Hashtags - are they still relevant?

First up, what is a hashtag?

Hashtags are words or phrases that start with the "#" symbol, which are used to categorise and organise content on Instagram. When users search for a specific hashtag or click on one, they can see all the public posts that include it.

Using hashtags on Instagram can be an effective way to increase the visibility of your content and reach a wider audience. Adding relevant hashtags to your posts can make it easier for people interested in your content to find it. This can help increase your followers, engagement, and even website traffic.

It's important to use relevant and specific hashtags rather than overly generic or irrelevant ones. For example, if you're a fitness influencer, using a hashtag like #fitness or #workout may be too broad and highly competitive. Instead, you could use more specific hashtags like #yogalife, #cardioworkout, or #fitfam. This will help your content appear in front of a more targeted audience who are more likely to be interested in your content.

In 2023, using hashtags on Instagram remains a valuable tool for marketers. While they may not be a quick fix for reach or engagement issues, including them in feed posts and reels can help you reach your desired audience.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, made statements about hashtags during a Q&A event in March 2022. He initially stated that hashtags don't improve views and later clarified that they don't significantly impact reach.

Based on what Adam Mosseri said, do they still work?

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, stated in March 2022 that hashtags on Instagram do not help with views and do not significantly impact reach. However, it's important to note that Mosseri's statements do not mean hashtags are completely ineffective on the platform.

Using hashtags on Instagram can still be a valuable tool for increasing your visibility and reaching your target audience. While hashtags may not be guaranteed to increase your views or reach, they can help make your content more discoverable to people interested in the topics you post about. Using relevant and specific hashtags lets you connect with likelier users to engage with your content and follow your account.

It's also worth noting that while Mosseri's statements may have been accurate when he made them, Instagram's algorithms and features are constantly evolving. What may not significantly impact reach today could change in the future, so it's important to continue experimenting with different strategies to see what works best for your account.

While using hashtags on Instagram can help increase your visibility, it's important to remember that they are not a silver bullet for success. You'll still need to create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience, engage with your followers, and implement a strategic social media marketing plan to see significant results.