How to Use Hashtags Effectively on Instagram and TikTok in 2027
To use hashtags effectively, use 5-10 relevant hashtags on Instagram (mix of broad, niche, and branded), 3-5 on TikTok, and place them in the caption (not comments). Research hashtags by checking top posts, use a mix of sizes (10K-500K posts), cre...
How to Use Hashtags Effectively on Instagram and TikTok in 2027
Quick answer: To use hashtags effectively, use 5-10 relevant hashtags on Instagram (mix of broad, niche, and branded), 3-5 on TikTok, and place them in the caption (not comments). Research hashtags by checking top posts, use a mix of sizes (10K-500K posts), create branded hashtags, and avoid banned/spammy tags. In 2027, hashtags are less about discovery and more about categorization — the algorithm uses them to understand content context. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.[1][3][4]
Hashtags have evolved from a discovery tool to a categorization signal. In 2027, Instagram and TikTok algorithms use hashtags to understand content context rather than as a primary discovery mechanism. Using them strategically still provides significant benefits.
Instagram hashtag strategy
How many hashtags?
- Optimal: 5-10 hashtags per post
- Maximum: 30 (but more isn't better)
- Minimum: 3 (too few misses categorization opportunities)
Hashtag mix strategy
Use a mix of three types:
1. Broad hashtags (1-2):
- Large volume (1M+ posts)
- General topics: #digitalmarketing, #webdesign
- Lower chance of ranking but increases reach
2. Niche hashtags (3-5):
- Medium volume (10K-500K posts)
- Specific topics: #imageoptimization, #webperformance
- Higher chance of ranking in top posts
3. Branded hashtags (1-2):
- Your brand name or campaign: #MintSaaS, #MintSaaSTools
- Builds community and tracks UGC
- Low volume but high relevance
Where to put hashtags
- In the caption: Recommended. Hashtags in captions are indexed immediately.
- In comments: Older strategy. Instagram now indexes caption hashtags faster.
- Hidden (line breaks): Use 5 line breaks to separate hashtags from caption text for cleaner look.
Hashtag research
- Search a keyword in Instagram search
- Check the top posts for that hashtag
- Note which hashtags top creators in your niche use
- Use tools: Hashtagify, Later, or Instagram's search suggestions
- Check hashtag volume (posts count) — aim for 10K-500K for best ranking chance
Hashtags to avoid
- Banned hashtags (Instagram shadowbans posts with banned tags)
- Overly generic tags (#love, #instagood) — too competitive
- Irrelevant tags — hurts algorithm understanding
- Spammy tags (#follow4follow, #like4like) — signals low quality[3][4]
TikTok hashtag strategy
How many hashtags?
- Optimal: 3-5 hashtags per video
- Maximum: 10 (but TikTok recommends fewer)
- TikTok is less hashtag-dependent than Instagram
Hashtag types on TikTok
- Trending hashtags: Check the Discover page for trending tags
- Niche hashtags: Specific to your content (#webdevtips, #designinspo)
- Challenge hashtags: Participate in trending challenges
- Branded hashtags: Your brand or campaign tags
TikTok hashtag tips
- Include 1-2 trending hashtags for discovery
- Add 2-3 niche hashtags for categorization
- Use #FYP or #ForYou sparingly (overused, minimal impact)
- Hashtags in captions are indexed; hashtags in comments are not
- TikTok's algorithm relies more on video content than hashtags[3][4]
Hashtag best practices (both platforms)
1. Relevance over volume
Use hashtags that accurately describe your content. Irrelevant hashtags confuse the algorithm and reduce reach.[3]
2. Rotate hashtags
Don't use the same hashtags on every post. Rotate between 3-4 sets to reach different audiences and avoid spam detection.[3]
3. Create branded hashtags
Create a unique hashtag for your brand or campaign:
- #MintSaaS for general brand content
- #MintSaaSDesign for design-specific content
- Encourage followers to use your branded hashtag[3]
4. Monitor hashtag performance
Track which hashtags drive the most reach and engagement. Double down on top performers, drop underperformers.[3][4]
5. Avoid hashtag stuffing
Don't cram 30 hashtags into every post. It looks spammy and can trigger shadowbanning. Quality over quantity.[3]
Hashtag tools
| Tool | Platform | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hashtagify | Hashtag research | Free/Paid | |
| Later | Hashtag suggestions | Paid | |
| TikTok Creative Center | TikTok | Trending hashtags | Free |
| Display Purposes | Hashtag generation | Free | |
| RiteTag | Both | Real-time suggestions | Paid |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
5-10 hashtags is optimal. Instagram allows up to 30, but using all 30 looks spammy and doesn't improve reach. Focus on relevance and mix of sizes.[3][4]
Do hashtags still work in 2027?
Yes, but their role has shifted. Hashtags are now more about categorization (helping the algorithm understand content) than direct discovery. They still provide value when used strategically.[3][4]
Should I put hashtags in the caption or comments?
Caption. Instagram indexes caption hashtags faster and more reliably. Comments may be missed by the algorithm. Place hashtags at the end of the caption, separated by line breaks.[3]
What are banned hashtags?
Hashtags that violate Instagram's community guidelines. Using them can result in shadowbanning (reduced reach). Check if a hashtag is banned by searching it — if no recent posts appear, it may be banned.[3]
How do I find trending hashtags?
On Instagram: search a keyword and check "Top" and "Recent" tabs. On TikTok: check the Discover page. Use tools like Hashtagify or TikTok Creative Center for data-driven research.[3][4]
Should I use the same hashtags every time?
No. Rotate between 3-4 sets of hashtags to reach different audiences and avoid spam detection. Create a hashtag bank and mix and match.[3]
What is a branded hashtag?
A hashtag unique to your brand or campaign (e.g., #MintSaaS). Used to track user-generated content, build community, and increase brand awareness. Encourage followers to use it.[3]
Do hashtags affect TikTok algorithm?
Less than on Instagram. TikTok's algorithm relies primarily on video content (watch time, engagement, completion rate). Hashtags help with categorization but are not the primary discovery mechanism. Use 3-5 relevant hashtags.[3][4]
Related reading on MintSaaS
- How to Grow on Instagram in 2027: A Practical Growth Guide
- How to Create Engaging Social Media Content: Complete Guide
- How to Schedule Social Media Posts for Maximum Engagement
Sources
[1] Meta — Instagram hashtags: https://business.instagram.com
[2] TikTok — Creative Center: https://ads.tiktok.com/business/creativecenter
[3] MintSaaS Image Compressor: https://www.mintsaas.net/products/image-compressor
[4] Web.dev — Core Web Vitals: https://web.dev/vitals/
[5] MintSaaS PDF Compressor: https://www.mintsaas.net/products/pdf-compressor
Free tools on MintSaaS
Try our free tools to put this guide into practice:
MintSaaS Dispatch articles are researched and synthesized with the assistance of artificial intelligence analysis, then edited, verified, and benchmarked by our engineering editorial team. Customer personal data and platform source files are strictly segregated and are never used to train or fine-tune public artificial intelligence models.
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