Article last updated on:
November 03, 2024
Initially published on:
November 03, 2024

Hashtags on Instagram Reels can instantly boost your content’s reach, but only if you know how to use them right. In this guide, I’ll show you the top hashtags to maximize visibility, attract the right audience, and grow engagement fast.

Let’s keep it simple so you can get your Reels in front of more eyes today.

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What are Hashtags on Instagram Reels?

Answer: Hashtags on Instagram Reels are keywords or phrases prefixed with a “#” symbol, used to categorize content and make it more discoverable. They help connect posts with people interested in similar topics, increasing the chance of reaching a broader audience.

Sorting posts on Instagram Reels by hashtags

When users add hashtags to their Reels, they enhance the video’s visibility in relevant searches and can appear in feeds for people following those hashtags, which is especially useful for growing engagement and attracting new followers.

4 Benefits of Hashtags for Instagram Reels

Shortly: Using hashtags on Instagram Reels is a powerful way to expand reach, drive engagement, and build a more connected and recognizable brand.

But let’s see why that is!

1. Discoverability

Hashtags make your Reels more searchable, helping them reach a wider audience beyond your followers. By using relevant and trending hashtags, your Reels have a higher chance of appearing on the Explore page, increasing visibility.

2. Wider Reach

Hashtags allow you to reach specific communities and interests, making it easier to connect with viewers who are genuinely interested in your content.

Targeted hashtags increase the likelihood of engagement and building a loyal following.

3. Engagement

Hashtags make your content more interactive, encouraging likes, comments, and shares from viewers who find your Reels through these tags. This engagement can boost your Reels’ ranking on Instagram’s algorithm, further enhancing visibility.

4. Brand Awareness

Consistently using branded hashtags can help establish your brand identity on Instagram, making it easy for users to find and recognize your content. It strengthens your brand presence and helps followers connect your content with your brand.


TOP 100: Instagram Reels Hashtags (In 2024)

Top 12 Reels Hashtags

  1. #reels
  2. #instagramreels
  3. #reelsofinstagram
  4. #reelsvideo
  5. #viralreels
  6. #explorepage
  7. #reelsinstagram
  8. #reelsdaily
  9. #instagood
  10. #contentcreator
  11. #trendingreels
  12. #foryoupage

Top 20 Trending Instagram Reels Hashtags

  1. #trend
  2. #explore
  3. #reelstrending
  4. #instatrend
  5. #instafamous
  6. #viralpost
  7. #instatrends
  8. #reelsoftheday
  9. #discoverunder10k
  10. #exploremore
  11. #trendingnow
  12. #viral
  13. #viralcontent
  14. #trendingcontent
  15. #influencer
  16. #exploreinsta
  17. #reelsmoment
  18. #fyp
  19. #ontrend
  20. #instalove

Top 15 Funny Hashtags for Instagram Reels

  1. #funnyreels
  2. #funnymemes
  3. #humor
  4. #lol
  5. #funnymoments
  6. #jokes
  7. #hilarious
  8. #haha
  9. #comedy
  10. #funnyvideos
  11. #funnyvids
  12. #laughing
  13. #instahumor
  14. #epicfails
  15. #silly

Top 18 Food Hashtags for Instagram Reels

  1. #foodreels
  2. #foodstagram
  3. #yummy
  4. #foodie
  5. #foodlover
  6. #delicious
  7. #foodblogger
  8. #instafood
  9. #foodiegram
  10. #recipeideas
  11. #foodlovers
  12. #cookingreels
  13. #foodvideo
  14. #foodgasm
  15. #easyrecipes
  16. #homemadefood
  17. #foodoftheday
  18. #recipeoftheday

Top 16 Travel Hashtags for Instagram Reels

  1. #travelreels
  2. #wanderlust
  3. #instatravel
  4. #exploretheworld
  5. #travelgram
  6. #travelvibes
  7. #beautifuldestinations
  8. #travellife
  9. #adventure
  10. #travelblogger
  11. #traveldiary
  12. #travelinspiration
  13. #scenicviews
  14. #discoverearth
  15. #naturelovers
  16. #vacationmode

Top 19 Fitness Hashtags for Instagram Reels

  1. #fitnessreels
  2. #fitfam
  3. #workoutmotivation
  4. #instafit
  5. #gymreels
  6. #fitspo
  7. #healthylifestyle
  8. #fitnessjourney
  9. #homeworkout
  10. #fitlife
  11. #workoutvids
  12. #motivation
  13. #healthyliving
  14. #fitnessaddict
  15. #noexcuses
  16. #fitspiration
  17. #workoutoftheday
  18. #fitnessmotivation
  19. #getfit

How to Add Hashtags to Instagram Reels

The fastest way to add hashtags to Instagram Reels is to edit a post’s description, type “#” and then anything else you want in the tag.

