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.No

Trending and Challenging Hashtags

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

1 #viralvideos 278 M
2 #viralreels 360 M
3 #viralpost 3 M
4 #trendingreelsvideo 11.7 M
5 #reelsviralvideo 4.5 M
6 #reelsinstagram 4.6 M
7 #reelschallengereelschallenge 2M
8 #reelstrend 1.5M
9 #reelstrending 12.5 M
10 #explorereels 6.1 M
11 #igtrending 50.9k
12 #igvideo 687k
13 #reelsforyou 5.1 M
14 #besthashtags 32.4 K
15 #reelsviralvideo 4.5M

Business and Entrepreneurship Hashtags for Instagram

S. No

Business and Entrepreneurship

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

16 #businessreels 241k
17 #businessideas 3.8 M
18 #businessdevelopment 2 M
19 #businessmindset 29.4 M
20 #entrepreneurlife 26.1 M
21 #entrepreneur 139 M
22 #womenentrepreneur 2 M
23 #entrepreneurspirit 1.1 M
24 #startups 6.5 M
25 #startup 29.1 M
26 #viralbusiness 50.1K
27 #marketing 91 M
28 #marketingdigital 58.2 M
29 #sidehussle 58.1k
30 #branding 51.5 M
31 #brandingtips 1 M
32 #businesstips 8.6 M
33 #businesstips101 363 K
34 #business 159M
35 #supportsmallbusiness 77 M

Fitness Hashtags for Instagram Reels

S.No

Fitness and Health

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
36 #fitnesscoach 6.7 M
37 #fitness 4.4 M
38 #fitnessjourney 49.3 M
39 #fitnessmotivation 169 M
40 #gymfreak 4.7 M
41 #gymfitness 1.3 M
42 #workout 241 M
43 #workoutmotivation 31.5 M
44 #workoutroutine 6.9M
45 #homeworkouts 3.2 M
46 #fitlifestyle 4.7 M
47 #yogadaily 4.8 M
48 #yogaposes 4.4 M
49 #yogalife 16.5 M
50 #healthylifestyle 140 M
51 #healthyfood 126M

Food Hashtags and Cooking Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Food and Cooking Industry

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

52 #food 544M
53 #foodforfoodies 5.8 M
54 #foodstagram 130 M
55 #foodphotography 121 M
56 #foodie 269 M
57 #foodiegram 12.7 M
58 #homecooking 26.6 M
59 #homecookedmeal 1.5 M
60 #viralfood 791k
61 #foodlover 87.5 M
62 #foodcontent 197k
63 #vegan 32 M
64 #veganfood 30.8M
65 #dessertlover 3.8 M
66 #dessert 83.7 M
67 #dessertsofinstagram 1.9M
68 #foodphoto 11.3 M
69 #foodphotography 121 M
70 #foodphotographer 4 M
71 #foodphotos 1.6 M
72 #kitchen 3 M
73 #cookinginspiration 120 K

Motivational Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Motivation and Inspiration

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

74 #motivational 36.1 M
75 #motivationquotes 5.7  M
76 #motivationmonday 15.2 M
77 #motivationquotesoftheday 2.6 M
78 #inspiration 267 M
79 #inspirations 3.4 M
80 #inspirationalquotes 49.1 M
81 #positivethinking 14 M
82 #positivequotes 11.3 M
83 #positivevibes 98.9 M
84 #positivethoughts 5.8 M
85 #lifequotes 42.2 M
86 #lifelesons 15.2 M
87 #dreambig 21.7 M
88 #mindsetmatters 35.5 M
89 #mindsetcoaching 1.1 M
90 #getinspired 1.7 M

Fashion Instagram Hashtags

S.No

Fashion and Lifestyle

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

91 #fashions 5.4 M
92 #fasionshow 15.5 M
93 #fashiondesigner 34.2 M
94 #ootd 459 M
95 #ootdfashion 36.1 M
96 #style 691 M
97 #styleblogger 50.1 M
98 #viralfashion 264 K
99 #styleinspo 29.1 M
100 #wardrobe 4.9 M
101 #capsulewardrobe 1.4 M
102 #fashioninfluencer 5 M
103 #seasonalstyle 134 K
104 #clothingbrand 26.7 M
105 #clothing 59.2 M

Comedy Hashtags and Memes Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Comedy and Memes

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

106 #comedy 139 M
107 #comedyreels 12.6 M
108 #comedyvideos 14 M
109 #funnyjokes 2.1 M
110 #joke 13.8 M
111 #jokesfordays 1.5 M
112 #memes 281 M
113 #memesquad 4.5 M
114 #memestar 5 M
115 #viralcomedy 593 K
116 #humor 1.1 M
117 #humor 😂 1.1 M
118 #memeviral 560 K
119 #laugh 43.9 M
120 #lol 167 M

Dance and Music Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Music and Dance

