Instagram Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid If You Want to Go Viral
In this article, we’ll cover key Instagram hashtag mistakes you should avoid if you want your posts to blow up and gain a ton of views, likes, and engagement. Follow these best practices to maximize the reach of your posts.
Using Too Few or No Hashtags
One of the biggest mistakes is not using any hashtags or only using a couple generic ones like #photo or #instagood.
Having no hashtags makes it extremely hard for your content to be found. Afterall, people don’t search for your specific account name. Hashtags allow your posts to appear for anyone searching or following related topics.
Similarly, only using one or two broad hashtags targets a very wide audience where your post can get lost in the shuffle.
To go viral, you need targeted, niche-specific hashtags mixed with some more general popular tags. This combination allows just enough specificity for relevant users while still casting a wide net.
Using Overly Broad, Generic Hashtags Only
On the other end of the spectrum is relying solely on broad, generic hashtags like #love, #fun, #smile or other super popular tags.
The problem is these hashtags have massive volumes - sometimes in the billions. Your content can get buried seconds after posting and rarely gets seen.
Plus, extremely broad hashtags attract a wide, untargeted audience. If you want to go viral within a specific niche, you need a good mix of both specific and broad hashtags.
Using Too Many Hashtags
You only have 30 hashtag slots per post, so it’s important to be selective. Some people make the mistake of trying to stuff as many hashtags as possible into a post. Not only does this look messy and spammy, but it’s also ineffective.
The ideal number of hashtags to maximize reach is usually around 9 to 12 per post. Any more starts producing diminishing returns or even reducing engagement in some cases.
Too many hashtags look artificial and make it hard to build a cohesive targeted theme around your post. Be strategic with the hashtags your choose rather than just dumping in anything remotely relevant.
Choosing Only High Volume Hashtags
This mistake involves focusing too much on hashtag volume rather than relevance. Just because a hashtag has a high volume does not guarantee it will be effective for your specific post.
For example, using #catsofinstagram may drive a lot of volume, but if your post has nothing to do with cats then it won’t necessarily lead to a viral boost. The post still needs relevant hashtags for your specific niche or topic.
Research shows engagement is higher on posts when the hashtags closely match the visual content, caption, etc. Mix one or two high-volume tags with smaller niche tags for the best results.
Using Hashtags Mostly Unrelated to Your Post
Some accounts try to cheat the system by using hashtags completely unrelated to their post just to grab views. For example, tagging a selfie with #foodporn or a landscape photo with #kyliejenner.
This may drive a bit of misdirected traffic at first, but these random users won’t engage much. It actually hurts your account over time by Instagram’s algorithm thinking your content is spammy or misleading.
All hashtags need to be closely relevant to the post topic for viral success. This ensures genuine interest and engagement from the hashtag traffic you attract.
Copying Competitors’ Exact Hashtags
When trying to determine the best hashtags to use, a common mistake is simply copying a competitor or influencer’s exact tags. But their audience likely differs from yours.
Do your own research to find a unique combination of niche hashtags tailored to your target audience. While you can take inspiration from others in your space, don’t outright copy all their hashtags.
Test out a mix of 3-5 targeted niche tags along with 3-5 broader popular tags. See which perform best over time for your specific account and audience. Personalizing it will lead to better engagement.
Neglecting Branded Hashtags
While mostly niche hashtags is ideal, don’t forget branded hashtags linking back to your profile or company. These help build an association.
For example, #namecompany allows people searching that hashtag to discover your brand. It also lets existing followers easily find your new content posted under the brand tag.
You don’t need these on every post, but branded hashtags should make up 1 or 2 of your hashtag slots to build connection and recall with your audience.
Changing Hashtags Constantly
Find a good hashtag mix that works for your account and niche, then stick with minor iterations of it over time.
Don’t change your hashtags completely with every new post. It prevents you from building authority with specific hashtags that become associated with your brand.
Regular users of a niche hashtag start to recognize and associate you with it over time. This leads to more clicks, engagement, and viral potential down the line.
Putting Hashtags Only In Comments
While you can add hashtags in the first comment on your post, the vast majority should be in the main post caption.
Initially photo captions are truncated, requiring people to click “view more”. Many casual browsers won’t bother opening your full caption with the hashtags hidden in the comments.
Getting the most eyes on your hashtags requires putting them natively within your main Instagram post caption. A couple relevant hashtags in the first comment can supplement those in your caption.
Using Banned or Shadowbanned Hashtags
Instagram prohibits certain banned hashtags that promote dangerous or illegal behavior. Using these can get your account flagged or banned. Search online for lists of “banned Instagram hashtags” to avoid.
Shadowbanning refers to hashtags that are “blacklisted” by Instagram for being abused by spam accounts. These are riskier to use and won’t show your content to as many users.
Research thoroughly to find related hashtags that aren’t shadowbanned if some you’re using aren’t performing well and aren’t showing your content.
Chasing Current Trending Hashtags Only
While using a few relevant trending hashtags is good, don’t use them as your entire strategy. Trending topics change extremely fast.
Focus more on a consistent set of evergreen hashtags in your niche rather than chasing trending tags that come and go. Integrate maybe 1 or 2 trending hashtags that align with your post.
This overall strategy makes your content discoverable long-term instead of just capitalizing on fleeting trended hashtags.
Not Researching Your Hashtags First
Too many people post with random hashtags without doing any research into volume, optimization, banned status, etc. That’s a recipe for mediocre reach.
Take time researching your niche to find the optimal hashtag strategy. Use a mix of high-volume tags, more specific niche tags, branded hashtags, and 1 or 2 trending tags.
Tools like Display Purposes and Ritetag help you research competition, engagement rates, optimization and more for finding the best hashtags to reach a viral level of exposure on Instagram.
Final Hashtag Tips for Going Viral
Here are a few final tips for maximizing your Instagram hashtag strategy:
- Find the right overall volume - not too high or too low competition. Look for that sweet spot of relevance within your niche.
- Position hashtags at the start of your caption or interspersed between text - not just a list at the end.
- Use a mix of hashtags with underscores and without - #yogaflow vs #yogaflow. Test both formats.
- Include emojis within longer hashtags to stand out - #yogaposeoftheday👌👌
-Create “chains” - #yoga #yogalife #yogaeverydamnday
- Be consistent over time once you find what works to build authority. Then make minor iterations.
Mastering a viral hashtag strategy takes research and consistent testing. But use this guide to avoid the biggest mistakes people make. Apply these best practices to maximize your Instagram reach and take your engagement to the next level.
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