Video content is on the rise across all platforms, including Instagram. Reels are short-form videos, lasting 15 seconds to 3 minutes. Reels account for almost 40% of all new Instagram posts and generate 36% more unique views than singles and carousels. Like memes, images, and graphics you must write a description and add hashtags to your Reels and Trial Reels.
Here’s how to take a strategic approach to selecting hashtags for Instagram Reels.
Why Add Hashtags to Instagram Reels?
Hashtags are an essential part of any Instagram video marketing strategy. They drive followers and engagement by placing your content in front of targeted Instagram users. This includes populating in your existing followers’ Instagram feeds, and prospective followers’ feeds.
You should add keywords to your post description, but hashtags hyper-target your content’s purpose. Don’t just guess when selecting hashtags and don’t repost the same hashtags for every post.
Standard Reels vs. Trial Reels
- Standard Reels: Post directly to your page for your followers to view. They also show up in prospective follower feeds.
- Trial Reels: Don’t post to your page. They’re designed for A/B split testing and attract new followers.
Accelerate content creation by using AI to batch-create your Reels.
Pro Tip: Repost high-performing Standard Reels as Trial Reels to further their reach.
Why Do You Need a Brand Hashtag?
In addition to using creative hashtags for Instagram Reels, you must add 1 or 2 brand hashtags to every post. Brand hashtags help build brand recognition. They’re the one time it’s ok to repeat hashtags and use a low-volume hashtag.
A brand hashtag can be:
- #Your business name
- #Your first and last name
- #Your Instagram page name
- #Upcoming event name
Pro Tip: If your business name or page name is already a trending hashtag, make it your own. Maybe shorten it by using your business initials.
Should You Use Seasonal Hashtags?
Yes, you can use seasonal hashtags relevant to your post or niche. This includes weather-related seasons, holidays, and events such as the Super Bowl. It can also include short-lived catchphrases from movies, TV shows, memes, and viral videos.
For example, “#childlesscatlady” had a strong few weeks, but wasn’t the right hashtag for every demographic. Or “#weddingseason” is more popular in the spring and summer, but only if you’re in the wedding industry.
Pro Tip: Expand who you target and use “gift” hashtags the month before relevant holidays. For example, if your demographic is moms ages 30 to 45, target their husbands the month before Mother’s Day.
How to Select Trending Hashtags for Instagram Reels?
The majority of your hashtags need to be niche and demographic-specific. Feel free to add in a few hashtags that are unique to each Reel but prioritize who you want to engage with and how you serve them. Your video script may contain a few hashtags.
Create niche hashtags for Instagram Reels by considering your:
- Products
- Services
- Consumer pain points
- Unique differentiators
- Trending industry hashtags
Pro Tip: Select hashtags with at least 1 million search results. In the past, selecting lower-volume hashtags increased engagement. Now you want to stay up to date with current trends.
Can You Use Competitor Hashtags?
Yes! Maintain a unique style and tone but keep an eye on your top competitors. Select 3 to 5 competitors and review their top Instagram posts monthly. Research up-and-coming competitors quarterly.
Competitor pages inspire your:
How Many Hashtags Do Reels Need?
Aim to post no less than 12 hashtags per Reel. This includes your brand hashtags. The newer your account, the closer you should get to 12.
Pro Tip: Research 20 to 30 hashtags to use for the current month. Select an entirely new set next month, and don’t use last month’s hashtags for at least 3 months.
Don’t Use Banned Hashtags
Instagram bans hashtags deemed irrelevant, misleading, or inappropriate. This includes hashtags commonly used by spammers and bots. Or hashtags that are frequently found in content that violate Instagram’s Terms and Conditions. Minimize the use of these terms in your bio and descriptions.
Don’t assume that because your intentions are sincere, you aren’t unknowingly using banned words. For example, “#blackfriday” seems harmless. However, it’s banned because people add it to posts that aren’t associated with Black Friday sales.
What Happens if You Use Banned Hashtags?
If you accidentally use banned hashtags for Instagram Reels and your content doesn’t violate Instagram’s TOCs, your post will remain live on your Instagram page—but it won’t show up in user feeds. This may be why you have a post that is significantly underperforming.
If your hashtag or content violates Instagram’s TOC, Instagram may temporarily or permanently suspend your account.
Partial List of Banned Hashtags
This is a partial list of the most unassuming hashtags on the banned list. The list continues to grow, so check every time you add a post. You can use a third-party hashtag checker to check for banned hashtags.
- #adulting
- #alone
- #beautyblogger
- #besties
- #bikinibody
- #blackfriday
- #boho
- #brain
- #costumes
- #cuverygirls
- #cybermonday
- #happythanksgiving
- #humpday
- #hustler
- #instagood
- #kissing
- #newyearsday
- #valentinesday
- #workflow
Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels
No hashtag or series of hashtags guarantees your post will go viral. However, some hashtags for Instagram Reels capitalize on what’s trending.
- #explorepage
- #follow
- #foryou
- #fyp
- #instagood
- #instagramreels
- #instareels
- #memes
- #reel
- #reelitfeelit
- #reels
- #reelsinstagram
- #reelsvideo
- #trending
- #trendingreels
- #viral
- #viralreels
- #viralvideos
Trending Instagram Reels Hashtags Today
Another strategy is to use hashtags that are trending right now. The best way to do this is to use Metricool or a similar tool. Metricool writes your Reel description and selects trending hashtags that are relevant to your industry and demographic. It also filters out banned hashtags.
Best Hashtags for Instagram Reels
The best hashtags for Instagram Reels aren’t a set list. They’re an alternating list that speaks to your consumer needs. Mix in trending hashtags but never lose sight of your niche.
Like all content marketing strategies, what works is constantly evolving. This includes the growing trend of using lifelike AI avatars to create high-quality Reels.
Check back to the JoggAI blog soon for more Instagram marketing tips.
