Instagram stories have become a popular way to share quick updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more with your followers. Looking to get more Instagram story views and reach a wider audience? Using strategic hashtags in your Instagram stories can help boost views and expand reach beyond just your current followers.
Hashtags essentially work to increase the discoverability of your Instagram stories to users searching for certain topics or keywords. This allows your content to be seen by people who don't yet follow you, leading to more Instagram story views, engagement, and potential new followers.
Why use Hashtags for Instagram Stories Views?
Hashtags on Instagram stories serve two main purposes:
Increased Discoverability: Using popular hashtags allows your story to be discovered by people who are searching or following that hashtag. Even users who don't follow you can see your story if they are browsing or searching for a relevant hashtag.
Expanded Reach: When you use a hashtag on your story, it is viewable to anyone searching for that hashtag in addition to your existing followers. This exposes your content to new audiences and potential new followers and increases your reach and impressions.
Basically, hashtags expand the visibility of your stories beyond just your current follower base. Strategic hashtag usage leads to more views, engagement, and followers on Instagram.
Reference Link - Boost Instagram Story Views with Effective Hashtag Strategies
How to Choose the Right Hashtags
Not all hashtags are created equal when it comes to boosting Instagram story views. Here are some tips for choosing effective hashtags:
Use Popular and Relevant Hashtags: Look up hashtags related to your content topic and use ones that are frequently searched and used. The higher the hashtag search volume, the better.
Use a Mix of General and Niche Hashtags: Combine broader hashtags like #food or #travel with more targeted ones like #foodphotography or #travelgram for the best results.
Research Competitors or Influencers: Check out hashtags that similar Instagrammers in your niche use successfully in their stories.
Tailor Hashtags to Each Story: Don't reuse the exact same hashtags for every story. Pick tags relevant to the specific content in each.
Avoid Overused Hashtags: Stay away from extremely general hashtags like #instagram or #like4like that are flooded with content. Use specific and niche hashtags instead.
Consider Creating Your Own: If you notice a relevant hashtag doesn't yet exist, you can try creating your own branded one like #karenskitchen or #traveltuesday.
Where to Place Hashtags in Instagram Stories?
Where you position your hashtags in Instagram stories can impact views and engagement too:
At the Bottom: Placing hashtags in a row along the bottom of your story is a clean look. The hashtags are visible but don't distract from the visuals.
In the Middle: Putting larger hashtags in the center can work, just be sure they don't obscure the main focal point of the photo/video.
In the Text Box: You can place hashtags naturally within any text boxes you add to your story.
In Stickers: If you use stickers like location or gif stickers, hide hashtags inside them.
Throughout the Story: Sprinkle different hashtags throughout a multi-part story, 1-2 per frame, for maximum visibility.
Always keep hashtags legible and appropriately sized so they are easy to read. Avoid crowding the frame or covering up the main visual content.
Best Practices for Using Hashtags in Stories
To maximize the impact of hashtags for your Instagram stories, keep these best practices in mind:
Use 2-3 Relevant Hashtags Per Story. Any more can look spammy or desperate for views.
Be Consistent Use hashtags in some capacity in all your stories to build the discoverability-boosting benefits.
Refresh and Test New Hashtags Track which hashtags perform best and update them as trends change.
Use Branded Hashtags This helps people find all content related to you, events, campaigns, etc. in one place.
Cross-Promote Share story views into feed posts and vice versa by using identical hashtags in both.
Check Performance Data Instagram provides stats on views from hashtags and your follower base. Review to optimize.
Make Hashtags Searchable In your bio, list key hashtags you use frequently so users can find them.
Using relevant, effective hashtags consistently in your Instagram stories is one of the best tactics for increasing views, engagement, and Instagram follower growth. Take time to strategically research, place, and track hashtag performance to maximize visibility.
Using strategic hashtags is one of the most effective ways to get more eyes on your Instagram stories. Be thoughtful about curating relevant tags tailored to each story and experiment to see which hashtags resonate most with your audience. Consistent hashtagging combined with compelling visual content will take your Instagram stories to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Hashtags on Instagram Stories
1. How many hashtags should you use per Instagram story?
2-3 hashtags per story is ideal. Any more than that can look spammy and make the visuals feel cluttered. Stick to just a few very targeted hashtags relevant to that specific story.
2. Where is the best place to put hashtags in Instagram stories?
Along the bottom or in text boxes/stickers are clean ways to incorporate hashtags without disrupting visuals. You can also sprinkle 1-2 throughout a multi-part story in different frames.
3. What types of hashtags work best?
A balance of popular/general hashtags and niche/targeted ones related to your content and audience. Do research to find both trending Instagram hashtags as well as more specific ones that aren't oversaturated.
4. Should you use the same hashtags in both feed posts and stories?
You can, as it helps people discover all your content on a topic. Just don't reuse the exact same hashtags for every single story. Switch it up with new relevant ones.
5. How often should you change the hashtags you use in Instagram stories?
Review which hashtags are performing well every few weeks or monthly. Rotate in fresh, relevant tags as trends change to maximize discoverability.
6. Can Instagram shadowban or block accounts for overusing hashtags?
Yes, if your hashtag usage looks spammy or manipulative Instagram may throttle your reach. Use hashtags strategically and appropriately per their guidelines. Moderation is key.
7. Should you create your own branded Instagram story hashtags?
Creating unique hashtags around your brand, events, campaigns, etc and encouraging people to use them can help unify content. Just be sure they are short, catchy and easy to remember.
8. How do you make your Instagram story hashtags actually searchable?
List frequently used story hashtags in your Instagram bio so people can find them when searching specific tags. Refresh this list as your top hashtags change.