Instagram itself reports that it has discovered more than 79% of the posts through hashtags. This proves that hashtags for Instagram Reels play a significant role in identifying the right audience and enhancing engagement. Instagram hashtags will make your content discoverable to the right people with the right strategy.

For Example, Nike, a global sportswear brand, frequently uses the following hashtags: #JustDoIt, #NikeTraining, and #NikeRunning. These hashtags not only promote their brand but also add a sense of connectivity with the people. Fitness enthusiasts searching for “fitness hashtags for Instagram Reels or Gym hashtags for Instagram can easily find Nik’s trending content.

Hashtags do two things:

1. It increases Nike’s visibility in the lifestyle market.

2. Customers can follow the latest trends easily.

Similarly, smaller niche brands can also build a loyal customer base by using viral hashtags for Instagram reels along with niche-specific ones.

Challenges in choosing the Right Hashtags

Using hashtags for Instagram definitely has its own merits, but choosing the best hashtags for Instagram Reels is what brings more customers and engagement rate. With over 500 million hashtags on the platform, choose the perfect set of hashtags for content’s visibility.

There are too many generic hashtags and niche-specific hashtags.  Generic hashtags will make your content land in the sea of millions of posts, and you may or may not get the desired engagement. Whereas niche-specific hashtags will limit your exposure, you cannot grow your audience at an accelerating rate.

The knowledge of how to and where to use each hashtag is essential for maximizing engagement. Striking a good balance between the general, trending, and specific niche hashtags is necessary for viral posts.

1. Starbucks:

# StarbucksCoffee and #PumpkinSpiceLatte are the most used hashtags of Starbucks to engage its massive fan base. These hashtags are found to create a conversation chain around their brand and market their products. Apart from these, seasonal trends like #PSL became viral, and it helps Starbucks to remain at the top of mind.

2.GoPro

GoPro relies heavily on user-generated content in its social media posts. It uses two hashtags, #GoPro and #GoProFamily, to build community engagement. Their posts feature real customer moments, and that encourages their followers to use branded hashtags and feel like they are a part of the GoPro Lifestyle.

Best Hashtags for IG Reels in Every Niche ( 2025 Edition)

Best Hashtags for IG Reels

Trending and Challenging Instagram Hashtags

S.NoTrending & Challenging HashtagsNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
1#viralvideos278M
2#viralreels360M
3#viralpost3M
4#trendingreelsvideo11.7M
5#reelsviralvideo4.5M
6#reelsinstagram4.6M
7#reelschallengereelschallenge2M
8#reelstrend1.5M
9#reelstrending12.5M
10#explorereels6.1M
11#igtrending50.9K
12#igvideo687K
13#reelsforyou5.1M
14#besthashtags32.4K
15#reelsviralvideo4.5M

Business and Entrepreneurship Hashtags for Instagram

S. NoBusiness & EntrepreneurshipNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
16#businessreels241K
17#businessideas3.8M
18#businessdevelopment2M
19#businessmindset29.4M
20#entrepreneurlife26.1M
21#entrepreneur139M
22#womenentrepreneur2M
23#entrepreneurspirit1.1M
24#startups6.5M
25#startup29.1M
26#viralbusiness50.1K
27#marketing91M
28#marketingdigital58.2M
29#sidehussle58.1K
30#branding51.5M
31#brandingtips1M
32#businesstips8.6M
33#businesstips101363K
34#business159M
35#supportsmallbusiness77M

Fitness Hashtags for Instagram Reels

S.NoFitness & HealthNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
36#fitnesscoach6.7M
37#fitness4.4M
38#fitnessjourney49.3M
39#fitnessmotivation169M
40#gymfreak4.7M
41#gymfitness1.3M
42#workout241M
43#workoutmotivation31.5M
44#workoutroutine6.9M
45#homeworkouts3.2M
46#fitlifestyle4.7M
47#yogadaily4.8M
48#yogaposes4.4M
49#yogalife16.5M
50#healthylifestyle140M
51#healthyfood126M

Food Hashtags and Cooking Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoFood and Cooking IndustryNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
52#food544M
53#foodforfoodies5.8M
54#foodstagram130M
55#foodphotography121M
56#foodie269M
57#foodiegram12.7M
58#homecooking26.6M
59#homecookedmeal1.5M
60#viralfood791K
61#foodlover87.5M
62#foodcontent197K
63#vegan32M
64#veganfood30.8M
65#dessertlover3.8M
66#dessert83.7M
67#dessertsofinstagram1.9M
68#foodphoto11.3M
69#foodphotography121M
70#foodphotographer4M
71#foodphotos1.6M
72#kitchen3M
73#cookinginspiration120K

