How to Use Hashtags in Instagram Stories
Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing visibility on Instagram, and their use is not limited to posts or Reels. When incorporated into Stories, hashtags can enhance your reach and engagement, connecting you to a broader audience. By strategically using hashtags in Instagram Stories, you can attract new followers, drive traffic, and amplify your content. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to use hashtags effectively in Instagram Stories.
Why Use Hashtags in Instagram Stories?
- Expand Reach: Stories with hashtags can appear in relevant hashtag searches, exposing your content to a larger audience.
- Enhance Discoverability: Users exploring hashtags can discover your Story, increasing the chances of gaining new followers.
- Boost Engagement: Hashtags allow you to connect with audiences interested in specific topics, fostering more meaningful interactions.
- Support Campaigns: Using branded hashtags in Stories can reinforce marketing campaigns and create a cohesive brand narrative.
1. Understand How Instagram Story Hashtags Work
Hashtags in Stories function similarly to hashtags in posts. They categorize your content, making it discoverable under specific topics. When a user searches for or follows a hashtag, your Story may appear in the related results if it aligns with the hashtag’s theme and trends.
Key Points to Note:
- You can add up to 10 hashtags per Story.
- Only public accounts’ Stories are eligible to appear in hashtag searches.
- Stories featuring hashtags can be discovered for 24 hours, after which the Story expires (unless added to a Highlight).
2. Types of Hashtags to Use in Stories
Not all hashtags are created equal. Choose hashtags that align with your content and goals.
Popular Hashtags
Using trending hashtags can boost your visibility. Examples include #InstaDaily, #OOTD, or #ThrowbackThursday. However, they may be competitive.
Niche Hashtags
Target hashtags that cater to a specific audience or interest. For example, a yoga instructor could use #YogaTips or #BeginnerYoga.
Branded Hashtags
Create and use a unique hashtag for your brand, campaign, or event. This encourages audience participation and strengthens brand identity.
Location-Based Hashtags
Add hashtags for your city or event location to connect with a local audience, such as #NYCEvents or #LondonFoodies.
Event-Specific Hashtags
For events, holidays, or awareness campaigns, include relevant hashtags like #EarthDay or #BlackFridayDeals.
3. How to Add Hashtags to Instagram Stories
Instagram offers two primary ways to include hashtags in Stories:
Using the Hashtag Sticker
- Open Instagram and swipe right to create a Story.
- Capture or upload a photo or video.
- Tap the Sticker icon (smiley face).
- Select the #Hashtag sticker.
- Type your hashtag in the provided field (e.g., #TravelGoals).
The hashtag will appear as a clickable sticker. Users can tap it to view related posts and Stories.
Using Text
- Create your Story as usual.
- Tap the Text tool (Aa).
- Type your hashtag, starting with the
#symbol. - Adjust the font, color, and size as needed.
This method offers more design flexibility, allowing you to style the hashtags creatively.
4. Optimize Your Hashtag Strategy for Stories
Maximize the impact of hashtags in your Stories by using them strategically.
Choose Relevant Hashtags
Ensure your hashtags are directly related to the content of your Story. Irrelevant hashtags can confuse viewers and diminish credibility.
Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags
Combine high-traffic hashtags with specific ones to balance visibility and relevance.
Limit Overcrowding
While you can use up to 10 hashtags, avoid overwhelming your Story’s design. Focus on quality over quantity.
Test Placement
Experiment with placing hashtags in different areas of your Story, such as the top corner or bottom edge, to see what works best for your audience.
5. Design Tips for Incorporating Hashtags
Hashtags should blend seamlessly with your Story’s visual elements.
Hide Hashtags
If you want a clean look:
- Shrink the hashtag text and hide it behind an image or sticker.
- Match the text color to the Story background for subtlety.
Stylize Your Hashtags
Use Instagram’s text and design tools to make hashtags visually appealing. Add animations, gradient colors, or bold fonts to match your branding.
Combine with Other Stickers
Pair hashtags with location stickers, polls, or GIFs for an engaging, interactive Story.
6. Promote Engagement with Hashtags
Use hashtags to drive audience participation and interactions.
Encourage Viewer Contributions
Ask followers to use a branded hashtag and feature their Stories on your profile. For example:
- “Tag us with #YourBrandStory to be featured!”
Host Contests or Giveaways
Create a hashtag-specific campaign, e.g., “Post your favorite travel photos with #ExploreWithUs for a chance to win!”
7. Monitor Hashtag Performance
Evaluate the effectiveness of your hashtag strategy to refine future efforts.
Use Instagram Insights
For business accounts, Instagram Insights can show metrics like:
- Impressions: The number of times your Story was viewed.
- Reach: How many unique accounts saw your Story.
Track Engagement
Pay attention to interactions such as replies, mentions, and shares related to your hashtagged Stories.
8. Use Highlights to Extend the Life of Hashtagged Stories
Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but adding them to Highlights keeps them accessible.
How to Create Highlights
- Go to your profile and tap New (+) under Highlights.
- Select the Story you want to include.
- Name the Highlight and choose a cover image.
Branded hashtags in Highlights ensure long-term discoverability and campaign continuity.
9. Avoid Common Hashtag Mistakes
To maximize success, steer clear of these pitfalls:
- Using Banned Hashtags: Check Instagram’s guidelines to avoid restricted or flagged hashtags.
- Overloading with Hashtags: Keep the Story clean and focused.
- Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Always align hashtags with your content and audience interests.
10. Examples of Hashtag Use in Instagram Stories
Fitness Influencer
- Photo of a workout session with hashtags like #FitnessGoals, #HIITWorkout, and #StayFit.
Travel Blogger
- Video from a vacation with #TravelGram, #BeachVibes, and #ExploreMore.
Local Business
- Story promoting an event with #ShopLocal, #WeekendSale, and the city name.
E-commerce Brand
- Product showcase with #ShopNow, #StyleInspiration, and a branded hashtag like #FashionByXYZ.
Conclusion
Hashtags are a simple yet powerful way to extend the reach of your Instagram Stories. By strategically choosing and incorporating hashtags, you can enhance discoverability, foster engagement, and support your marketing goals. With creativity and consistency, your hashtagged Stories can become a valuable asset in your Instagram strategy, helping you connect with your audience in meaningful ways.
