What Are the Trending Instagram Hashtags in 2026? Updated Guide

2026 Update: How Trending Instagram Hashtags Work Today (Read This First)

Instagram’s hashtag system has changed dramatically since we first wrote the original version of this article back in 2023! (we’ve kept the original article below for reference). Trends move faster, the algorithm relies heavily on AI-driven recommendations, and users increasingly discover content through Instagram search, Reels, and keyword-based suggestions, not just hashtags.

Before reading the original guide below, here’s what you need to know about finding and using trending Instagram hashtags effectively in 2026.

1. Trending Hashtags Still Matter – But They Don’t Drive Reach Alone

In 2026, hashtags play a supporting role. They help Instagram:

• categorise your content

• understand your niche

• place your post in the correct topic cluster

• match your content with search intent

However, they no longer guarantee high reach by themselves.

Instagram now prioritises:

• relevance

• watch time (for Reels)

• saves & shares

• on-screen text

• spoken keywords

• caption keywords

• engagement quality

Hashtags help discovery but engagement drives distribution.

2. Trending Hashtags Are Now “Topic Clusters,” Not Just Viral Words

You won’t gain meaningful reach by using broad trending tags like #love or #photography.

In 2026, trending hashtags fall into micro-trend categories, such as:

• trending niches (#minimalistdecorideas)

• trending challenges (#365creativechallenge)

• trending communities (#momsoftok on Reels)

• trending events (#metgala2026)

• trending aesthetics (#darkacademia)

• trending problems (#smallbusinesspackaging)

These hashtags trend within niches, not globally, which makes them far more valuable.

3. Instagram Search Has Replaced Hashtags for Trend Discovery

Instagram search now behaves like TikTok and Google:

People search using natural phrases like:

• “skincare routine for sensitive skin”

• “top travel spots 2026”

• “easy dinner recipes”

• “small business shipping hacks”

This means:

Keywords now matter MORE than hashtags.

Beyond hashtags, Instagram reads:

• your caption

• on-screen text

• your Reel transcript

• product tags

• alt text

• user comments

Hashtags support this, but are no longer the main driver of trending visibility.

4. The 2026 Hashtag Formula That Actually Works

Data from analytics tools (Later, Metricool, Buffer) shows that the best results come from:

3–8 highly relevant hashtags, NOT 25–30 as in previous years.

The best mix:

• 2–3 trend-based hashtags

• 2–3 niche-specific hashtags

• 1–2 location hashtags (if relevant)

• 1 branded or campaign hashtag

The biggest mistake in 2026?
Using generic trending tags with no relevance to your post.

5. Reels + Trending Hashtags Deliver the Highest Reach

Reels dominate Instagram in 2026.

To maximise visibility:

• speak your keywords in the video

• include on-screen text

• add 5–8 hashtags

• encourage saves by including quick tips, tutorials, or value hooks

Reels combined with targeted trending hashtags consistently outperform static posts on reach, engagement, and follower growth.

6. AI Influences Which Hashtags Trend

Instagram now uses AI to detect content themes (fitness, dogs, travel, fashion) automatically.

Trending hashtags often emerge from:

• sudden spikes in AI-detected topics

• user-created challenges

• seasonal content

• global news or cultural events

• Reels remix trends

Your hashtag strategy should follow your niche’s micro-trends, not global hashtags with millions of posts.

7. Tools for Finding Trending Hashtags Are More Accurate in 2026

Use updated tools that support AI and real-time trend scanning:

• Instagram’s own search suggestions

• TikTok-style keyword prompts

• Later / Metricool hashtag trend monitors

• Native Instagram “Topics” for Reels

• AI-based hashtag generators (with caution)

Trending hashtags now change DAILY — not yearly.

Continue Reading the Original Article Below

The updated overview above reflects how hashtags truly work in 2026.
The original content still provides helpful foundational knowledge on hashtag types, usage, and examples.

How to Use Trending Hashtags for Better Marketing on Instagram

It takes a genius to invent the hashtag as a perfect means to categorise content in social media. It takes a super-patient person to use this blessing to the full because searching good hashtags for Instagram posts is a lot of work. Another way to employ the potential of this simple, yet powerful content labeling technique is to entrust hashtag generating to the tireless AI-based tool.

Why is Using Hashtags on Instagram So Important?

Invented to facilitate grouping and searching content on a specific topic, hashtags have become one of the most efficient ways of free Instagram promotion. Instagram hashtags help businesses and potential customers meet each other. Users add popular Instagram hashtags to their captions so that others can see photos and posts on the same topic when they search by hashtag.

Using hashtags effectively on Instagram requires avoiding some typical missteps. Many users lean towards generic hashtags that are too broad, reducing the chances of reaching a targeted audience. It’s important to research hashtags not only for their popularity but also for their relevance to your content.

Regularly updating your hashtag strategy helps you adjust to ongoing trends and stay current. Neglecting this can lead to diminished engagement.

Instagram hashtags can be general that are used by everybody and niche that relate to specific products, services, or campaigns. Whichever you use, you make your posts more noticeable in the ocean of similar content.

You may want to know how many hashtags you should add to your Instagram posts or Reels and where to put them. Just pick a couple of good hashtags relevant to the subject of your account, another two or three indicating your location, and five to seven relating to the post. Hashtags can be added at the end of your caption, they can be used as meaningful words nicely interwoven in the text or grouped in the first comment to your post.

How Do I Find Trending Hashtags for Instagram?

Now that you’re convinced that using hashtags is a must, you’re probably wondering how to find the best hashtags for Instagram. To find trending Instagram hashtags, use the platform’s search function. Type in a keyword that you think is relevant to your post and go to the Tags tab. You’ll see a list of hashtags and the count of posts with these hashtags. Find suitable ones that are not extremely popular — say, with a usage of 50K and less.

Combining popular and niche hashtags can enhance your post’s reach. Popular hashtags will attract a wide audience, while niche ones target specific interests.

This mix ensures that your content is seen by both a vast audience and those likely to engage deeply. Balancing these can optimise your presence on the platform.

Check out what hashtags your competitors from the same niche or industry use. Borrow their ideas to capture the attention of your potential followers.

What are the Most Popular Hashtags for 2023?

To answer this, we need to know what hashtags are trending right now on Instagram. We’ve been closely following what hashtags our hashtag generator users copied most often in 2022. Here is Inflact’s list of 30 top hashtags on Instagram:

1. #photography
2. #photooftheday
3. #nature
4. #travelphoto
5. #instagram
6. #love
7. #travel
8. #traveltheworld
9. #fashion
10. #foodphotography
11. #picoftheday
12. #art
13. #traveler
14. #motivationalquotes
15. #travelphotography
16. #traveller
17. #travelingram
18. #traveladdict
19. #travelblog
20. #fashionphotography
21. #traveldiaries
22. #travels
23. #lifestyle
24. #motivation
25. #travellife
26. #igtravel
27. #travelholic
28. #digitalmarketing
29. #instatraveling
30. #travelawesome

Tools for Analyzing Hashtag Performance

Analysing the performance of your hashtags can inform future decisions. Instagram Insights provides valuable data on which hashtags drive the most engagement.

Other platforms like Sprout Social and Hootsuite offer in-depth analytics, allowing users to track the success of specific hashtags over time. By understanding these metrics, you can refine your strategy to increase visibility and interaction.

Conclusion

People often use Instagram’s search option when they are looking for specific content by hashtag. If you choose the right hashtags for your posts, they will draw your target audience in. Your account will have a larger reach and, if you publish quality content, gain a bigger following.

Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Becky Halls