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

121 #music 507M
122 #musiclover 12 M
123 #musician 50.7 M
124 #musicvideo 28.4 M
125 #dance 203 M
126 #dancereels 7.1 M
127 #dancevideo 7.1 M
128 #viraldance 1.8 M
129 #hiphopmusic 11.6 M
130 #hiphopculture 8 M
131 #musicviral 49.5 K
132 #popdance 123 K
133 #choreography 9.6 M
134 #choreo 2.1 M
135 #songreels 559 K
136 #dancelover 3 M

Adventure and Travel Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Travel and Adventure

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

137 #travel 783 M
138 #travelphotography 261 M
139 #travelingram 31.3 M
140 #travelblog 29.8 M
141 #adventurer 3.6 M
142 #adventuredog 4.2 M
143 #wanderlust 158 M
144 #wanderlusting 2.1 M
145 #explore 865 M
146 #exploerepage 4.4 M
147 #viraltravel 41 k
148 #adventureseeker 2.7 M
149 #exploremore 109 M
150 #travel2025 131 k
151 #beachlife 48.8 M
152 #beachvibes 20 M

Pet Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Pets

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

153 #pet 143 M
154 #petphotography 5.9 M
155 #petlovers 25.7 M
156 #cutepets 5.1 M
157 #cutepetsofinstagram 403 K
158 #dogreels 2.7 M
159 #dogreelsofinstagram 518 K
160 #catreels 1.1 M
161 #cathashtags 1000+
162 #pettrend 12.2 K
163 #petfun 63.2 K
164 #petfunny 19.2 K

Parenting Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Parenting and Family

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

165 #parenting 24.3 M
166 #parentingtips 4.7 M
167 #parentinghacks 1.1 M
168 #postitiveparenting 1.2 M
169 #familyreels 149K
170 #familyphotography 14.8 M
171 #family 469 M
172 #familyfirst 22 M
173 #familytrip 8.6 M
174 #dadlife 9.4 M
175 #familytime 86.2 M
176 #parentingmoments 113K
177 #lifewithkids 2.3 M
178 #parentinginspiration 32.3 K

Videography and Photography Hashtags for Instagram

S.no

Photography and Videography

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

179 #photography 1.3 M
180 #photographylover 5000+
181 #cameragear 929 K
182 #camerageargeeks 25.7 K
183 #phototrends 1000+
184 #Landscapephotography 78.3 M
185 #landscape_photography 1.8 M
189 #dronephotography 13.1 M
190 #droneoftheday 4.7 M
191 #streetphoto 12.9 M
192 #streetphotographyinternational 5.4 M
193 #streetphotography_bw 1.7 M

Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels in 2025

S.No

Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels 2025

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

194 #reelshashtags 5000+
195 #instaviralhashtags 100+
196 #popularhashtags 183k
197 #igresviral 52.3 K
198 #instagramreels 125 M
199 #explorepage2025 5000+
200 #instareels 109 M
201 #popularphoto 3.7 M
202 #instapopular 1.3 M
203 #popular 28.6 M

Home and Organization Hashtags for Instagram

S.No

Home and Organization

No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)

204 #homereels 93.9 K
205 #organizationhacks 112 K
206 #insteriordesignideas 5 M
207 #interiordesign 213 M
208 #cleaning 11.5 M
209 #windowcleaning 1.2 M
210 #cleaningservice 2.7 M
211 #dclutter 2.7 M
212 #decluttering 1 M
213 #homedecor 174 M
214 #viralhome 5000+
215 #housecleaning 1.6 M
216 #housecleaningbusiness 57.5 K
217 #cozyhome 5.1 M
218 #diyhome 1.2 M
219 #homeorganization 1.5 M

Sports Hashtags and Outdoor Hashtags on Instagram

S.No Sports and Outdoor No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
220 #sports 68.1 M
221 #sportsphotography 5.4 M
222 #adventuresports 327 K
223 #liveoutdoors 1.4 M
224 #outdoordesign 1.5 M
225 #outdoorphotography 10.4 M
226 #hikingreels 33.6 K
227 #cycling 45 M
228 #runningreels 75.2 K
229 #naturesports 24.2 K
230 #activelifestyle 3.8 M
231 #extremesports 2.1 M
232 #teamsports 266 k
233 #naturesports 24.2 K
234 #activelifestyle 42.7 K
235 #treking 1 M
236 #trekingdays 1000+
237 #extremeweightloss 1.5 M
238 #sportsday 1.3 M
239 #sportsday2025 1000+
240 #hackathon 579 K
241 #hackathons 27.3 K

DIY Hashtags on Instagram

S.No DIY Crafts No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
242 #DIY 98.4 M
243 #craftreels 82.8 K
244 #craftvideo 45.3 K
245 #creative 112 M
246 #creative_portraits 2.2 M
247 #creativeart 4 M
248 #artandcraft 1.9 M
249 #artandcrafts 289 K
250 #artandcratforkids 54.4 K
251 #handmadejewelry 43.8 M
252 #handmadecrafts 3 M
253 #crafting 8.6 M
254 #doityourself 6.7 M

