Are Hashtags Done? Instagram is Removing the Following Feature
Staying without the “Following Hashtags” feature has the IG community feeling a bit uneasy about how it might affect their reach and engagement. But don’t worry — your hard work in social media marketing is still valuable! By creating a smart strategy and focusing on authentic, SEO-friendly hashtags, you can keep shining on Instagram.
This guide is here to help you navigate these changes and keep you ahead of the game.
What are the Reasons for Behind the Update
While following hashtags has been a valuable feature in the past, the platform recognizes that it may not always provide the most relevant posts for users. To improve this experience, Instagram is focusing on developing advanced search features and algorithmic recommendations that emphasize quality content. This shift aims to help users find more personalized and engaging content tailored to their interests.
Has Instagram Dump Hashtags for Good
Not at all! Instagram is keeping hashtags around, and they’re still super useful for discovering new content in search results. The main change is that you won’t be able to follow specific hashtags anymore, which means you won’t see posts from hashtags directly in your feed. This tweak is all about making your feed more relevant and reducing spam.
Again, hashtags are still great for organizing content and helping you find what you love, especially in the Explore section. So, you can keep using them to boost:
Discoverability: The algorithm actively favors content that employs relevant hashtags, ensuring that such posts are prominently featured in search results. This can lead to increased visibility for creators who strategically utilize trending or niche hashtags to enhance their reach.
Engagement: Hashtags help connect content creators with a specific audience that is genuinely interested in their topics. By using hashtags that resonate with their target demographic, creators can foster interaction, including likes, comments, and shares, thereby expanding their influence on the platform.
Brand Awareness: Custom hashtags facilitate user-generated content, allowing followers to share their experiences related to a brand. This strategy increases brand recognition. Companies often leverage unique hashtags within marketing campaigns to spark viral trends and pitch their products or services.
Community Building: Hashtags can cultivate communities around shared interests and values. This allows for loyal followers to get connected with one another, share ideas, and promote discussions. As users engage with a common hashtag, they begin to feel more connected not only to the brand but also to each other, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty that can lead to long-term relationships.
Valid Hashtag Strategies for 2025
Explore Trending and Niche Hashtags
Relying on common hashtags no longer yields the desired impact. Instead, dedicate time to researching hashtags that are currently trending within your industry as well as niche-specific hashtags. Instagram’s Explore section can help identify what’s currently popular or highly relevant, so you can engage more effectively with your target audience.
Create a Balanced Mix of Hashtags
Striking a balance between broad, moderately competitive, and niche hashtags allows your content to connect with both large audiences and specifically targeted groups. This mix ensures that you’re maximizing your visibility while also reaching those who are most interested in your topics.
Craft Branded Hashtags
Developing unique hashtags is crucial in building a sense of community around your content and brand. A distinctive hashtag can encourage users to create and share their own content surrounding your brand’s mission or products. This user-generated content not only provides social proof but also amplifies your brand’s reach as users share their experiences, inviting their own followers into the conversation.
Set Trends
From viral challenges to breaking news, hashtags help users stay updated. They invite users to share their experiences, insights, and creativity, transforming isolated voices into a collective chorus. Engaging with hashtags is more than just a social media strategy. It’s an opportunity to connect authentically and leave a lasting impact on the IG community.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
In developing an effective hashtag strategy, prioritize quality rather than sheer volume. Limiting your use of hashtags to 5 to 10 meticulously selected options enhances your posts’ overall relevance. This targeted approach not only results in clearer messaging but also increases the likelihood that users will engage with your content.
Leverage AI-Powered Hashtag Suggestions
Harness the power of AI-driven tools that can analyze engagement patterns and recommend hashtags tailored to your specific content. These tools evaluate factors such as audience behavior and industry trends to provide you with the most effective hashtags.
Why Is the Instagram Hashtag Generator Your Best Assist?
Not all hashtags are beneficial when it comes to engagement. So it’s super helpful to keep an eye on your analytics. This way, you can see which hashtags really bring in the traffic. After all, what’s the point of posting if you can’t connect with a wider audience, right?
That’s where the Hashtag Generator from the Toolzu comes in! It’s a fantastic tool that allows you to mix things up and try out new ideas. By combining popular hashtags with some more specific ones, you can boost your chances of your content being discovered by different groups.