We’re excited to announce that HashtagsForLikes is now part of SidesMedia, bringing you a better way to discover, use, and benefit from hashtags on social media. 

With this change, we’re expanding our offerings, but also elevating them. Now, you’ll have access to an even broader range of tools and services, all designed to make growing your social media even more effective.

Hashtags play a fundamental role in the social media ecosystem, which is why SidesMedia has acquired HashtagsForLikes. 

Creating a strong foundation to your social media strategy is important, and hashtags are a way of identifying content types, tagging your uploads into a certain niche, and ways to explore new content.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about hashtags in 2024. 

You’ll discover the best ways to find the most popular hashtags, and we will even explore the best ones to use, from trending hashtags to regular (OGs), which you should include in your uploads. 

Did you know that using hashtags is one of the best ways to get more likes on Instagram? and will improve the average amount of Insta followers you will grow each month?

The best thing is that it’s totally free and simple to do, yet often overlooked.

What You’ll Learn About Hashtags

1. Best Hashtag Generator Sites (Get hashtags quickly)
2. Popular Hashtags (results-driven strategies)
3. Types of Hashtags (trending, popular hashtags, related & “OGs”)
4. How to Find Trending Hashtags (Best Practices)
5. How to Use Hashtags on Social Media (Platform-specific tips)
6. Benefits of Using Hashtags
7. How Many Hashtags to Use 
8. Do Hashtags Work? 

5 Best Hashtag Generators (AI driven & in 2024)

These hashtag generators came out as the most innovative, showcasing the best up to date data in real-time:

1. Inflact – The AI-Powered Hashtag Generator for Visual Creators

Inflact has been around since 2014 offering social media services and is one of the market leaders when it comes to hashtags.

It’s the number one Hashtag generator that uses AI to analyze keywords, photos, and even URLs to suggest the most relevant hashtags. 

Imagine you’re a travel blogger; simply upload a stunning beach photo, and Inflact will serve you hashtags that match the vibe and current trends. 

Plus, it categorizes tags by popularity and competition – so you know whether you’re choosing high-traffic hashtags or niche ones that might give you a better chance to stand out.

Inflact’s paid version lets you access niche-specific trending hashtags and offers real-time insights – perfect if you’re looking to dive deep into analytics or target specific audiences. 

For instance, Inflact’s trending hashtag lists for categories like food, fashion, and travel make it a go-to tool for influencers in these fields.

You can visit Inflact here

2. All Hashtag – Fast, Simple, and Effective Hashtag Solutions

If you’re after quick results without sacrificing quality, All Hashtag is a fantastic free option. 

Just type in a keyword, and it’ll generate up to 30 highly relevant hashtags for your post. It’s really simple to generate hashtags here.

One of its standout features? It provides analytics on hashtag usage frequency, so you can avoid overused tags and focus on ones that boost discoverability. 

All Hashtag is particularly popular among marketers and small business owners who want quick results without diving too deep into analytics.

It’s free, simple, and doesn’t require a steep learning curve. 

With its top hashtags, related hashtags, and random hashtags functions, you’ll find this tool particularly helpful for generating fresh ideas. 

It’s especially good for Instagram posts, but you can use it across multiple platforms like Facebook and Twitter for broader reach.

3. RiteTag – Real-Time Hashtag Analytics for Serious Strategists

RiteTag is a paid tool within the RiteKit suite designed for serious social media strategists who want real-time hashtag suggestions and in-depth analytics. It works best for popular hashtags.

The subscription costs $54 per month, but you can start with a free 7-day trial to explore its features.

It shows you which hashtags are currently trending, which have long-lasting appeal, and which are overused (marked with a color-coded system). 

This is perfect if you’re trying to get noticed in competitive niches or want to tailor your hashtags to boost engagement.

RiteTag’s integration with social media management platforms means you can use it directly from your browser or mobile app. 

Simply upload a photo or add a text snippet, and RiteTag will suggest the best hashtags to maximize reach. 

Influencers, in particular, love this feature because it lets you generate and test hashtag strategies in real-time​.

4. Flick.Tech – Smart Hashtag Finder with Deep Analytics

Flick.Tech is for those who want more than just suggestions; it’s for anyone who craves insights. 

