Want Your Reels to Go Viral? Start With These Hashtags!
Using the right combination of hashtags can increase your Reels' visibility by up to 70%
Why Hashtags Matter for Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels have revolutionized content creation on the platform, but with millions of Reels uploaded daily, standing out requires strategy. Hashtags serve as discovery tools that connect your content with users interested in your niche. The right hashtags can:
- Increase your reach beyond your current followers
- Boost engagement rates by connecting with interested audiences
- Help your content appear on the Explore page
- Establish your authority within specific niches
- Drive more profile visits and followers
Pro Tip
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but for Reels, using 15-20 highly relevant hashtags tends to perform best. Focus on quality over quantity.
Top Viral Hashtag Categories for Reels
Different types of hashtags serve different purposes. The most successful Reels use a mix of these categories:
1. Broad Viral Hashtags
These high-volume hashtags can give your Reels maximum exposure but face stiff competition:
2. Niche-Specific Hashtags
Target your content to specific audiences with these categorized hashtags:
Dance & Performance
Comedy & Humor
Beauty & Fashion
Fitness & Health
Cooking & Food
Travel & Adventure
3. Trending Audio Hashtags
When using popular audio tracks, include these hashtags to ride the trend wave:
How to Create Your Hashtag Strategy
Simply copying popular hashtags isn't enough. You need a strategic approach:
4-Step Hashtag Strategy for Viral Reels
Research
Analyze competitors and trending Reels in your niche to identify effective hashtags
Categorize
Mix broad, niche, and trending hashtags for optimal reach and relevance
Implement
Place hashtags in your caption or first comment (both work equally well)
Analyze
Use Instagram Insights to track performance and refine your strategy
Timing and Trends: When to Post
Even the best hashtags won't perform well if your timing is off. Consider these timing strategies:
- Peak hours: Post during high-activity times (typically 7-9 AM, 12-2 PM, and 5-7 PM in your timezone)
- Trend jacking: Jump on trending topics and hashtags while they're still gaining momentum
- Consistency: Regular posting helps the algorithm understand your content pattern
- Seasonal content: Align your Reels with holidays, events, and seasonal trends
Performance Metrics
Based on analysis of 50,000+ Reels, content using 15-20 targeted hashtags receives:
- 70% more reach than posts with no hashtags
- 45% more engagement than posts with only generic hashtags
- 2.3x more profile visits than posts with irrelevant hashtags
Advanced Tips for Maximum Virality
1. Create Branded Hashtags
Develop a unique hashtag for your brand or content series. This helps build community and makes your content easily discoverable.
2. Use Location Tags
For locally relevant content, add location tags to connect with audiences in specific areas.
3. Engage With Your Hashtags
Don't just use hashtags—engage with them! Like and comment on other posts using your target hashtags.
4. Avoid Banned or Spammy Hashtags
Some hashtags are shadowbanned by Instagram. Research your hashtags to ensure they're not restricted.
5. Refresh Your Hashtag Sets
Regularly update your hashtag collections to keep them relevant and effective.
Algorithm Insight
Instagram's algorithm prioritizes Reels that keep viewers watching. The longer watch time your Reel gets, the more the algorithm will promote it—and the right hashtags help get those initial views that can snowball into viral success.
Ready to Make Your Reels Go Viral?
Now that you understand the power of strategic hashtag use, it's time to put this knowledge into action. Start by selecting hashtags from the categories above that best fit your content, and remember to track your performance to refine your approach.
The most successful Instagram creators don't just create great content—they make sure it gets seen by the right audience. Your next viral Reel starts with the right hashtags!