Using popular hashtags on Instagram for promotion is an old and understandable free method of promotion that has gone through all stages of its development. Initially, it was impossible to find your audience without them, later they lost their relevance for a while, but now they have gained a second life. However, there is a nuance.
This article provides a list of trending Instagram hashtags for 2025, as well as tips on choosing the right hashtag for your Instagram post. In addition, a list of the best tools for generating hashtags on Instagram is provided.
What are Hashtags on Instagram?
Hashtags on Instagram are a way to sort and search for content. They are created using the “#” symbol and attached to your Instagram content, turning it into topics that can be clicked on to find relevant material.
Any word or phrase can be turned into a valid hashtag if it is preceded by the “#” symbol. Numbers can be used in hashtags, but spaces and special characters cannot be used. On Instagram, many authors use hashtags to join trends and help their audience find their content.
Will hashtags matter in 2025?
In 2025, Instagram continues to change, forcing brands and marketers to rethink the role of hashtags in their SMM strategies. One of the key changes was Instagram’s decision in December 2024 to remove the ability to subscribe to hashtags. Previously, this feature allowed users to see content with specific tags directly in the feed or Reels.
This update was primarily aimed at reducing spam and improving content relevance. Spammers often used popular hashtags to promote irrelevant or low-quality content. By eliminating this feature, Instagram aims to clean up users’ feeds and focus on content from subscribed accounts and brands that people are really interested in.
Despite this, hashtags are still a useful tool for finding content on Instagram. Users can search for specific hashtags to find the information they need, but the overall strategy for using them needs to adapt to the new environment. Brands should focus on high-quality, engaging content that organically generates interest and aligns with Instagram’s algorithmic focus on content that inspires interaction.
How to use trending hashtags on Instagram in 2025
Instagram in 2025 works a little differently: the algorithm has become smarter, taking into account the relevance of content, user activity, and audience intent. Hashtags are still important – they help the algorithm understand who to show your post to in Reels or on the Explore tab.
Here are 5 effective ways to get the most out of hashtags in 2025:
1. Combine trending, niche and branded hashtags
Trending hashtags (#photooftheday, #love, etc.) are great for reaching a wide audience, but they are also the most competitive. To avoid getting lost in the shuffle, add niche tags (e.g., #EthicalFashion) and branded tags like #OBonYou.
The ideal formula is 3-5 relevant hashtags that change for each post.
You shouldn’t post the same tags in every post – Instagram considers it spam.
2. Use trending hashtags in Reels and Stories
Instagram is now actively promoting Reels and Stories, so be sure to add hashtags to these formats.
This will increase the chances of appearing in the Explore tab or in a hashtag search, even if the content has a short “lifespan”.
3. Create content for trending topics
It’s good to use hashtags, but it’s even better when your content is actually relevant to the topic. Instagram values meaningful interactions: comments, saves, and sharers.
Ask questions, add stories, use calls to action.
Hint: if your post evokes emotion or discussion, you’re on the right track.
4. Interact with posts under popular hashtags
If you want to be noticed, notice others. Like, comment, and share posts from your niche. This will show that you are “in the know” and open to the community.
For example, a fitness center can leave useful comments under posts with #fitness to attract the attention of potential customers and build a reputation as an expert.
5. Analyze performance and update your hashtag strategy
Use Instagram Insights or other analytics services to keep track:
Constantly update your hashtag strategy: test new combinations, adapt to seasons and trends, and your page will always be on the cutting edge.
Hashtags are more than just +100 likes
It’s a tool for building a connection with the audience, attracting new subscribers, and boosting the brand. But you need to make hashtags really work:
Alternatively, you can outsource it and work with SMM professionals who know how to choose the right tags and create content that gets noticed.
8 main types of hashtags on Instagram
To make your content really work, it is important to use hashtags correctly. Here’s what they are and why they are needed:
Unique tags for a company or product. This can be a brand name, slogan, or phrase from an advertising campaign. For example: #ShareACoke by Coca-Cola.
General tags like #love or #beautiful are widely used. They can give you a great reach, but the competition is fierce.
Ideal for local businesses or events. For example, #KyivFood helps you find content about food in Kyiv.
They are used within a specific area or niche, for example, #TechInnovators for technology news or startups.