This tool lets you analyze each hashtag’s performance so you know exactly what’s working and why. 

Flick lets you generate hashtags easily (40 per search) and filters them by competition level, daily post volume, and more. 

It’s a bit like having a personal analytics coach that help you make smart, data-backed decisions.

Flick identifies banned hashtags so you can avoid them and prevent any risks of reduced visibility. 

It also lets you save and categorize your favorite hashtag sets for future use.

5. HashTag Expert – Quick and Easy Hashtag Generator on the Go

For those who prefer simplicity, HashTag Expert is another solid choice and completes our list. 

This mobile app is designed to give Instagram and TikTok users an on-the-go solution to find niche-specific hashtags. 

With a few taps, it generates dozens of hashtags based on your chosen keyword. 

It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t have time for extensive research but still wants to increase engagement.

HashTag Expert is very similar to All Hashtags. They are a completely free option; however, keep in mind that their data is out to date.

It is perfect if you’re frequently posting from your phone. 

While it may not have the advanced analytics of tools like Flick, its straightforward design and ease of use make it a go-to for fast, reliable hashtag generation.

The Most Popular Hashtags of 2024

The most popular hashtags right now are:

1. #love
2. #instagood
3. #fashion
4. #photooftheday
5. #art
6. #photography
7. #beautiful
8. #nature
9. #picoftheday
10. #travel
11. #happy
12. #selfie
13. #fitness
14. #tbt
15. #followme
16. #instadaily
17. #explorepage
18. #repost
19. #summer
20. #ootd
21. #foodie
22. #inspiration
23. #instapic
24. #cute
25. #memes
26. #likeforlike
27. #smile
28. #home
29. #dogsofinstagram
30. #catsofinstagram
31. #wedding
32. #motivation
33. #life
34. #lifestyle
35. #quotes
36. #family
37. #blackandwhite
38. #explore
39. #beach
40. #instatravel
41. #foodporn
42. #entrepreneur
43. #makeup
44. #style
45. #lovequotes
46. #relax
47. #funny
48. #pets
49. #instamood
50. #bestoftheday

Types of Hashtags

Choosing the right hashtag types is essential for reaching your ideal audience and growing effectively. 

Each type has its unique purpose and helps boost engagement when used strategically. 

Here’s a breakdown of each type with popular examples to start using in your content.

1. Branded Hashtags

Branded hashtags are like a digital signature unique to your brand, campaign, or product. 

They’re a simple yet powerful way to encourage your audience to participate, building a sense of community around your brand. 

A strong branded hashtag makes it easy for followers to tag your brand, share their experiences, and boost your visibility organically.

Popular Examples: #JustDoIt, #ShareACoke, #HelloFreshPics, #PutACanOnIt, #ShotOniPhone, #PepsiChallenge, #SheInStyle, #CreateWithCanon, #AdidasRunners, #RedBullGivesYouWings

2. Location Hashtags

Location hashtags are essential if you’re looking to reach a local audience or attract people to a specific area. 

Businesses, travel influencers, and event organizers often use location and popular travel tags to boost visibility among locals or tourists. 

This is especially useful for posts tied to physical locations, events, or local recommendations.

Popular Examples: #NYC, #ExploreTokyo, #VisitDubai, #CaliforniaDreaming, #SydneyLife, #ParisStyle, #AustinEats, #TorontoVibes, #MadeInChicago, #LALocal

3. Event Hashtags

Event hashtags bring people together over a shared experience, whether it’s a concert, conference, holiday, or global event. 

Using the official event hashtag during real-time events can make your content discoverable to a wider audience who are actively engaging with that topic.

Popular Examples: #Coachella2024, #WorldCup2024, #MetGala, #CES2024, #SXSW, #PrideMonth, #FashionWeek, #Halloween2024, #BlackFridayDeals, #SuperBowlLVIII

4. Niche Hashtags

Niche hashtags help you reach a highly specific group of people who share a unique interest, making them perfect for smaller communities and targeted engagement. 

If you’re posting about vegan food, minimalism, or a passion project, niche tags ensure your content reaches the right eyes.

