Unlocking the Power of Hashtags: The New Algorithm Update

TLDRHashtags on Instagram are not dead. The algorithm has changed, and understanding how to use hashtags strategically can help you reach a wider audience. Find out why hashtags still matter and how you can optimize your content.

Key insights

🔍Hashtags are no longer the primary way to gain reach on Instagram. The algorithm now focuses more on search and categorizing content.

🔑Using relevant hashtags can help train the recommendation algorithms and improve your content's visibility.

📈High-volume search phrases can increase the chances of your content appearing on hashtag pages, even without ranking on the hashtag itself.

📚Understanding your audience's search behaviors can help you choose the right hashtags and improve your content's discoverability.

Using a smaller number of targeted and specific hashtags can be more effective than using a large number of broad hashtags.

Q&A

Are hashtags still relevant on Instagram?

Yes, hashtags are still relevant on Instagram. They have changed in terms of their impact on reach and discoverability, but using them strategically can still help improve your content's visibility.

What is the new algorithm update for hashtags on Instagram?

The new algorithm update for hashtags on Instagram focuses more on search and categorizing content. It takes into account the information in your posts, captions, and hashtags to determine relevance and visibility.

How can I choose the right hashtags for my content?

To choose the right hashtags for your content, think about your target audience and what they would search for. Research popular search phrases, use tools like AnswerThePublic or TikTok, and test different hashtags to see which ones resonate with your audience.

Should I use a large number of hashtags or a smaller number of targeted ones?

Using a smaller number of targeted and specific hashtags can be more effective than using a large number of broad hashtags. It helps to avoid confusing the algorithm and gives it clearer signals about the content and audience you are targeting.

Can using hashtags help improve my content's discoverability?

Yes, using hashtags strategically can help improve your content's discoverability. By using relevant and targeted hashtags, you can train the recommendation algorithms to understand what your content is about and who it is for, increasing its visibility to the right audience.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Hashtags used to be a primary way to gain reach on Instagram, but the algorithm has changed.

02:16The CEO of Instagram mentioned that hashtags can be a difficult spam vector and are not currently a focus of development.

04:09The algorithm now focuses more on search and categorizing content instead of relying solely on hashtags.

07:27Using relevant hashtags can help train the recommendation algorithms and improve your content's visibility.

09:55High-volume search phrases can increase the chances of your content appearing on hashtag pages, even without ranking on the hashtag itself.