How to pick Instagram hashtags
Stay within 5
Instagram now caps posts and Reels at 5 hashtags. Fewer, more specific tags beat a long list of generic ones.
Mix sizes
Pair one broad tag with mid-size and niche tags. Niche tags reach people who care about your exact topic.
Describe the post
Tags help Instagram understand what the post is about. Skip tags like #reels or #explore that say nothing about it.
Frequently asked questions
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
3–5. Instagram allows at most 5 per post or Reel, and relevant tags work better than generic ones.
Did Instagram remove the 30-hashtag limit?
Yes. Instagram cut the limit from 30 to 5 per post and Reel to curb spam, rolling it out gradually.
Should hashtags go in the caption or a comment?
Put them in the caption, so they are part of the post from the start. The 5-tag cap applies to captions.
Do hashtags still help reach?
A little. They help Instagram categorize posts. The hook, watch time and shares matter more for reach.
Related free tools
Sources: Social Samosa: Instagram limits hashtags to five per post · BetaNews: Instagram puts a limit on hashtag usage · Digital Applied: Instagram limits hashtags to 5 (2026)