Popular Examples: #VeganLife, #MinimalistHome, #DigitalNomad, #BulletJournal, #PetPhotography, #CleanBeauty, #EcoFashion, #ZeroWasteLiving, #MindfulEating, #RemoteWorkLife

5. Industry Hashtags

Industry hashtags connect you with others in your field, establish your expertise, and increase visibility within your professional circle. 

These tags are popular among entrepreneurs, photographers, health experts, and more looking to showcase their work within their niche.

Popular Examples: #DigitalMarketing, #RealEstateLife, #FoodPhotography, #TravelBlogger, #HealthAndWellness, #FitnessJourney, #EntrepreneurLife, #PhotographyTips, #WriterCommunity, #TechNews

6. Trending Hashtags

Trending hashtags are where the action is. They’re what everyone’s talking about. 

Using trending tags lets your content get a quick visibility boost and joins the conversation of the moment. 

Just be sure your content naturally fits the trend to avoid looking spammy.

Popular Examples: #BarbieMovie, #LoveWins, #NewProfilePic, #ChallengeAccepted, #ThrowbackThursday, #BreakingNews, #Oscars2024, #TrendingNow, #ViralMoments

7. Business Hashtags

Business hashtags are a great way for professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers to network, share advice, and promote their services. 

They help you reach a business-minded audience and are ideal for content around work, strategy, and leadership.

Popular Examples: #SmallBusinessOwner, #EntrepreneurLife, #BizTips, #Leadership, #InvestInYourself, #BusinessMindset, #MarketingTips, #SuccessStory, #WorkLifeBalance, #Networking

8. Campaign Hashtags

Campaign hashtags are unique to specific marketing initiatives, giveaways, or product launches. 

These hashtags are awesome for tracking engagement, creating buzz, and encouraging user-generated content. 

Invite your followers to share posts using your campaign tag for extra exposure.

Popular Examples: #MyCalvins, #ShareACoke, #DoUsAFlavor, #MakeItYours, #CatchTheWave, #BringItOnHome, #WhatsYourFlavor, #HelloFreshPics, #TakeTheChallenge, #DiscoverYourCity

9. Community Hashtags

Community hashtags bring together people with shared interests or hobbies, making it easy to find and engage with like-minded individuals. 

They create a sense of belonging and invite others to join the conversation on a particular topic or interest.

Popular Examples: #TravelAddicts, #WritersOfInstagram, #PetParents, #RunnersOfIG, #YogiLife, #DogLovers, #BakingCommunity, #PlantMoms, #CreativeCommunity, #NatureLovers

10. Daily Hashtags

Daily hashtags are familiar themes assigned to each day of the week, perfect for consistent posting. 

It’s a type of hashtags that are easy to engage with followers regularly and create a rhythm for your content, whether it’s throwbacks on Thursdays or self-care Sundays.

Popular Examples: #MondayMotivation, #TechTuesday, #WellnessWednesday, #ThrowbackThursday, #FridayFeels, #SaturdayVibes, #SundayFunday, #SelfCareSunday, #TacoTuesday, #WineWednesday

11. Seasonal Hashtags

Seasonal hashtags let you align your content with the time of year. Great for both winter wonderlands and beach vibes. 

Perfect for keeping your posts relevant and timely, appealing to followers’ seasonal interests.

Popular Examples: #WinterWonderland, #SummerVibes, #SpringBreak, #FallFeels, #HolidayMagic, #BackToSchool, #NewYearsEve, #HalloweenFun, #EasterEggHunt, #ValentinesDay2024

12. Image Hashtags

Image hashtags highlight certain photography styles or visual themes, making them popular among creatives. 

Use these to get your photos discovered by users interested in similar aesthetics, like black and white shots or street photography.

Popular Examples: #BlackAndWhite, #PortraitPhotography, #CandidShots, #StreetPhotography, #NatureShots, #AbstractArt, #MoodyGrams, #FlatLay, #Symmetry, #Silhouette

13. Entertainment Hashtags

Entertainment hashtags connect fans and creators through music, movies, books, and games. 

Whether it’s for a binge-worthy series or a concert, these tags keep content relevant within popular culture circles.

