Hashtags are a crucial aspect of Instagram marketing, as they help increase discoverability and reach of your posts. Using effective hashtags can help you get your content in front of the right audience and increase engagement on your posts. In this article, we will explore whether there are any tools available to help find the best Instagram tags, similar to TubeBuddy or VidIQ for YouTube.
Understanding Instagram Hashtags
Instagram hashtags are keywords or phrases that start with the “#” symbol and are included in a post’s caption or comments section. When users search for a specific hashtag, they can find all posts that have used that hashtag, even from accounts they don’t follow.
Using the right hashtags can improve your reach and engagement on Instagram. When you use relevant and popular hashtags, your posts are more likely to appear in search results, making it easier for potential followers to discover your account. However, it can be challenging to find the best hashtags for your content, especially if you’re just starting on Instagram.
Current Tools for Instagram Hashtag Research
There are various tools available for Instagram hashtag research, and we have reviewed some of the popular ones below:
Hashtagsforlikes
Hashtagsforlikes is a popular tool for finding relevant hashtags for Instagram posts. The tool provides up to 30 relevant hashtags for each search query, and you can use the free trial version before subscribing to a paid plan. With the paid plans, you can access additional features such as unlimited hashtag searches, analytics, and tracking of hashtag performance.
Kicksta
Kicksta is another tool that helps you find the best hashtags for your Instagram posts. The tool provides hashtag suggestions based on your niche and target audience. With Kicksta, you can also track the performance of your hashtags and identify the ones that are driving engagement. Kicksta offers a free trial, and you can then subscribe to a paid plan to access more features.
Later
Later is an all-in-one Instagram marketing platform that provides features such as scheduling posts, visual planning, and Instagram analytics. Later also has a feature that suggests the best hashtags for your posts based on your niche and target audience. With Later, you can also save your hashtag groups and copy them to your posts with just one click. Later offers a free plan and paid plans with additional features.
Flick
Flick is a newer tool for Instagram hashtag research that provides accurate hashtag suggestions based on your niche and target audience. Flick has an AI-powered algorithm that recommends the best hashtags for your posts, and you can also create and save hashtag sets for future use. Flick offers a free trial and paid plans with additional features.
Overall, these tools can help you find the best hashtags for your Instagram posts, improve your reach and engagement, and save time in the process.
Best Practices for Using Hashtag Research Tools
When using hashtag research tools for Instagram, there are a few best practices to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of your efforts:
- Stay relevant: Make sure that the hashtags you use are relevant to your post and your audience. This will help you to connect with the right people and improve your engagement.
- Keep it simple: Avoid using too many hashtags. Instagram recommends using a maximum of 30 hashtags per post, but using fewer can help keep your post looking clean and uncluttered.
- Diversify your hashtags: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to reach a wider audience while still targeting your ideal audience.
- Research your competition: Look at what hashtags your competitors are using and try to incorporate them into your strategy.
- Track your results: Keep track of which hashtags are performing well and which are not. This will help you to refine your strategy and improve your results over time.
By following these best practices, you can use hashtag research tools effectively to improve your Instagram marketing strategy and reach your target audience.
Alternatives to Hashtag Research Tools
While hashtag research tools can make finding effective hashtags for Instagram easier, there are also alternative manual research strategies that can be effective. Here are some options to consider:
1. Conducting Manual Research
One alternative to using a hashtag research tool is conducting manual research. This involves researching your niche, industry, or topic on Instagram and identifying popular hashtags used by your target audience. You can also use the search function on Instagram to find relevant hashtags, and look at the hashtags your competitors and industry leaders are using.
2. Utilizing Instagram’s Suggested Hashtags
Instagram has a feature that suggests relevant hashtags for a post based on the content you’re sharing. This can be a useful alternative to hashtag research tools, especially if you’re just starting out on Instagram or have a limited budget.
3. Collaborating with Other Instagram Users
Another option is to collaborate with other Instagram users in your niche or industry. By partnering with influencers, brands, or other accounts, you can leverage their existing audience and reach. This can help increase engagement and exposure for your posts, even if you’re not using the most popular hashtags.
Pros and Cons of Using Alternatives
Manual research strategies and utilizing Instagram’s suggested hashtags can be effective, but they also have their own set of pros and cons. One advantage is that they’re typically free, whereas hashtag research tools can have a cost associated with them. On the other hand, manual research can be time-consuming and may not provide as much insight as a dedicated tool.
Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your individual needs and resources. A combination of both manual research and utilizing hashtag research tools may provide the most comprehensive approach to finding effective hashtags for your Instagram content.
