Best Hashtags for Reels to Increase Reach in 2024
Learn how to use the best Instagram Reels hashtags in 2024 to boost reach, improve discoverability, and engage your target audience effectively.
Best Hashtags for Reels to Increase Reach in 2024
In 2024, getting your Instagram Reels seen by the right audience is more competitive than ever. While creative storytelling and quality visuals are essential, tapping into the best hashtags for Reels can significantly boost your discoverability and engagement. Hashtags remain a core factor in how Instagram’s algorithm indexes and serves content to interested viewers — so knowing how to research, select, and use them strategically can be the deciding factor between average and viral reach.
This guide will walk you through how Instagram’s Reels algorithm works today, why hashtags are still essential, and exact strategies to research, choose, and rotate hashtag sets for maximum results.
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Understanding How the Instagram Reels Algorithm Works in 2024
Instagram’s algorithm in 2024 emphasizes relevance, engagement, and retention across all content types, but with Reels, these factors are especially critical. For Reels content, Instagram considers:
- Watch time and repeat views
- Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, saves)
- Topical relevance to the viewer’s activity
- Content originality rather than reposts
- Integration of trending audio and relevant tags
Hashtags directly affect the relevance measure, helping Instagram categorize content and push it to users who have engaged with similar subjects.
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Importance of Hashtags in Reels Discovery and Reach
Hashtags help your Reels get indexed, labeled, and surfaced to the right audience. When you thoughtfully pair your content with strategic hashtags:
- Your Reel can appear in hashtag feed results
- You get a shot at placement on the Explore page
- You expand reach far beyond your existing followers
Without relevant hashtags, even compelling Reels may stay invisible in the fast-moving Instagram feed landscape.
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Types of Hashtags for Reels
To broaden your reach strategically, use a blend from these categories:
- Niche hashtags – Tight focus on your industry/topic (e.g., #StreetPhotography)
- Trending hashtags – Timely viral trends (e.g., #FYP, #ViralVideo)
- Branded hashtags – Your own brand identifiers (e.g., #NikeRunning)
- Community hashtags – Used by specialized followings and challenges (e.g., #BakersOfInstagram)
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How to Research the Best Hashtags Using Instagram Search and Explore
You can uncover effective hashtags through native Instagram features:
- Use the Search tab, type a keyword, then select Tags
- Check each hashtag’s total posts to gauge competitiveness
- Explore “Related Hashtags” to dig deeper into sub-niches
- Observe competitor posts for inspiration
Review both “Top” and “Recent” results to see whether a hashtag is actively used and driving engagement.
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Use Hashtag Generator Tools and Analytics for Better Targeting
While manual research works, tools can save serious time and give you data you might miss:
- Display Purposes – Filters banned or spammy tags
- Hashtagify – Tracks trend patterns and popularity
- Flick – Offers deep analytics for hashtag sets
- Ingramer – Generates ideas via keyword/image inputs
Leverage these tools to pick hashtags that align with your content goals and audience.
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Mixing High-Volume, Medium-Volume, and Low-Volume Hashtags
Avoid relying solely on massive hashtags. Combining different volume levels balances exposure with ranking potential:
| Hashtag Volume Type | Post Volume Range | Advantages | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Volume | 1M+ posts | Huge potential reach; high competition | #InstaGood |
| Medium-Volume | 100K–1M posts | Moderate competition; consistent visibility | #BeachPhotography |
| Low-Volume | <100K posts | Niche targeting; higher ranking chance | #MinimalistReels |
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Industry-Specific Hashtag Examples for Popular Niches
Adapt these as templates for your own Reels:
Travel
- #TravelReels
- #BackpackingLife
- #WanderlustVibes
Fitness
- #FitnessReels
- #BodyweightWorkout
- #DailyFitnessMotivation
Fashion
- #OOTDReels
- #StreetStyleLook
- #RunwayInspired
Food
- #FoodReels
- #HomeCookingVibes
- #RecipeOfTheDay
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Top 30 Universal Hashtags for Reels Reach
These have broad appeal and are ideal for mixing with niche-specific sets:
- #Reels
- #InstaReels
- #ReelItFeelIt
- #ReelsInstagram
- #ViralReels
- #InstaVideo
- #ExplorePage
- #InstagramReels
- #ReelsTrending
- #InstaViral
- #NewReel
- #ReelsOfInstagram
- #Reels2024
- #InstaExplore
- #ContentCreator
- #SocialMediaTips
- #ReelsVideo
- #IGVideo
- #ViralVideo
- #ReelsDaily
- #DiscoverOnInstagram
- #ShareYourReels
- #BehindTheReel
- #ReelsLife
- #CreatorsOfInstagram
- #Instagram2024
- #ExploreReels
- #ReelInspiration
- #VideoTrend
- #DigitalCreator
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How Many Hashtags to Use for Optimal Performance
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per Reel. However, data suggests the sweet spot is often 8–15 highly targeted hashtags per post. Avoid filler tags that dilute relevance.
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Where to Place Hashtags (Caption vs. First Comment)
Both placements work, with trade-offs:
- Caption – Instant indexing; can clutter your copy
- First comment – Cleaner look; slightly delayed indexing but still discoverable
Many creators opt for the first comment for better aesthetics.
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Tracking and Analyzing Hashtag Performance in Reels Insights
From the Professional Dashboard:
- Select your Reel and tap View Insights
- Examine reach from hashtags
- Compare engagement metrics across posts
- Identify top-performing hashtag groups
Consistent analysis is the only way to refine your strategy over time.
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Updating and Rotating Hashtags to Avoid Reach Drop
Using the same hashtags repeatedly can trigger reduced visibility. To avoid this:
- Maintain 3–5 rotating hashtag sets
- Update monthly with new trending options
- Remove underperforming tags promptly
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Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these errors:
- Banned hashtags – Risk of shadowban
- Irrelevant tags – Disappoints users; lowers trust
- Overstuffing – Too many unrelated tags damages performance
- No tracking – Guessing instead of using analytics wastes effort
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Building a Personal Hashtag Strategy for Consistent Reels Growth
Use these steps to create a repeatable system:
- Define your niche and audience
- Research via Instagram and specialized tools
- Build balanced volume mixes
- Test sets on new Reels
- Review analytics monthly
- Incorporate trending and evergreen tags
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Summary and Next Steps
Mastering hashtags in 2024 is about strategic selection, rotation, and analysis. By combining niche, trending, and balanced-volume tags, and tracking their performance, you can steadily grow your audience without needing constant paid boosts. Start implementing these best hashtags for Reels today, and watch your reach rise.
🎯 Take action now: Audit your last five Reels, create three new hashtag sets, and test them over the next month to identify what works best for your audience.