Motivational Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoMotivation & InspirationNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
74#motivational36.1M
75#motivationquotes5.7M
76#motivationmonday15.2M
77#motivationquotesoftheday2.6M
78#inspiration267M
79#inspirations3.4M
80#inspirationalquotes49.1M
81#positivethinking14M
82#positivequotes11.3M
83#positivevibes98.9M
84#positivethoughts5.8M
85#lifequotes42.2M
86#lifelesons15.2M
87#dreambig21.7M
88#mindsetmatters35.5M
89#mindsetcoaching1.1M
90#getinspired1.7M

Fashion Instagram Hashtags

S.NoFashion & LifestyleNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
91#fashions5.4M
92#fasionshow15.5M
93#fashiondesigner34.2M
94#ootd459M
95#ootdfashion36.1M
96#style691M
97#styleblogger50.1M
98#viralfashion264K
99#styleinspo29.1M
100#wardrobe4.9M
101#capsulewardrobe1.4M
102#fashioninfluencer5M
103#seasonalstyle134K
104#clothingbrand26.7M
105#clothing59.2M

Comedy Hashtags and Memes Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoComedy & MemesNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
106#comedy139M
107#comedyreels12.6M
108#comedyvideos14M
109#funnyjokes2.1M
110#joke13.8M
111#jokesfordays1.5M
112#memes281M
113#memesquad4.5M
114#memestar5M
115#viralcomedy593K
116#humor1.1M
117#humor 😂1.1M
118#memeviral560K
119#laugh43.9M
120#lol167M

Dance and Music Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoMusic & DanceNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
121#music507M
122#musiclover12M
123#musician50.7M
124#musicvideo28.4M
125#dance203M
126#dancereels7.1M
127#dancevideo7.1M
128#viraldance1.8M
129#hiphopmusic11.6M
130#hiphopculture8M
131#musicviral49.5K
132#popdance123K
133#choreography9.6M
134#choreo2.1M
135#songreels559K
136#dancelover3M

Adventure and Travel Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoTravel & AdventureNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
137#travel783M
138#travelphotography261M
139#travelingram31.3M
140#travelblog29.8M
141#adventurer3.6M
142#adventuredog4.2M
143#wanderlust158M
144#wanderlusting2.1M
145#explore865M
146#exploerepage4.4M
147#viraltravel41K
148#adventureseeker2.7M
149#exploremore109M
150#travel2025131K
151#beachlife48.8M
152#beachvibes20M

Pet Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoPetsNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
153#pet143M
154#petphotography5.9M
155#petlovers25.7M
156#cutepets5.1M
157#cutepetsofinstagram403K
158#dogreels2.7M
159#dogreelsofinstagram518K
160#catreels1.1M
161#cathashtags1K+
162#pettrend12.2K
163#petfun63.2K
164#petfunny19.2K

Parenting Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoParenting & FamilyNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
165#parenting24.3M
166#parentingtips4.7M
167#parentinghacks1.1M
168#postitiveparenting1.2M
169#familyreels149K
170#familyphotography14.8M
171#family469M
172#familyfirst22M
173#familytrip8.6M
174#dadlife9.4M
175#familytime86.2M
176#parentingmoments113K
177#lifewithkids2.3M
178#parentinginspiration32.3K

Videography and Photography Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoPhotography & VideographyNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
179#photography1.3M
180#photographylover5K+
181#cameragear929K
182#camerageargeeks25.7K
183#phototrends1K+
184#Landscapephotography78.3M
185#landscape_photography1.8M
189#dronephotography13.1M
190#droneoftheday4.7M
191#streetphoto12.9M
192#streetphotographyinternational5.4M
193#streetphotography_bw1.7M

Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels in 2025

S.NoViral Hashtags for Instagram Reels 2025No. of Posts (mid-2025)
194#reelshashtags5K+
195#instaviralhashtags100+
196#popularhashtags183K
197#igresviral52.3K
198#instagramreels125M
199#explorepage20255K+
200#instareels109M
201#popularphoto3.7M
202#instapopular1.3M
203#popular28.6M

Home and Organization Hashtags for Instagram

S.NoHome & OrganizationNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
204#homereels93.9K
205#organizationhacks112K
206#insteriordesignideas5M
207#interiordesign213M
208#cleaning11.5M
209#windowcleaning1.2M
210#cleaningservice2.7M
211#dclutter2.7M
212#decluttering1M
213#homedecor174M
214#viralhome5K+
215#housecleaning1.6M
216#housecleaningbusiness57.5K
217#cozyhome5.1M
218#diyhome1.2M
219#homeorganization1.5M

