Instagram hashtags are still one of the most effective ways to get more eyes (and engagement!) on your Instagram posts in 2022.
But how do you use hashtags for Instagram? How do you find the best hashtags for your Instagram account? Which hashtags are trending right now? And should they go in your caption or in the comments?
We’re answering these questions, and more, in our ultimate guide to Instagram hashtags.
What Are the Different Types of Instagram Hashtags?
Before selecting hashtags for your posts, it’s a good idea to consider the different types of hashtags you can include.
This will help make sure you’re covering all the bases with your hashtag strategy.
There are five main types of hashtags to consider:

Location-based hashtags, like #BryantPark or #LowerEastSide
Branded hashtags for campaigns or events, like #Later or #LaterCon
Industry hashtags that describe your niche, like #SocialMediaManagers or #WeddingPlanners
Community-focused hashtags to bring your community together, like #VanLifeLiving or #IAmASweatyBetty
Descriptive hashtags which describe the content of your actual post, like #WoodwickCandles or #SheaButterProducts
There’s no secret formula for how many of each of these hashtags you should include, but keeping the different categories in mind can provide valuable inspiration and help guide your strategy.
How to Save Time With Your Instagram Hashtag Strategy
Finding 20-30 fresh hashtags for every post you share is extremely time-consuming – but there are ways to make the process more efficient.
One way is to curate lists of 20-30 hashtags that align with your main content themes, which you can quickly adjust and add to each post.
With Later’s free Instagram Scheduler, you can create “Saved Captions” that contain your curated lists of hashtags.

You can quickly add them to a post caption (and edit them) in two taps!
How to Build an Effective Instagram Hashtag Strategy With Analytics
The best way to build your hashtag strategy?
Building from a solid foundation. Once you've found the hashtags you want to use, it's important to start testing them and digging into your analytics.
Analyzing the performance of your hashtags is the best way to monitor the success of your experiments, and will allow you to fine tune your strategy over time.
With Later's Hashtag Analytics tools, you can track key insights about your hashtags – including a breakdown of which are driving the most likes, comments, saves, and reach on your Instagram posts.

It automatically compares the hashtags you use with post performance over time – giving you an overview of what’s working, and what’s not, for your account.
Hashtags are a powerful way to reach new audiences and grow your account, but it takes time and effort to see big results.
Whether you use 10 or 30, a consistent hashtag strategy is still one of the most effective routes for growth on Instagram.
#LetsGrow!
Ready to take your hashtag strategy to the next level? Check out Later’s Instagram hashtag tool, Hashtag Suggestions, to help streamline your workflow now!