators reach people who will truly enjoy their posts, rather than just chasing a high number of views.
For anyone using Instagram to share content, this means it’s time to rethink your strategy. Focus on selecting a few precise, powerful hashtags that best describe what you’re posting. This simple change could help your content reach a more engaged and relevant audience.
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