Sports Hashtags and Outdoor Hashtags on Instagram

S.NoSports and OutdoorNo of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
220#sports68.1 M
221#sportsphotography5.4 M
222#adventuresports327 K
223#liveoutdoors1.4 M
224#outdoordesign1.5 M
225#outdoorphotography10.4 M
226#hikingreels33.6 K
227#cycling45 M
228#runningreels75.2 K
229#naturesports24.2 K
230#activelifestyle3.8 M
231#extremesports2.1 M
232#teamsports266 k
233#naturesports24.2 K
234#activelifestyle42.7 K
235#treking1 M
236#trekingdays1000+
237#extremeweightloss1.5 M
238#sportsday1.3 M
239#sportsday20251000+
240#hackathon579 K
241#hackathons27.3 K

DIY Hashtags on Instagram

S.NoDIY CraftsNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
242#DIY98.4M
243#craftreels82.8K
244#craftvideo45.3K
245#creative112M
246#creative_portraits2.2M
247#creativeart4M
248#artandcraft1.9M
249#artandcrafts289K
250#artandcraftforkids54.4K
251#handmadejewelry43.8M
252#handmadecrafts3M
253#crafting8.6M
254#doityourself6.7M

Finance Hashtags on Instagram

S.NoFinance & InvestingNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
255#finance21M
256#financetips4.8M
257#investingreels1K+
258#investing32.9M
259#investing101712K
260#investingtips32.9M
261#stockmarketinvesting1.7M
262#investingforbeginners859K
263#budget3.9M
264#budgetfriendly2.2M
265#budgeting2.2M
266#wealth32.9M
267#wealthbuilding5.3M
268#generationalwealth1.5M
269#budgettips212K
270#savingtips135K
271#money80.1M
272#moneymoney602K
273#viralfinance1K+
274#crypto39.1M
275#cryptocurrency27.5M
276#cryptotrading6.6M
277#cryptocurrencies2.5M
278#cryptousa220K
279#bitcoin40.7M
280#bitcoins4.1M
281#bitcoinprice1M
282#bitcoinmining2.9M

Relationship and Love Hashtags on Instagram

S.NoRelationship & LoveNo. of Posts (mid-2025)
283#love2.1B
284#lovestory35.4M
285#lovelife40.3M
286#lovemusic5.4M
287#relationship18.2M
289#relationshipgoals29.1M
290#relationshipadvice3.9M
291#relationshipquotes9.3M
292#couplegoals70.9M
293#couple89M
294#coupledance516K
295#vouples22.4M
296#dating7.9M
297#datingadvice2.2M
298#datingapp804K
299#onlinedating1.4M
300#marriage29.3M
301#marriagegoals3.1M
302#marriageadvice900K
303#marriageequality870K
304#marriageofconvenience171K

How to Use Instagram Reels Hashtags Effectively in 2025

It is easy to add hashtags with a random search, but using the hashtags strategically is what separates viral creators from invisible ones.

Instagram’s algorithm rewards posts that generate early engagement, and the right hashtags can help your content to land in front of the right people at the right time.

1. Understand the Types of Hashtags for Maximum Reach

Though not all hashtags can bring in more traffic,  you need a balance of three types of hashtags.

  • Use high-volume hashtags for content exposure to a massive audience. Example #viralreels2025, #besthashtagsforinstagramreels.
  • Niche-specific hashtags will target an audience whose search history is highly related to the topic. Example: #Cathashtagsforinstagram, #fitnesshashtagsforinstagramreels.
  • Event-specific hashtags spin around the current trends and have a better chance of hitting the Explore page. Example: #Reelschallenge2025, #viraldancereels.

2. Combine the Hashtags in the Right Ratio

So what is the right ratio for maximum engagement? Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but utilizing the fullest is not always necessary.

  • Use 5to 10 broad or high-volume hashtags for maximum visibility.
  • Use five hashtags specific to your niche.
  • Use 3 -5 hashtags that are trending in the industry.

If you are looking for a fitness reel Hashtags for Instagram, try these

#fitnessreels #GymReels #Fitnessgoals #fitnesshashtagsforinstagramreels #reelsviral #Besthashtagsforinstagramreels

3. Placement of Hashtags

Apart from choosing the right hashtags, placing them strategically in the post matters the most. You can add hashtags either in the caption section or in the first comment.

  • Caption – Adding hashtags to the captions will keep all your hashtags in one place and instantly connect with the message.
  • First Comment – If you want your caption to look cleaner and still want to index your post, try the first comment option.

Pro Tip: If you have long and story-telling captions that are very essential for the post, use the first comment method.

4. Use 3-5 different hashtag sets per niche

Don’t post your brand posts with a standard set of hashtags. It will not bring in more customers or audience.

  • Try using 3 to 5 different hashtag sets for your brand.
  • Try to add one or two trending hashtags to every post so that they get a different discovery path.

5. Use Instagram Insights

Tracking and adjusting the Instagram hashtags is something that every marketer does to understand their brand. Use a tool like ZU AI to understand the Analytics if you are not sure of the Instagram insights.