Popular Examples: #NetflixAndChill, #MovieNight, #NowPlaying, #InstaMusic, #LiveMusic, #GamerLife, #BookLovers, #BingeWatching, #ConcertVibes, #ThrowbackHits

Popular Niche Hashtags on Instagram

Here are some popular industries and their most popular hashtags used:

Most Popular Hashtags for #Fitness

#training #motivation #healthylifestyle #fitfam #bodybuilding #workout #gymlife #fitness #fitnessjourney #love #fitnessmotivation #exercise #health #fit #gymmotivation #sport #personaltrainer #yoga #wellness #muscle #crossfit #fashion #instagood #gym #weightloss #lifestyle #healthy #instagram #model #fitnessmodel #viral

Most Popular Hashtags for #Music

#party #hiphop #art #music #singer #newmusic #producer #rock #musician #live #photography #dj #dance #concert #instagood #viral #beats #artist #follow #like #rap #music #guitar #musica #style #instagram #livemusic #fashion #explorepage #happy #like

Most Popular Hashtags for #Art

#drawing #fashion #sketch #digitalart #photooftheday #art #beautiful #artistsoninstagram #illustration #nature #instagood #fanart #photo #picoftheday #artwork #design #artist #love #painting #contemporaryart #like #arte #instagram #draw #handmade #artgallery #happy #beautiful #creativity #instaart

Most Popular Hashtags for #Photography

#travel #bhfyp #beautiful #nature #picoftheday #photo #photography #love #photooftheday #model #instagram #happy #style #photoshoot #travelphotography #instagood #like #naturephotography #canon #portrait #instadaily #art #follow #explore #likeforlikes #instalike #photographer #beautiful #photooftheday #smile

Most Popular Hashtags for #Love

#happy #like #nature #beautiful #love #cute #picoftheday #photooftheday #music #instagram #smile #likeforlikes #follow #life #instagood #fashion #instadaily #photography #family #art #photo #bhfyp #likes #beautiful #travel #me #style #happy #love #cute

Most Popular Hashtags for #Wedding

#party #prewedding #weddingday #weddinginspiration #bride #makeup #photography #weddingplanner #groom #instagood #engagement #weddingphotography #weddingdecor #fashion #wedding #bridal #birthday #weddingideas #mua #weddingdress #weddingphotographer #indianwedding #love #like #weddingorganizer #photooftheday #makeupartist #groom #bride #wedding #happy

Most Popular Hashtags for #Fashion

#instagood #fashionblogger #style #ootd #beauty #follow #photography #like #picoftheday #model #instafashion #cute #smile #art #fashionista #beautiful #fashion #photooftheday #happy #bhfyp #shopping #instadaily #makeup #fashionstyle #fashion #followme #love #lifestyle #style #fashion #fashion

Most Popular Hashtags for #Travel

#photography #travel #beautiful #naturephotography #travel #explore #vacation #wanderlust #travelblogger #photooftheday #travelgram #landscape #love #summer #trip #happy #fashion #holiday #adventure #travelphotography #nature #instatravel #like #picoftheday #traveling #art #beach #instagram #fashion

Most Popular Hashtags for #Healthy

#healthylifestyle #vegan #motivation #healthyfood #gym #exercise #fitfam #nutrition #weightloss #health #fitnessmotivation #foodporn #instagood #diet #workout #healthy #foodie #fit #organic #wellness #healthyeating #training #fitness #yummy #lifestyle #bodybuilding #like #healthy #love #health

Most Popular Hashtags for #Model

#happy #fashion #love #photographer #photo #beautiful #modeling #like #picoftheday #photography #art #smile #girl #fitness #instadaily #style #cute #makeup #portrait #bhfyp #follow #beautiful #fashion #instagram #photooftheday #sexy #photoshoot #model #likeforlikes #lifestyle

How to Find Trending Hashtags

Alright, so you’re trying to find those hashtags that are blowing up, but you don’t just want random tags – you want the right ones that will help your posts get noticed. 

The truth is, finding trending hashtags isn’t just about picking what’s popular; it’s about finding relevant hashtags that work with your content. 

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Use a Hashtag Generator

Like we said before the best way is to use a hashtag generator.

A reliable hashtag generator can make the search for trending hashtags much simpler. 

Tools like Inflact and RiteTag offer insights into trending Instagram hashtags and niche hashtags alike, analyzing current engagement levels. 

