After being such an avid Twitter user over the last four plus years and swearing blindly that it was my favourite social media channel, Instagram has surprised me by quickly becoming my favourite and go to channel of them all. A combination of the more powerful visual dimension of images, combined with micro blogging and the addition instagram stories has me uploading and refreshing Instagram like never before.
However, I was a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to Instagram, with so many others having been on the channel for years slowly crafting and curating beautiful feeds and devout followers to go with them. But I’ve been making up for lost time taking to Instagram stories like a duck to water and finally developing an style that I’m happy with and an engaged instagram audience to go with it.
I created this list of Instagram hashtags waaay back in 2016 and figured it was finally time to update it. For those that aren’t in the know, although I suspect most are, hashtags are a great way to discover new people and to promote your pictures so that others can discover you too. When I started using Instagram I used hashtags randomly, typically creating my own to reflect the image. Whilst this is still appropriate, it is more effective to use hashtags that others are commonly using for similar types of images. So what I now do is use a combination of both which is much more powerful. At the same time it can be tempting to use commonly used hashtags without looking at what types of images people are actually using these for which can result in you posting pictures which don’t really meet the theme of the hashtag, especially if it is a community based hashtag like so many of them seem to be. So my one caution before copying and pasting all of the below hashtags, would be to make sure they are relevent to your pictures before you do.
Once you’ve figured out what hashtags are most relevent to you, my top tip would be to save them in your notes sections of your phone so you can copy and paste them across to your pictures as and when you need them rather than type them out from scratch each time. You can still use up to 30 hashtags with each post so have fun exploring the ones that you like and feel drawn to the most. Here’s a combination of the most popular and my favourites across the areas that I most commonly share pictures. I hope they help and inspire you!
Family, Parenting & Children
#thebloomforum #humansofjoy #vscokids #childrenseemagic #ourweekendstories #motherlylove #ohmamamoment #motherhoodthroughinstagram #thismamaloves #ohheymama #thisparentlife #fromwhereistand #littlestoriesofmylife #honestmotherhood #mumsofinstagram #mumswithhustle #runwildmychild #childhoodunplugged #candidchildhood #letthembelittle #childofig #pixel_kids #myhaplycapture #simplykids #oureverydaymoments #lifecloseup #dailyparenting #capturingchildhood #letthembelittle #myhappycapture #worldoflittles #rememberingthesedays #themagicineveryday #littleloves #developinglife #capturemypositive #documentyourdays #uniteinmotherhood #heartfluttermoments #childrenseemagic #acupofmotherhood #stopdropandmom #dailyportrait #petitejoys #kids_unscripted #littlepiecesofchildhood #lifewellcaptured #letsgolittles #perfectandproud #cutekidsclub #momswithcameras #cameramama
Creatives & Bloggers
#livethelittlethings #darlingweekend #darlingmovement #thatsdarling #onmydesk #workspacestyling #workspaceinspo #myhomestyle #instaliving #instahome #nothingisordinary #thehappynow #liveauthentic #momentslikethese #simplepleasures #momentsofmine #inspiremyinstagram #seekmoments #makersmovement #myeverydaymagic #seekthesimplicity #makersgonnamake #createcultivate #gritandvirtue #theconfidentladiesclub #liveunscripted #elevatetheeveryday #restandrealign #collectbeautifulmoments #theslowdowncollective #ofsimplethings #smallmomentsofcalm #forprettysake #creativepreneur #communityovercompetition #calledtobecreative #creativityfound #mindsetiseverything #loveyourlife #herestothecreatives #ontheblog #blogstyle #bloggerlife #creativelife #lovemyblog #dowhatyoulove #makeithappen #thisisthelife #whereiwork #livecreatively #theeverydayproject #solopreneur #instablogger
Lifestyle
#pursuepretty #ohwowyes #flashesofdelight #livethelittlethings #darlingweekend #darlingmovement #thatsdarling #onmydesk #workspacestyling #workspaceinspo #instahome #nothingisordinary #myhomestyle #instaliving #instahome #myhomestyle #nothingisordinary #nestandflourish #sharethehappiness #stylingtheseasons #mynestandburrow #nestandthrive #lovelysquares #deskdecor #HomeEtc #homestyle #documentyourdays #designisinthedetail #makesomething #livebeautifully #thisisthelife #thehappynow #lifestyleblogger#lifestyleblog #liveauthentic #petitejoys #stylemyhome #livecreatively #creativityfound
Travel
#mamastraveltribe #wearetravelmums #postcardsfromtheworld #familyadventure #instatravel #travelgram #familytravelblogger #welltravelledkids #jetsetfam #explorerkids #ouradventure #wanderlust #exploretheworld #beautifuldestinations #wanderluster #familytravel #exploringtheworld #showthemtheworld #travellingwithkids #travelwithkids #darlingmovement #thatsdarling #thehappynow #momentslikethese #simplepleasures #momentsofmine #inspiremyinstagram #myeverydaymagic #mytinyatlas #prettylittletrips #mydarlinglondon
I’d love to hear what your favourite Instagram hashtags are. Let me know and I’ll update this list so that it has even more exciting hashtags!