  1. Open the Instagram app
  2. Edit a Reel (Upload or Existing)
  3. Tap the description
  4. Type “#” and anything after that
How to add hashtags on Instagram Reels

For example: Type “#cats” and Instagram will auto-complete your hashtag with a few suggestions.

You can either pick their suggested hashtags, or you can even create a brand new hashtag where your post is going to be the 1st.

CTA Button: Create viral Instagram Reels with hashtags

How to Find The Right Hashtags for Your Instagram Reels

1. Research Competitors

Check out Reels from competitors or influencers in your niche to see which hashtags they use and which ones drive engagement.

This can give you ideas for hashtags that resonate with your target audience.

2. Use Instagram’s Search Feature

How to see how many posts a hashtag has on Instagram

Enter keywords related to your content into Instagram’s search bar and explore the suggested hashtags. Look for ones with a good balance of popularity and relevance to your content.

3. Explore Hashtag Generator Tools

Tools like Hashtagify can generate relevant hashtags based on keywords you input.

These tools provide insights on hashtag popularity and trends, helping you choose the most impactful ones.

4. A/B Test Different Tags

Keep experimenting and testing new hashtags. Instagram trends change, and regularly updating your hashtag strategy will help you stay relevant and connected to current conversations.

These steps can help you find the right mix of hashtags that enhance your Reels’ discoverability and engagement on Instagram.


Best Practices for Instagram Reels Hashtags

The #1 best practice is to use relevant hashtags.

Choosing hashtags that directly relate to your content ensures it reaches the right audience, leading to more meaningful engagement and increasing the chances of attracting followers genuinely interested in your niche.

1. Use Relevant Hashtags

Choose hashtags that directly relate to your content and niche.

Relevant hashtags make it easier for the right audience to discover your Reels and are more likely to lead to meaningful engagement.

How to see audience insights on Instagram

2. Mix Hashtags

Include a combination of popular hashtags (like #Reels or #ViralReels) and niche-specific tags to reach a broader audience while also targeting your specific community.

Niche hashtags can bring more dedicated viewers, while popular ones increase visibility.

3. Limit to 3-5 Hashtags

For Reels, Instagram tends to favor concise hashtag use.

Using 3-5 relevant hashtags keeps the caption clean and avoids looking spammy, helping the algorithm focus on core topics in your video.

4. Create and Use a Branded Hashtag

Having a unique branded hashtag helps followers easily locate all your content and strengthens your brand identity. Encourage followers to use it in their posts, too, to build community and spread brand awareness.

5. Avoid Banned Tags

Some hashtags are banned or flagged as spam by Instagram. Avoid these, as they can limit your reach and harm engagement.

Stick to genuine, high-quality tags that relate to your Reel’s content.


Want to Go Viral on Reels? Go Beyond Hashtags

With SendShort, you can create Instagram Reels that captivate viewers and boost engagement beyond what hashtags alone can do.

sendshort.ai website homepage

Here’s how SendShort helps you make Reels that stand out:

  • High-Impact Editing Tools: Polish your Reels with smooth transitions, precise cuts, and engaging effects that keep viewers watching.
  • Dynamic Captions and Overlays: Add captions and text that highlight key points and make your message clear, even for viewers watching without sound.
  • Optimized for Engagement: SendShort’s tools help you optimize Reels that resonate with Instagram’s algorithm, increasing the likelihood of reaching a wider audience.

With SendShort, you can create Reels that are engaging, professional, and viral-ready, leveraging more than just hashtags to gain traction.

CTA Button: Create viral Instagram Reels with hashtags

FAQ: Reels Hashtags

1. Can you add hashtags to Instagram Reels after posting?

Yes, you can add hashtags to Instagram Reels after posting. Simply edit the caption or add hashtags in a comment to improve reach and discoverability.

2. Do Instagram Reels show up in hashtags?

Yes, Instagram Reels show up in hashtag search results. Using relevant hashtags on your Reels increases the chances of appearing in hashtag feeds, boosting visibility and reach.

3. Should I use all 30 hashtags on Instagram Reels?

No, you shouldn’t use all 30 hashtags for Reels.

It’s generally better to use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags on Instagram Reels rather than all 30. Fewer, targeted hashtags are less likely to appear spammy and help Instagram focus on the main topics of your content, potentially boosting reach and engagement.


Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort

About the author

David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.