Generators often let you input a keyword or upload an image, giving you relevant hashtags that match popular trends in real time.

2. Monitor Instagram Explore and Trending Pages

Instagram’s Explore page and trending sections are perfect places to find real-time trends and popular Instagram hashtags. 

Scroll through the Explore page and take note of recurring best Instagram hashtags and content themes. 

These tags indicate what’s currently popular within your niche and provide inspiration for relevant hashtags that can increase your visibility.

3. Analyze Your Competitors and Influencers in Your Field

Let’s say you’re a fitness coach. Look at what other fitness influencers are tagging in their posts. 

Big influencers and brands often lead trends in their niches, which means they’re already doing the work of finding popular hashtags. 

Note down any niche hashtags they’re using that align with your own hashtag strategy. 

This isn’t copying; it’s smart marketing.

4. Check Instagram Insights to See What’s Working

If you’re on Instagram with a business profile, Instagram Insights is a goldmine. 

It can show you which hashtags on your recent posts drove the most engagement, making it easier to refine your Instagram hashtag strategy. 

You’ll see the reach of each post, which hashtags generated the most likes or comments, and even demographic info about who’s viewing your content.

5. Balance Popular, Niche and Relevant Hashtags

While popular hashtags like #InstaGood or #TravelGram are trending, they’re also very competitive. 

Mixing in niche hashtags, like #MindfulTravel or #EcoAdventures, gives you a chance to connect with specific audiences who are more likely to engage with your posts.

How to Use Hashtags on Social Media

Using hashtags effectively requires a tailored approach for each social media platform. 

Each has its unique algorithm, audience, and best practices, so let’s break down hashtag strategies across major platforms with examples to make your content stand out.

Instagram Hashtags

On Instagram, hashtags are essential for discoverability. 

They help your Instagram posts land on the Explore page and reach new audiences interested in specific topics. 

The most popular Instagram hashtags can really make a difference to your engagement metrics.

You can use up to 30 hashtags on a regular Instagram post and up to 10 on a story, but it’s about finding the right balance and using tags strategically rather than maxing out every time.

• Tip: Mix popular, niche, and branded hashtags to reach a wider target audience while staying relevant to your followers.
• Example: For a fashion post, try #FashionBlogger (popular), #StreetStyle (niche), and #MyStyle (branded hashtag).

Twitter (X) Hashtags

On Twitter, hashtags act as conversation starters. 

Since Twitter is all about quick updates and trending news, sticking to one or two relevant hashtags per tweet helps keep your message clear and allows you to join trending topics without overcrowding the tweet.

• Tip: Use hashtags for trending events or niche conversations, like #TechTuesday for tech news or #Olympics2024 during major events.
• Example: “Loving this new feature update on #iOS17! Game changer for productivity. #AppleEvent”

TikTok Hashtags

On TikTok, hashtags are vital for reaching the For You Page (FYP). 

TikTok’s audience favors short, entertaining content, so keep your hashtags relevant, concise, and centered on the video’s topic. 

TikTok allows up to 100 characters in captions, so plan your hashtags carefully. 

Creating branded hashtags for TikTok challenges is a smart way to encourage user participation. 

Big brands like Chipotle have succeeded with campaigns like #GuacDance, which reached millions.

• Tip: Use trending TikTok-specific tags like #FYP, #Viral, and niche-specific tags like #LifeHacks or #BookTok.
• Example: For a recipe video, try #EasyRecipes, #FoodTok, and #DinnerIdeas.

Facebook Hashtags

While hashtags are less prominent on Facebook, they still have their place – especially in groups, events, and targeted content. 

Facebook hashtags help categorize content, making it easier for users to search and find posts around similar interests. 

How many hashtags should you use on Facebook? Stick to 1-3 hashtags to avoid cluttering your posts. 

Since Facebook’s audience skews toward longer interactions, hashtags can help you reach people with interests in deeper discussions. 

Consider using hashtags in Facebook Lives or event posts to group relevant content.

• Tip: Use broad, relevant hashtags that align with group themes or events, like #DIYProjects in a craft group or #TravelTips on a travel page.
• Example: “These are my top tips for traveling on a budget. #TravelTips #BudgetTravel”

LinkedIn Hashtags

LinkedIn uses hashtags to help professionals find industry-relevant content, especially for career tips, networking, and industry updates. 