Thanks for sharing this- Easy to refer sheet. Its great
Author
No problem, glad you found it helpful 🙂
I always have a hard time picking out the best instagram hashtags. Plus, it can get overwhelming seeing ALL of the hashtags on a single post. I read once that you can put them in a comment below your image so that you don’t look desperate, but then you can’t edit the comment… Great list of hashtags in this post though! Do you have any suggestions for finding similar types of images?
Mandy recently posted…English that Germans get Wrong
Author
I’ve read that too and am in two minds about trying it. I usually scroll through the pictures in various hashtags if I am looking for similar images. I’ve found that most of the hashtags, although not all, will have a very similar look and feel of images associated with them 🙂
I only recently started using hashtags. Wish I’d started much earlier as its a great way to interact with the IG community. I have a big list saved in notes on my phone like you, great time saver.
Chloe (Sorry About The Mess) recently posted…Exploring Rye, Camber Sands, and Dungeness
Author
You and me both! I didnt realise for a little while that there were established/common hashtags that IG’ers were using. Better late than never though eh 😉
Oh thank you for sharing these – many I do not know! I adore instagram too. I’ve just set up a hashtag recently called #thismamaloves which is for all your mama loves be it moments, memories, children, food, fashion or even perhaps wine! Would love to see you link up … it’s all new and shiny! #FamilyFun
justsayingmum recently posted…My London Fashion Show Experience
Author
Ah thats fab! I will definitely add that to my list and join in. I cant wait to have a peek and see whats been linked up so far 🙂
I say this all the time but I desperately need to spend a bit of time on my social media platforms – I am going to start with Instagram hashtags. Great post lovely #bloggerclubuk
Natalie recently posted…Meme is six
Author
Thanks lovely. Instagram is a great way to start! Its probably one of the quickest and easiet to get your head around I think 🙂
My favourite #Hashtag that I commonly use on Twitter and never remember to on Instagram is #TodayLittleMonkeyIsWearing… I love that if I search through the hashtag, I get a little timeline of Henrys outfits. Great tips for Instagram. I will be pinching a few of those (or all). Thanks x Renee @peonieandme #bestandworst x
Author
Ahhh thats lovely. I imagine it’ll probably be the same if you were to use it on instagram. I’ve seen a few other bloggers create hashtags so that they can do just that. Its a lovely idea 😉
I feel like I’ve come to the Instagram party quite late too! I’m just getting into it but find i can easily waste a lot of time on it, which is not a bad thing! I’ve found a hashtag group I like but really need to investigate them a bit more too.
Author
Me too. I can easily get completely lost in instagram an what was a quick scan, can turn into 20-30 minutes!
This is a really useful post, and I’ve also stored the hashtags in my notes on my phone too. I’ve only just started using instagram for my.blog, and a little cautious of showing front on pics of my little girl which is why it’s not updated too often. Having said that there are loads of other images I can use. Claire x
Author
Thanks lovely. It feels like a bit of a new world in the beginning but once you get going it can be a bit addictive – I lost hours to instagram I reckon. Im always battling with how much do I show of the little ones too and try to be a little strategic about what I show where. Its a tough balance to find..
Love this list! I’m always looking for new hashtags to use. Some of my favourites are the A Beautiful Mess ones, especially #abmlifeisbeautful & #abmlifeissweet 🙂
Liane recently posted…35 Weeks Pregnant!