6. Trending Hashtags for more engagement

Hashtags are like Fashion – what’s trending today will be ignored tomorrow. So, always keep an eye on what’s trending. Here’s how to do it.

  • Check Instagram’s explore page weekly.
  • Follow trend accounts in your niche.
  • Add or swap hashtags based on the new trends.

7. Avoid using Banned or Limited Hashtags in your post

Some hashtags get banned or limited by Instagram due to spammy content. Avoid using those hashtags, as they can tank your rank.

  • Always search your hashtags before posting.
  • Avoid tags where “Recent” posts are missing. The probability is higher that it may be restricted.

Hashtags are more than just metadata. Hashtags are the discovery tools that will make Instagram reels visible to followers every day.

Hashtags are more than just a trend and are important for brands to be active on social media.  Use the right mix of generic, trending, and niche-specific Instagram hashtags for building stronger communities and boosting the discoverability of the posts.

With a proper content strategy, your posts are not just another post on Instagram; they are a part of a conversation, reaching a wider audience.

Location-Based Hashtags

Hashtags denoting a particular region are helpful to connect with the audience in that region. Location-based hashtags are a gold mine for local businesses. Hashtags like #NewJerseyfootball or #NYCFitness will help brands target a highly localized audience. It works well for those who want to connect with people in a specified geographical area.

Seasonal or Trend-Based Hashtags

Seasonal hashtags are linked to a particular time of the year or a trending event. These hashtags are very beneficial during the peak moments.

Use #Winteroutfits during the winter season and #SummerFitnessGoals for summer months. Using hashtags based on trends increases the engagement rate. Try to fit in seasonal hashtags in your post for better traffic.

Best Practices for Hashtags

  • Use a combination of general and specific niche hashtags along with a few branded hashtags.
  • Use the Instagram search bar to identify the trending hashtags and add them to your posts.
  • Though Instagram allows you to add 30 hashtags per post, try to stick to 7 to 14 relevant hashtags. It helps you to maintain authenticity.
  • Add hashtags either in the caption or in the first comment of your post.

FAQs on Trending Hashtags on Instagram

How do I create my own branded hashtag on Instagram?

Your own branded hashtags must have a unique and memorable name with your brand or campaign name. Keep it short and easy to spell. Once created, promote the hashtag across all your platforms and encourage your audience to use it. This ensures your branded hashtag is visible to your target audience.

How can I locate the most appropriate hashtags to promote my business on Instagram?

To find the best hashtags for your industry, research top influencers and competitors in your field. Use Instagram’s search bar to find related popular tags. Additionally, several free tools are available online to help you generate relevant hashtags for your brand.

Can I make use of hashtags based on location for my Instagram Reels?

Yes, location-based hashtags are highly effective in attracting local people and building a community in your geographic area. They help your content reach specific audiences, such as #NYCFitness or #LondonFoodie, which work especially well for local businesses.

What’s the difference between niche-specific and general hashtags on Instagram?

General hashtags like #fitness or #fashion have larger reach but are overcrowded, making it harder for your content to stand out. Niche-specific hashtags have smaller audiences but higher engagement. A mix of both helps balance visibility and engagement.

How often should I update my Instagram hashtags for better engagement?

It’s best to refresh your Instagram hashtags every few weeks or months. Review current hashtag performance and replace low-performing ones with hashtags that reflect evolving trends, seasonal events, or audience interest.

Update your hashtags based on:

  • Trends in your niche
  • Seasonal events
  • Changes in audience interests

Use Instagram Insights to track performance before making adjustments.

How many hashtags should I use for Instagram Reels?

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using 7–14 well-chosen hashtags usually performs better. This avoids overloading while ensuring authenticity. Use a mix of broad, specific, and popular hashtags for maximum exposure.

Will using too many hashtags affect my Instagram engagement?

Yes. Overloading posts with too many hashtags makes them look unprofessional and lowers engagement. Instagram’s algorithm may penalize irrelevant hashtags. Focus on quality over quantity for better reach and engagement. Learn more here.

Which is the best time to use hashtags on Instagram Reels?

The most effective time to use hashtags is during peak hours when your followers are most active. This usually means early mornings, lunchtime, and evenings, depending on time zone. Test different posting times and track engagement for the best results.

How do Instagram hashtags help my post go viral?

Instagram organizes hashtags by niche, making posts discoverable to audiences searching for those topics. Using relevant niche-specific hashtags increases your chances of reaching the Explore page and going viral.

What are the most popular Instagram hashtags for business in 2025?

The most popular Instagram hashtags for business in 2025 include:

  • #businessreels – 241k
  • #entrepreneur – 139M
  • #marketing – 91M
  • #startupbusiness – 2.3M
  • #smallbusinessreels – 272k

These hashtags target business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries.