Yes, hashtags do work on Instagram Stories! When you add relevant hashtags to your story, it can appear in hashtag feeds and be discovered by users who don’t follow you. This increases your story’s visibility, reach, and potential for new followers. But to get the best results, you need to use hashtags strategically—not just randomly. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how hashtags work on Instagram Stories, the best strategies for using them, and pro tips to maximize your reach in 2025.
For more Instagram story hacks, check out How To See Instagram Story Preview?
Hashtags are one of the most effective tools for increasing the visibility of your Instagram Stories. They function as a discovery tool, allowing your content to be seen by users who do not already follow you. When you use a hashtag, you are essentially categorizing your story and making it searchable.
- Your Story Joins a Public Hashtag Page:When you add a hashtag sticker to your story, it is added to that hashtag’s public page. Anyone who taps on that hashtag in another post or searches for it can see a story ring at the top of the page. If your story is featured there, it becomes visible to a much larger audience that is already interested in that topic.
- You Reach People Who Don’t Follow You:This is the primary benefit of using hashtags. When your account is public, anyone who searches for that specific hashtag or follows it may see your story in their feed or on the hashtag page. This allows you to reach potential new followers who are actively seeking out content related to your niche.
- Increased Chance of Appearing on the Explore Page:Instagram’s algorithm uses hashtags to understand what your content is about. When you use relevant hashtags, you help the algorithm categorize your story and show it to users on their Explore page who have shown interest in similar topics. This greatly expands your potential reach beyond your immediate followers.
- Connect with a Niche Audience:Using specific, targeted hashtags helps you connect with people who are genuinely interested in your topic, whether it’s photography, fitness, or a local event. These viewers are more likely to engage with your content, follow your account, and become part of your community because they found you through a shared interest.
Pro tip: For businesses, influencers, and creators, using a mix of broad and niche hashtags is the most effective strategy. Broad hashtags increase your reach, while niche hashtags help you connect with a more engaged and relevant audience.
Table: Hashtag Strategies for Instagram Stories
| Strategy | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant Hashtags | Use hashtags that match your story’s theme | Targeted reach, higher engagement |
| Mix Popular & Niche | Combine trending and specific hashtags | Broader and more targeted audience |
| Creative Fonts & Colors | Match hashtag style to your story’s design | Branding, visual appeal |
| Avoid Banned Hashtags | Don’t use hashtags that violate Instagram’s rules | Account safety, consistent reach |
| Community Engagement | Interact with others using the same hashtags | Building relationships, more shares |
- Open Instagram and tap the camera icon to create a new story
- Upload a photo or video, or take one in the app
- Tap the “Aa” text tool or the sticker icon
- Type your hashtag (e.g., #TravelGoals) or use the hashtag sticker
- Use up to 10 hashtags per story (Instagram’s limit)
- Style your hashtags with matching fonts and colors
- Pinch to resize or hide hashtags if you want a cleaner look
- Share your story and check Insights for reach
Tip: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags for best results.
Instagram allows up to 10 hashtags per story. If you use more, only the first 10 will be recognized. Using too many hashtags can make your story look spammy, so stick to 3-5 highly relevant ones for the best balance of reach and aesthetics.
- Max: 10 hashtags per story
- Best practice: 3-5 relevant hashtags
- Use hashtag sticker for a cleaner look
Yes, you can hide hashtags by shrinking them, changing their color to blend with the background, or placing a sticker or GIF over them. Hidden hashtags still work and help your story get discovered, but don’t overdo it—Instagram may flag stories that try to “game” the system.
- Hidden hashtags = discoverable, but not visible to viewers
- Don’t use banned or irrelevant hashtags
- Keep your story visually appealing
- Research trending hashtags in your niche (use Instagram search, explore, or tools like Hashtagify)
- Check what hashtags top accounts in your field are using
- Mix popular and specific hashtags for broader and targeted reach
- Test different hashtags and track results in Instagram Insights
- Update your hashtag list regularly to stay relevant
Pro tip: Save your best-performing hashtags in your notes for quick access.
Tracking Hashtag Performance: Instagram Insights & Tools
To see if your hashtags are working, use Instagram Insights (available for business and creator accounts). Here’s how:
- Go to your story and swipe up to view Insights
- Check “Impressions from Hashtags” to see how many views came from hashtags
- Compare stories with different hashtags to see what works best
- Use third-party tools like Later, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite for deeper analytics
Tracking your hashtag performance helps you refine your strategy and get more reach.
- #InstaStory #StoryTime #LifeInStories #MyDay #BehindTheScenes
- #OOTD #TravelGoals #Foodie #FitnessJourney #SelfCareSunday
- #Vlog #MotivationMonday #ThrowbackThursday #WeekendVibes
- #ExplorePage #ViralStory #TrendingNow #2025Trends
- #YourBrandName (always use a branded hashtag!)
Tip: Use a mix of trending and niche hashtags for maximum reach.
While hashtags are a powerful tool, using them incorrectly can actually harm your reach and engagement. To get the best results, it is important to avoid these common mistakes:
- Using Banned or Broken Hashtags:
Instagram sometimes “bans” hashtags that are associated with inappropriate content. If you use a banned hashtag, your story will not appear on that hashtag’s page, and it may even limit your reach on other hashtags. Before using a new hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If you see a message that says “Recent posts from #hashtag are currently hidden,” do not use it.
- Using Irrelevant Hashtags:
It can be tempting to use a popular but irrelevant hashtag just to get more views. However, this strategy often backfires. It confuses the Instagram algorithm about your content, and the users who find your story will not be interested in your niche. This leads to low engagement, which signals to Instagram that your content is not valuable.
- Overloading Your Stories with Too Many Hashtags:Using ten or more hashtags can make your story look cluttered and spammy to your audience. While Instagram allows up to ten hashtags in a story, quality is more important than quantity. A few highly relevant hashtags will perform much better than a long list of random ones. Stick to 1-3 hashtags for a clean, professional look.
- Copy-Pasting the Same Hashtags on Every Story:It might seem efficient to have a set list of hashtags that you use for every story, but Instagram’s algorithm can view this as spammy, robotic behavior. This can lead to a decrease in your reach over time. Always take a moment to choose unique and specific hashtags that are directly related to the content of each individual story.
- Ignoring Your Analytics:One of the biggest mistakes is not tracking your performance. If you have a business or creator account, your Instagram Insights will show you how many people discovered your story from hashtags. Pay attention to which hashtags are bringing you the most views and engagement. This data is essential for refining your strategy and understanding what works for your audience.
- Not Updating Your Hashtag List Regularly:Trends on Instagram change quickly. The hashtags that were popular last month might not be effective today. Make it a habit to research new and trending hashtags in your niche at least once a month. This ensures that your strategy remains fresh, relevant, and effective.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more effective hashtag strategy that boosts your visibility, attracts the right audience, and helps you grow your account.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Hashtag Reach
- Engage with other stories using the same hashtags (like, comment, share)
- Use location hashtags for local reach (#NYCStories, #LondonLife)
- Combine hashtags with interactive stickers (polls, questions, quizzes)
- Test different hashtag placements (top, bottom, hidden)
- Join hashtag challenges and trends for more exposure
Did you even think about it? Sometimes, a single hashtag can make your story go viral!
- Instagram Insights: Track impressions and reach from hashtags
- Hashtagify: Research trending and related hashtags
- Later: Schedule stories and analyze hashtag performance
- Sprout Social: Advanced analytics and reporting
- Hootsuite: Manage multiple accounts and track hashtag success
For more, see Instagram’s official hashtag help page.
Use 3-5 relevant hashtags for best results. Instagram allows up to 10 per story.
Yes, use Instagram Insights to see how many views came from hashtags.
Yes, hidden hashtags are still discoverable and help your story get found.
You can hide them for a cleaner look, but don’t use banned or irrelevant hashtags.
How does Instagram story tagging work?
Tagging (@username) notifies the user and can increase engagement, but is different from hashtags.
It’s better to mix it up—Instagram may limit reach if you repeat the same hashtags.
No, when used correctly, hashtags are a powerful tool for discovery and engagement.
Research trending and niche hashtags in your field, and test different combinations.
Have you tried using hashtags in your Instagram stories? Share your favorite tips or questions below!
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Conclusion
Hashtags are still a powerful way to boost your Instagram Stories’ reach and engagement in 2025—if you use them wisely. Focus on relevant, trending, and niche hashtags, track your results, and keep your stories visually appealing. Avoid banned or spammy tags, and always update your strategy as Instagram evolves. What’s your experience with hashtags in stories? Share your tips or questions in the comments—and don’t forget to check out our other Instagram guides for more social media hacks!
3 Responses
I have to ask, do hashtags work on instagram stories for increasing reach? I’ve heard mixed things.
Hi Emily! Yes, they definitely do, especially when you use relevant and niche hashtags. When someone searches for that hashtag, your story can appear on the hashtag page, which gets you more views from people who don’t follow you yet.
I’m always looking for the best hashtags for instagram story. This guide was super helpful for finding niche ones!