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You and me both! Each time you discover one its like discovering a whole new world behind it. I’m going to check those ones out too, thanks lovely 🙂
This is great lovely. I have only got into Insta recently and didn’t have a clue about hashtags. They really have helped but I know you need to put so much effort into interacting and that’s when I struggle. Also it’s hard to have a consistent feed of pics!! I’ll nick some of these lists. Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
Author
Oh I know, its still a challenge for me too – the interaction and consistent posting of images. Definitely things I am trying to focus on getting better at. The hashtags are definitely a good start though, enjoy 😉
This is really useful! I generally just choose random instagram hashtags but know I should be paying them more attention in order to maximise the visibility of my posts – I’ll definitely be giving these a try, thank you! x
Author
Great! Im glad you found it helpful. I was doing exactly the same thing not so long ago 🙂
Thank you so much for putting this together, I’m always looking for new and different hashtags to use! x #BloggerClubUK
Madeline (This Glorious Life) recently posted…Can a photo a day keep the blues away?
This is so helpful I always lack parenting tags so this is a huge help. I tend to use the same few for furness stuff and definitely get more hits that way. Thanks kd again for being so helpful! Mwah! #bestandworst
Fran Back With a Bump recently posted…Domestic Bliss: Perception VS Reality
These lists are fantastic, and so helpful. I have only just started using hashtags properly on instagram, like you i was originally just using ones I made up myself. Last week I created a new folder in OneNote to keep track of all the various hashtags I find useful and there are quite a few here that I did’t know about so I’ll be adding those to the list. Thank you x
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…When You Need To Take A Step Back
These lists are fantastic, and so helpful. I have only just started using hashtags properly on instagram, like you i was originally just using ones I made up myself. Last week I created a new folder in OneNote to keep track of all the various hashtags I find useful and there are quite a few here that I did’t know about so I’ll be adding those to the list. Thank you x
#FamilyFun
Alana – Burnished Chaos recently posted…When You Need To Take A Step Back
Great useful post! Get ready to add #coolmumclub to your list of hashtags next month 🙂
thanks for linking to #coolmumclub! X
Great useful post! Get ready to add #coolmumclub to your list of hashtags next month 🙂
thanks for linking to #coolmumclub! X
I need to keep a note of this. Thanks for sharing. #coolmumclub
Just saved this post to Pocket – one to refer back to I am sure. I still need to get to grips with hashtags, kind of use them a little randomly and the same ones over and over because I never get round to looking for more. Saved me a job! #coolmumclub
This is a really helpful post, Instagram is my favourite social media platform. I use a lot of the hashtags you have mentioned, i also love #myhappycapture , saving your lists now – thank you x #brilliantblogposts
Ah I’m exactly the same. I was late to Instagram party and still playing catch up now but I do love it. I think it may even by my favourite! I really needed these # in a list for me so this post is super useful thank you, another one to pin for later! Thanks for sharing it at #familyfun xx
Tammymum recently posted…Eyes down – Play Bingo, Win Prizes, Connect with friends
Great post! Bookmarked it to use it later on!!! Thank you so much for sharing x #brillblogposts
I’ve not really got sucked into Instagram yet but I am getting there slowly. It great to have a list of popular hashtags to use. That is great I have saved them for future reference. Thanks for linking up to #familyfun you’ll be more than welcome again next week!
Thanks for the tips. I’ll put them to use when I get round to using my account. #bestandworst
Helena recently posted…Creative Crafters For Christmas
I read your post early this morning and have then spent the rest of the day working on my Instagram – figuring out hashtags – following and searching for new ones and generally having a lot of fun. I had been making up my own hashtags willy-nilly, but since I used your tips, I have had more interaction today then I have had for almost a month! Thanks so much for such an informative post!! #brillblogposts
Cherry Newby recently posted…Frenemies – Dealing With Friendships In Primary School
I love Instagram! I wrote a very similar post last week on my favourite hashtags and how to use them strategically – there are lots that you’ve listed that aren’t on my list so more here for me to experiment with! #MarvMondays
Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…Living Arrows 39/52
Thanks again for this. I’ve been using these hashtags and have see a boost already! #marvmondays
Fran Back With A Bump recently posted…Poppy’s Seven Month Update
I love Instagram, it has always been one of my favourite social media channels as I’m such a fan of taking photos. I have to admit, I’m very random with my hashtags though, and tend to just make them up! I have got a bit better and are using regular ones, but this list is fab and I shall definitely to having a look at what is relevant to my feed. Thanks so much for sharing #MarvMondays
Something About Baby recently posted…Times to Treasure – Week 6
I use most of these semi-regularly but a few new ones for me to add to my lists! #marvmondays
Thanks for putting this together! I have a private account on Instagram (I’m a teacher) so find it hard to increase followers – it’s a slow process. I will definitely use/search some of these hashtags though!
#MarvMondays
Loved this post, it’s good to know what to use when I’m posting other than parenting hashtags. Unless it’s a child related image I feel lost in the hashtags haha, but I’ll definitely refer back to this post from time to time. I agree that my engagement has gone up massively since using them!
#marvmondays
I started getting more into Instagram recently as the school holidays meant I didn’t have a s much time as I would have liked to blog, but I still wanted to keep up with what everyone was doing and it’s great for that. Plus as you say, some feeds are so pretty (not mine, I definitely need to work on that bit!) Great tip re saving the hashtags in notes – gamechanger! 🙂 Thanks #MarvMondays
Mess and Merlot recently posted…**Coming Soon!** ‘She Loves Herself’
I too am drawn more and more to Instagram. Thanks for the hashtag ideas
#MarvMondays
exactly what I needed! Thank you. I’ve only started on instagram and I hate it but purely because I have no idea what I’m doing. this will help me loads. thanks #marvmondays
Oh this is fantastic! Thank you. I have just copied and and pasted across. Saturday Siblings and Explorer Kids are two others that I have just started using #MarvMondays
Emma recently posted…The countdown to #BloggersBeatingCancer
I’m an Instagram lover too! A great round up of hashtags!
#MarvMondays
The Tale of Mummyhood recently posted…SAHM vs. Working Mum
I struggle with IG hashtags so it’s lovely to get some help with this. I’ve pinned it for later! Very generous of you to share your tips. #MarvMondays
I must come back and read this again! I’ve got to get my head round IG I think. #marvmondays
I must come back and read this again! I’ve got to get my head round IG I think. #marvmondays
Great tips! I find saving the hashtags I use on my phone really helpful, so time saving! X
I don’t use Instagram for my blog yet, but this was useful for when or if I decide to do it. Thanks 🙂 #MarvMondays
I need this list in my life! I have literally just joined the IG party and I’m still trying to get my head around the hashtags, but I love what I’ve seen of it so far. It would be fab if you could add our #happylittlebuttons tag under the parenting section if you do update it hon? It’s a new community that I co-host with Annette and 3 Little Buttons and Mrs Lighty at Sugar and Spice and All Things Spliced. We’d love to see you. Thanks for hosting #MarvMondays x
I love Instagram, this is a really useful list of hashtags to have! #marvmondays
I love Instagram and I love this list. Fab post that I have bookmarked for future reference! Thank you! #MarvMondays
five little doves recently posted…Caketoppers Review & Giveaway
Brilliant. I really struggle to know which hashtags to add to my Instagrams so this is one post I’ll be bookmarking, Thank you! #marvmondays
Oh dear…I’m feeling very rubbish! My Instagram account is hardly used. It just feels like another thing to get my head around! I’m only just getting to grips with Twitter. I’m fully aware of how old this makes me sound, but it’s also a time issue for me. I can completely see why it can become addictive. This is such a useful post and it makes me want to get more involved in the Insta community. Alison x #MarvMondays
Alison (MadHouseMum) recently posted…A Little Distance
Thanks for putting this post together. I love hashtags on Instagram and am always looking for more. I especially love the home & lifestyle ones, I’m going to have to add some of these to my list. #Marvamondays. X
Jo from Organised Jo recently posted…A quick organising tip for Lego
Can’t beat an instagram hashtag haha! Thanks for the tips, I must start using some. Thanks for hosting #marvmondays
Helen Gandy recently posted…To the 2nd Time Mum……
I need to bookmark this post. I am forever trying to hashtag it up on Instagram but can only ever remember about three relevant Instagram communities! #MarvMondays
so helpful, thank you
Thanks for sharing these, I’ll note them down!
