Based on an experiment conducted by Hootsuite, it was found that Instagram Reels with 30 hashtags outperformed those with only three hashtags. Contrary to expectations, Reels with more hashtags received significantly more views, suggesting that using up to 30 hashtags could increase exposure for high-quality and engaging content. However, it is important to note that the number of hashtags should be coupled with high-quality content and authentic engagement on the platform. The experiment also highlighted the importance of having a robust following, consistent posting, and significant engagement levels on Instagram for optimal results.

What is the optimal number of hashtags for Instagram Reels?

Based on an experiment conducted, contrary to expectations, Instagram Reels with 30 hashtags outperformed those with three. For example, a Reel about wrestling received 512 views with 30 hashtags against 7 views with three. This suggests that for high-quality, engaging content, using up to 30 hashtags could significantly increase exposure. However, it’s important to note that the number of hashtags should be coupled with high-quality content and authentic engagement on the platform.

At Hootsuite HQ, we don’t merely have a penchant for social media experiments, we have a purpose: to serve our audience. So when a reader asks us to deep dive into the optimal number of hashtags for Instagram’s Reels, we’re more than eager to investigate.

Reels continue to be one of the top-performing formats on Instagram, and adding hashtags can potentially boost reach. The question, though, is: how many tags are indeed beneficial? While Instagram allows for up to 30 tags in a Reels caption, the quantity doesn’t always equate quality.

With Instagram posts, our experiments have shown that the sweet spot is three to five hashtags. But, will the same hold for Reels? The only way to determine this is through conducting hashtag-based tests.

Forming the Hypothesis

We’ve recently experimented with hashtags on Instagram posts and established that sticking to a maximum of five yields the most reach. Instagram may let you add up to 30 hashtags per post, but doing so potentially makes your content look spammy and may even hurt your reach.

Based on this, it’s reasonable to assume that three to five hashtags will also be the best bet for Instagram Reels. Interestingly, the Instagram Creators account explicitly recommends keeping the number of hashtags between three to five.

However, many of Instagram Reels’ top creators often go beyond the five-hashtag recommendation. For instance, @Gabe, who boasts over a million followers, uses 10 to 12 in his videos. Thus, the waters remain murky.

The Methodology

The approach I took was creating six Instagram Reels, posting each twice, each time with varying amounts of hashtags. Using this method, I could accurately compare the effects of different numbers of hashtags on the same video.

Instagram Reels captions can be up to 2,200 characters long. However, I kept the captions succinct so that I could attribute reach to my hashtag strategy, not keyword SEO.

When it came time to fill my caption with hashtags, I used a mixture of Hootsuite Composer’s AI hashtag suggestions and other popular Instagram Reels hashtags. I then used the Hootsuite Planner tool to schedule these Reels to post at optimal times over the course of a week. Afterward, I used Hootsuite Analytics to determine which hashtag count was most effective.

Revised Methodology and Initial Findings

Shockingly, my initial attempt yielded zero views. After some introspection, I realized my mistake: conducting the experiment on an impersonal account with no real followers or interactions, which led Instagram’s algorithm to flag my account as spam.

In light of this, I revisited the experiment using my personal account. I created six more Reels, half with minimal hashtags, half with the maximum. After posting, I went back to Instagram to gather some real results.

The Actual Results

Contrary to expectations, the Reels with 30 hashtags outperformed those with three. For instance, a Reels about wrestling received 512 views with 30 hashtags versus 7 views with three hashtags. Similarly, Japan travel content garnered 350 views with 30 hashtags, compared to 8 views with three.

The results suggest that for high-quality, engaging content, using up to 30 hashtags could significantly increase exposure.

Interpreting the Results

It’s important to note that this experiment isn’t an absolute conclusion, and individual experiences may differ. However, some key observations can be drawn from my experience:

More Hashtags for Reels

Contrary to Instagram posts, Reels seem to have a higher reach with more hashtags. Even increasing your hashtags from 5 to 10 or 10 to 20 might help. However, ensure your hashtags are clear, authentic, and descriptive to connect with the right audience.

Quality Content Over Hashtags

High-quality content is more crucial than the number of hashtags. Regardless of the number of hashtags, the posts that performed best were those that offered value to viewers.

Instagram Behavior Matters

The Instagram algorithm takes into account other behavior on the platform. Therefore, it’s essential to have a robust following, interact with other users, post consistently, and have significant engagement levels.

In conclusion, hashtag usage needs to be strategic and coupled with high-quality content and authentic engagement on the platform. This brave Instagram Reel hashtagger is off to hit the showers, but if this experiment has you hankering for even more social media exploration, check out the rest of our Hootsuite Experiments.

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Experiment conducted by Hootsuite found that Instagram Reels with 30 hashtags outperformed those with only three hashtags
Reels with more hashtags received significantly more views, suggesting that using up to 30 hashtags could increase exposure for high-quality and engaging content
The number of hashtags should be coupled with high-quality content and authentic engagement on the platform
Having a robust following, consistent posting, and significant engagement levels on Instagram is important for optimal results
Experiment involved creating six Instagram Reels, posting each twice with varying amounts of hashtags
Initial attempt yielded zero views due to conducting the experiment on an impersonal account, but revisiting the experiment using a personal account produced results
Reels with 30 hashtags received more views compared to those with three hashtags
More hashtags for Reels seem to have a higher reach, but ensure hashtags are clear, authentic, and descriptive
High-quality content is more crucial than the number of hashtags
Instagram algorithm takes into account other behavior on the platform, so having a robust following, consistent posting, and engagement is important
Hashtag usage needs to be strategic and coupled with high-quality content and authentic engagement on the platform