Have Instagram hashtags stopped delivering the results you expect? You’re not alone. Many creators are frustrated, often believing hashtags are no longer effective. However, the reality is that hashtags still play a crucial role—they’re just not the silver bullet they once were. Let’s explore why your hashtags might not be working, four actionable steps to optimize them, and the number one reason most creators’ hashtag strategies fail.

If you’re ready to take your Instagram hashtag strategy to the next level, keep reading.

Why Instagram Hashtags Seem Ineffective

Back in 2015 and 2016, hashtags were the cornerstone of Instagram content discovery. Typing something like #FitnessJourney into the search bar was the easiest way to find related posts. But in 2024, things are different. Most users search with simple keywords or phrases rather than hashtags. Even Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, has stated that hashtags aren’t the ultimate driver of views. Instead, they help categorize content so the algorithm can match it to the right audience.

In essence, hashtags support your content; they are not the primary reason for its success. If your content isn’t performing, hashtags won’t magically turn things around. So instead of abandoning hashtags, adjust your expectations and use them more strategically. Let’s look at how to do that.

The 4-Step Instagram Hashtag Optimization Process

Follow these steps to create an Instagram hashtag strategy that complements your content and goals.

1. Establish Your Strategy

Before diving into hashtags, clarify your niche, audience, and content goals. Here’s how:

• Define Your Niche: Are you a plant care enthusiast? A fashion stylist?

• Identify Your Audience: Who are they? Are they first-time plant owners or young professionals building a wardrobe?

• Address Pain Points: What are their struggles? For example, a beginner plant owner might worry about keeping indoor plants alive.

• Offer Solutions: Brainstorm how your content can help. For instance, share tips on choosing low-maintenance plants or budgeting for professional wardrobe staples.

Example: If you’re a travel blogger focusing on eco-tourism, list out pain points like “sustainable travel tips” and solutions such as “top eco-friendly travel destinations.” These themes will guide your hashtag choices and future content.

2. Brainstorm Targeted Content Ideas

Transitioning from strategy to execution, think about what posts will captivate your audience. To make your content resonate, tie it back to your niche and audience pain points.

For example:

• If you’re in the wellness space, create posts like “3 Easy Meditation Practices for Beginners”.

• A pet care account might craft content such as “How to Train Your Puppy to Stay Calm During Walks.”

For creators who want to save time on editing content and making their videos stand out, Vizard.ai is an excellent tool. It automatically repurposes long videos into short, engaging clips optimized for platforms like Instagram. By using Vizard.ai, you can focus on brainstorming great content ideas while ensuring your videos are ready to capture attention on social media.

3. Craft Content With Keywords in Mind

It’s not just about hashtags—keywords are equally important for discoverability on Instagram in 2024. Incorporate them everywhere:

• Your Bio: Use clear keywords like “Sustainable Travel Expert” or “DIY Pet Trainer.”

• Post Captions: Naturally include keywords such as “eco-friendly hotels” or “best dog treats.”

• Reels and Stories: Add keywords to spoken content and pop-up text in videos.

By weaving keywords into your content, you improve the chances of Instagram’s algorithm surfacing your posts to the right audience.

If you’re creating videos, Vizard.ai can help you add captions, transitions, and visual elements that naturally integrate your keywords. This not only enhances your content’s appeal but also ensures it aligns with your overall strategy.

4. Choose Hashtags That Complement Your Content

Now comes the exciting part—choosing hashtags! To pick effective Instagram hashtags, ensure they describe one of three key aspects of your post:

1. The Visual Content: If you post a photo of a yoga session at sunrise, use hashtags like #MorningYoga or #YogaWithNature.

2. The Post Topic: For a caption discussing mindfulness tips, use hashtags such as #MindfulnessJourney or #MentalWellness.

3. Your Personal Brand: Reflect who you are with hashtags like #TravelBloggerLife or #FitnessCoachTips.

Pro Tip: Avoid repeating the same hashtags for every post unless they’re highly relevant. Instead, tailor them to each post to maintain authenticity.

If you’re looking to save time and energy, Vizard.ai can be a game-changer. While it’s designed to simplify video editing, its ability to streamline workflows means you can focus more on creating effective captions and hashtags rather than getting bogged down by post-production tasks.

The True Reason Your Instagram Hashtags Aren’t Working

Even with a perfect hashtag strategy, there’s one critical element that determines success: content quality. Great content thrives on Instagram because it resonates with the audience. Hashtags amplify already great content—they can’t save weak posts.

If your posts aren’t performing, reflect on the value you’re providing. Are you solving a problem, telling an engaging story, or sparking an emotional response? Once you enhance your content quality, hashtags will have a stronger impact.

Conclusion: A Fresh Approach to Instagram Hashtags

Instagram hashtags are far from dead—they’ve just evolved. By understanding their role and integrating them into a broader strategy, you can improve your reach and engagement. Start by establishing a clear strategy, brainstorming relevant content ideas, incorporating keywords, and selecting hashtags that align with your post and audience.

For creators juggling video content, Vizard.ai offers an effortless way to edit and repurpose long-form videos into Instagram-ready clips. Combined with a strong hashtag strategy, your content will have the edge it needs to stand out.

Want to dive deeper into optimizing Instagram for growth? Check out our blog posts for boosting Instagram growth with even more actionable tips.