Mastering Instagram Hashtags in 2018: An Essential Guide

Instagram hashtags have always been at the forefront of increasing visibility and engaging with a broader audience. However, in 2018, understanding and leveraging hashtags on Instagram became more critical than ever. This was primarily due to algorithm changes that impacted how content is displayed in user feeds, making savvy use of hashtags an essential strategy for anyone looking to grow their presence on the platform.

First and foremost, the basics of Instagram hashtags involve categorizing and discovering content. When you use a hashtag in your post, it becomes discoverable to anyone who searches for that hashtag. This functionality underscores the importance of using relevant, targeted hashtags to reach your intended audience. Yet, with millions of users and hashtags in play, standing out in 2018 required a more nuanced approach.

Researching Your Hashtags: One of the key strategies for hashtag success in 2018 was thorough research. This meant beyond the generic, widely-used hashtags, finding niche tags specific to your content and audience. Tools like Hashtagify and TagBlender became invaluable for researching and identifying these tags. This approach helped in targeting more engaged audiences, rather than casting a wide, less effective net.

Understanding Instagram's Algorithm: Another pivotal aspect was understanding Instagram's algorithm changes. The platform's shift towards showing users content that they're likely interested in, rather than strictly chronological posts, made the strategic use of hashtags more crucial. By including a mix of high-volume and niche hashtags, you could increase your chances of appearing in the 'Top Posts' section of a hashtag search, thereby gaining more visibility.

The Rule of 30: In 2018, Instagram allowed up to 30 hashtags per post, and making full use of this limit became a recommended practice. However, it was also advised to avoid using the exact same set of hashtags for every post to prevent being marked as spam. Varying your hashtags and incorporating them naturally into your post captions or comments could boost engagement and reach.

Engagement is Key: Alongside choosing the right hashtags, engaging with your followers and the community under specific hashtags was paramount. Responding to comments, liking posts, and even commenting on others' content could foster a more interactive relationship with your audience, encouraging more engagement on your own posts.

Hashtags in Stories and Bio: 2018 also saw an expansion in the use of hashtags beyond just posts. Including hashtags in your stories and even your bio opened up new avenues for discoverability. This was especially useful for brands and influencers looking to maximize their reach on every part of their profile.

Implementing these strategies required attention to detail, creativity, and regular engagement with the Instagram community. By effectively utilizing hashtags in 2018, users were able to significantly increase their content's reach and engagement, paving the way for growth and success on the platform.

In conclusion, Instagram hashtags in 2018 became more than just a tool for discoverability. They were a strategic element essential for thriving on the platform. By researching, strategically selecting, and actively engaging with hashtags, users could enhance their Instagram presence, making every post count towards their goals of visibility and engagement.