Amy recently posted…Encouraging Creativity With Stickerscape
Ooooh thank you! Perfect timing 🙂 Like you, I was massively into twitter (still am) but am now massively into IG! Have saved those hashtags and have recently added my own ~#HighlightsofHappy !! Thanks so much for this and thanks for hosting #MarvMondays
Carol Cameleon recently posted…All that glitters ~ a boredom buster activity
Thank you thank you thank you! I’m trying to up my Instagram game and this is a huge help! #MarvMondays
Jaki recently posted…The Centre Of His World
Thank you so much for this post! It’s amazing, I am so happy that I’ve read it because sometimes si have difficulty with Instagram hashtag. #Marvmondays
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Jordanne | Thelifeofaglasgowgirl recently posted…Chaophraya New Menu Launch
I too have recently been getting into IG. It’s a great platform. Getting used to #’s takes time. I never know which ones to use! I’ve updated my list with some of your suggestions. Thanks! #DreamTeam
This is great! I’ve been looking for somewhere to grab all the #s people use easily and this is the second post I’ve found that has done just that so thank you! I love instagram, I find it a lot of fun and a really quick social media to engage on. #dreamteam
Kat recently posted…Mini Kat’s Top Ten Picnic Foods
Ooohhhh thanks for sharing. Will be using this post a lot.
#MarvMondays
This is helpful. I’m also late to the IG game and often find myself just making up hashtags that seem to sound good #marvmondays
Thanks so much for sharing this – I’m really trying to build up my Instagram so this is really useful! #marvmondays
Crummy Mummy recently posted…10 reasons all parents should take a brat-cation
Fab list, I often forget instances is there and haven’t gotten into a good posting routine yet #marvmondays
Thank you for sharing this, I am still pretty rubbish with the IG algorithm…haven’t quite cracked it yet! Great to know what hashtags you use…thanks for hosting #marvmondays
Bridie By The Sea recently posted…6 Months of Blogging: Goals & Priorities
I still need to get my Instagram hashtags sorted out!! I’ve got some I use but I’ve not looked at the others available and really should! That’s for these I will look at them when get to it on my to do list! Lol xx #MarvMondays
Mudpie Fridays recently posted…#RememberingTheseDays Week 12
I used to be a very keen twitter user, but the interaction seems to be dwindling slightly and like you I’ve become a lover of Instagram. For my own use and to also see other peoples photos. The majority of pictures we see on there are so beautiful and it’s such a positive place to escape to on our phones. I love your tips. I’ve been steadily growing my following for a while and hashtags definitely help show pictures to different audiences. I’m saving all the tags you have here to use for the different pics!! I use q few already but I don’t often separate hashtags for each category, using the same ones for every pic xx
Lizzie firstooth recently posted…Setting the Caravan on Fire & a Boat Trip {Holiday in the New Forest}
Great post – I’m definitely bookmarking so I can keep checking out the hashtags I shoukd be using! #MarvMondays
Sarah recently posted…Our September Round-Up
I use quite a few of these too. It’s definitely important to check out the hashtags you’re using. Don’t use the ones with tonnes of spam images in it, or a) you’ll get really annoyed, and b) they could start restricting recent images
Emma T recently posted…Project 366 2016 week 39 – cakes and christmassy treats
Thanks so much for this cheat sheet! Like you, I have been loving twitter, and have only recently made the move to Instagram. It’s a fab place, and I love so many of the hashtags. At the moment #HappyLittleButtons is my fav, which I run with Dawn from Rhyming with Wine and Mrs Lighty from All things spliced. We would love to be included in your list.
Thank you for linking up to the #DreamTeam xx
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…Organise Your Home with Holster Brands
Another great post which I will bookmark. I’ve not really got my head around instagram yet – I have a few hashtages I use regulalry but never really checked out others. I’m starting to see the benefit of it though but I am still figuring out my style. There’s so much to do when blogging that social media platform work is on my list – hopefully I will get onto it soon! #TheList
Susie at This Is Me Now recently posted…What I’ve learned this week #1
Love this and thanks for mentioning #LittleFierceOnes 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #TheList x (if you could add our badge that would be awesome xx
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…The Pro Blogger Diary #5
Very helpful!! Instagram hashtag world can be very confusing?! I’ve only just started using them!
#MarvMondays
Thank you for including #WorldOfLittles 🙂
Pat – White Camellias recently posted…Living Arrows 48/52
Thank you for sharing. I am slowly becoming an Instagram addict!
I am a flower blogger so I have many hashtags that I like to follow along with
#postfortheaesthetic
#onmytable
#mycameracapture
I’ve never seen a hashtag list is extensive as this! Most of them I know and use but there are some knew ones I’ll definitely be taking advantage of! Thanks for sharing
– Cydney x
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