They bring people together with common interests or lifestyles. For example, #BookLovers is for fans of reading.
Hashtags for a specific event – for example, #Oscars2025. They are active only for a short period, but generate a lot of interaction.
These hashtags are usually tied to marketing campaigns or new product launches. They work well in combination with promotions and allow brands to track the virality of their campaign.
Popular on certain days of the week. The following are popular on English-language Instagram: #ThrowbackThursday or #MotivationMonday. In the Ukrainian-language segment, you can find hashtags such as: #магіяранку They help to fit into the general rhythm of the platform.
How to find the right hashtags for your brand
Hashtags can help you get your content in front of the right audience – if you use them wisely. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the most relevant and effective hashtags for your content in 2025:
1. Understand your audience
Before you rush into hashtag analysis, look at those who are already with you. According to Lauren Robinson, CEO of Millennia Media:
“One of the best ways to find trending hashtags in your niche is to look at your customers’ profiles. They’ve already experienced your brand, so their interests = your clues.”
What to do:
- See what hashtags your followers and customers are using
- See what they comment on, what they repost, and what they react to
- Collect these insights through Instagram Insights or analytics services
2. Define terms from your niche and use niche hashtags
Each niche has its own “internal” keywords. These can be:
- industry terms
- product names
- Local/specific audience issues
Example: If you work in the wellness niche, look for hashtags like #guthealth, #sleepcoach, #biohacking.
To find really relevant hashtags, use Instagram’s search – enter keywords from your niche and see the results. It’s important to choose tags with medium or high engagement, but not too overheated, where there’s already a lot of noise and competition.
Keep an eye on what your audience is discussing: what topics are popular, what queries are frequently asked in comments, and what resonates with your followers. Your goal is to find words that your target audience identifies with.
Advice from Loren Robinson (CEO of Millennia Media):
“One of the easiest ways to find popular hashtags is to analyze the posts of competitors selling similar products or services. This will help you not only confirm the right choice, but also suggest options that you might have ignored.”
3. Track new trends
Keep an eye on what’s hot right now:
- What hashtags are rapidly gaining momentum
- What is appearing in Reels trends
- What challenges, formats or memes are gaining popularity
Relevant hashtags = more reach + more interaction. To keep up with the industry:
- Check out the Explore tab on Instagram to see trends that are already gaining momentum.
- Follow influencers and opinion leaders in your niche – they are often the ones who launch new hashtags before they become mainstream.
Tailor your content to seasonal newsworthy events, such as #EarthDay2025, #SuperBowl, or other thematic events.
Life hack: follow influencers in your niche – they are often the first to use new hashtags.
4. Use tools to analyze hashtags
There are many platforms that help you find effective hashtags for your niche. They not only show relevant tags, but also:
- analyze the level of competition;
- offer related options;
- show real coverage rates.
Here are some useful services that will help you automatically collect the best hashtags:
- AfterShip Instagram Hashtag Generator
A free tool based on artificial intelligence that helps you find popular hashtags to expand your social media reach.
- Display Purposes
A free service that generates up to 30 optimized hashtags based on the keyword you enter, helping to improve the visibility of your posts.
- Analisa.io
An AI-powered tool for competitive analysis on TikTok and Instagram that uses AI to analyze hashtags and profiles, providing deep insights into hashtag usage.
- Crowdfire
It helps you manage your subscriptions and track user reactions to your posts. It can find potentially interested users by analyzing hashtags and location.
- SocialRank
Provides detailed information about your subscribers, allowing you to sort them by various criteria, including the use of hashtags, which helps to identify the interests of your audience.
- Tagsfinder
A handy service that helps you find relevant hashtags by all the necessary parameters: geolocation, interests, etc. It looks a bit outdated, but it doesn’t make it any worse.
Common popular hashtags:
Travel and adventure:
Fashion and beauty:
Food and drinks:
Fitness and health:
Lifestyle and inspiration:
Technology and business:
Culture and art:
Nature and ecology:
Education and science:
Conclusions
To find the best hashtags in 2025, you need to understand your audience, analyze competitors, track trends, and test tools. Is it difficult? Yes, it is. But that’s what distinguishes good Instagram content from the one that just “disappears in the feed.”