Finance Hashtags on Instagram

S.No Finance and Investing No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
255 #finance 21 M
256 #financetips 4.8 M
257 #investingreels 1000+
258 #investing 32.9 M
259 #investing101 712 K
260 #investingtips 32.9 M
261 #stockmarketinvesting 1.7 M
262 #investingforbeginners 859 K
263 #budget 3.9 M
264 #budgetfriendly 2.2 M
265 #budgeting 2.2 M
266 #wealth 32.9 M
267 #wealthbuilding 5.3 M
268 #generationalwealth 1.5 M
269 #budgettips 212 K
270 #savingtips 135 K
271 #money 80.1 M
272 #moneymoney 602 K
273 #viralfinance 1000+
274 #crypto 39.1 M
275 #cryptocurrency 27.5 M
276 #cryptotrading 6.6 M
277 #cryptocurrencies 2.5 M
278 #cryptousa 220 K
279 #bitcoin 40.7 M
280 #bitcoins 4.1 m
281 #bitcoinprice 1 M
282 #bitcoinmining 2.9 M

Relationship and Love Hashtags on Instagram

S.No Relationship and Love No of Posts ( Mid of 2025)
283 #love 2.1 B
284 #lovestory 35.4 M
285 #lovelife 40.3 M
286 #lovemusic 5.4 M
287 #relationship 18.2 M
289 #relationshipgoals 29.1 M
290 #relationshipadvice 3.9 M
291 #relationshipquotes 9.3 M
292 #couplegoals 70.9 M
293 #couple 89 M
294 #coupledance 516 K
295 #vouples 22.4 M
296 #dating 7.9 M
297 #datingadvice 2.2 M
298 #datingapp 804 K
299 #onlinedating 1.4 M
300 #marriage 29.3 M
301 #marriagegoals 3.1 M
302 #marriage advice 900k
303 #marriageequality 870 K
304 #marriageofconvenience 171 K

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 name or campaign name. Make sure it is short and easy to spell. Once your brand name is created, promote the hashtag on all your platforms and encourage the audience to use it. In this way, you can make sure your branded hashtag is seen by your target audience.

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

To determine the best hashtags that fit your industry, begin by researching the top influencers and competitors in your field. Utilize Instagram’s search bar to locate popular tags that are related to your brand. There are so many free tools available in the market to share relevant hashtags. You can use them.

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

Yes, hashtags that are based on location are very effective in attracting local people in your area and creating an online community within your geographic region. Location-based hashtags allow you to connect with people who live in specific areas, making your content useful to the targeted community. Examples include #NYCFitness or #LondonFoodie. Both work great for local businesses.

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

General hashtags, such as #fitness and #fashion, are more popular but are often crowded. It is very difficult to make your content stand out. Niche-specific hashtags have higher engagement but have a smaller audience.

Combining both kinds of hashtags will help brands to maintain a balance between visibility and engagement.

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

It’s recommended to refresh your Instagram hashtags regularly every few weeks or months, depending on the trend and content performance. Evaluate the performance of your current hashtags, and then add new ones that reflect evolving patterns, seasonal events, or changes in the interests of your audience to ensure that engagement remains high.

Change hashtags depending on

  • Trends in your niche
  • Seasonal Events
  • Changes in audience interest.

Use Instagram insights to analyze the performance of the post and replace low-performing hashtags.

How many hashtags should I use for Instagram Reels?

Instagram permits up to 30 hashtags per post. However, it’s recommended to use between 7 and 14 relevant hashtags to maximize engagement. It ensures authenticity and prevents your post from being overloaded with irrelevant hashtags. Mixing broad, specific, and popular hashtags is the best way to get the most exposure.

Will using too many hashtags affect my Instagram engagement?

Yes, too many hashtags or overloading hashtags will make your post appear unprofessional with a lower engagement rate. Instagram’s algorithm will penalize the excessive use of irrelevant hashtags in your post. Stick to quality over quantity.

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

The most effective time to utilize hashtags for Instagram Reels is during peak times when your followers are the most active. It varies based on time zone; however, the early mornings, lunch time, and evenings are typically optimal. Test different posting times and track the engagement of your audience.

How do Instagram hashtags help my post go viral?

Instagram categorizes hashtags based on the niche.  This categorization makes your posts discoverable by audiences who are searching for a specific niche. Always use relevant and niche-specific hashtags to boost your chances of getting noticed by your followers and entering the explore page.

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

The most popular Instagram hashtags for business in 2025 are

#businessreels – 241k

#entrepreneur – 139 M

 #marketing – 91 M

 #startupbusiness – 2.3 M

#smallbusinessreels – 272K

These hashtags are targeted at a broad spectrum of business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.