Hashtags on LinkedIn are essential for categorizing posts around topics like #Leadership, #DigitalMarketing, or #JobHunt.

Also using hashtags like #HiringNow or #OpenToWork can help reach audiences looking for opportunities or companies hiring talent.

• Tip: Use 2-5 hashtags and focus on industry keywords. LinkedIn’s audience values specificity, so aim for hashtags that directly reflect the post’s professional focus.
• Example: “Networking is key to career growth. Here’s how to do it right! #NetworkingTips #CareerAdvice”

YouTube Hashtags

YouTube hashtags help categorize content, especially for broader themes or event-based content. 

Hashtags show up above video titles, so they can impact searchability and visibility in YouTube’s algorithm. 

Use 3-5 trendy hashtags for the best effect. 

It’s great to Include related hashtags to trending searches, like seasonal content (e.g., #HolidayGiftGuide), to increase visibility during specific times of the year.

• Tip: Use general and niche hashtags to improve searchability. For instance, if you post tech reviews, combine broader tags like #TechReview with niche ones like #AppleWatch.
• Example: “Unboxing the latest iPhone! #AppleUnboxing #TechReview #Gadgets”

Benefits of Using Hashtags

Many people think hashtags are just a trendy add-on, and they are not just that. 

They’re a powerful way to get in fron of new people and increase engagement across social media.

According to the American Marketing Association (AMA), using hashtags on Instagram puts your posts significantly in front of people who are interested in the same topics.

This means higher engagement rates as people interested in those hashtags find and engage with your content.

Branded hashtags create a community around your brand and encourage followers to share their own experiences with your products. 

Community hashtags build a sense of shared interest around topics that matter to your audience.

The best hashtags can be like signposts, directing Instagram users to relevant content and introducing your posts to audiences you wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

How Many Hashtags Should You Use?

When it comes to deciding how many to use, quality is just as important as quantity. You don’t want to use way too many hashtags.

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but studies show that using 3-5 specific hashtags can actually increase engagement.

By using fewer, more relevant tags, your content is more likely to reach the right audience without looking spammy.

For regular posts, use a mix of top Instagram hashtags and niche hashtags that are relevant to your content.

Use branded hashtags if you want to encourage audience participation, and don’t repeat the same hashtags every time – Instagram’s algorithm likes a bit of variety.

Using 10-20 tags per post is a good balance, but always keep your audience and content in mind when choosing tags.

Do Hashtags Work?

Yes, hashtags work and are often overlooked as a simple but powerful way to increase visibility. 

Influencers who use the best hashtags consistently see an increase in reach, with many reporting up to 80% more visibility. 

This is because hashtags create searchable keywords that attract audiences interested in your topics or products.

Whether you’re using top hashtags or branded hashtags, the right tag can put your content in front of a new audience, increase engagement on your posts, and build a community around your brand.

So yes, hashtags for Instagram work to grow your account, expand your reach, and engage with more followers over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hashtag used for?

Hashtags categorize your content on social media, making it more discoverable to users interested in similar topics. 

They help Instagram users find posts that align with their interests, ultimately boosting engagement and reach.

What hashtags are trending right now?

Some trending hashtags include #Halloween, #FallOutfits, #BeautifulDestinations, #LoveWins, #WeddingInspo. 

These top Instagram hashtags are seasonal and event-based tags that attract high engagement around specific themes and events.

What are the top 10 hashtags?

Top hashtags remain highly popular across categories and often include #love, #instagood, #fashion, #photooftheday, #beautiful, #travel, #picoftheday, #happy, #ootd, and #art. These tags see high engagement as they appeal to broad interests.

How to check trending hashtags on Instagram?

To explore trending hashtags, check Instagram’s Explore page or use an Instagram hashtag generator tool like Flick or Inflact. 

The tools provide up-to-date insights on popular hashtags based on your content and audience.

What hashtags get the most likes?

Popular hashtags that often drive the most likes include #instagood, #fashion, #photography, and #travel. 

However, specific hashtags like #WeddingInspo or #FitFam can yield better engagement if they align closely with your post’s content.

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