Wondering how many hashtags on Instagram to use? The Instagram hashtag limit is 30 per post or caption. The best number of hashtags for posts and Reels in 2026 is 3–5 relevant tags. This guide covers the Instagram hashtag limit 2026, how many hashtags for Instagram Reels and Stories, and a simple Instagram hashtag strategy. Pair with our Instagram hashtags for likes, Instagram caption generator, Instagram Reels caption generator, best time to post on Instagram, Instagram Reel dimensions, and increase Instagram likes.
If you're searching for how many hashtags on Instagram, Instagram hashtag limit, or the best number of hashtags for 2026, you're in the right place. On this page you'll find:
Use the table of contents to jump to the section you need. For more reach, combine hashtags with our Instagram hashtags for likes, Instagram caption generator, and best time to post on Instagram.
By the end of this guide you will be able to:
To get the most from how many hashtags on Instagram and your Instagram hashtag strategy, have these in mind:
Then go to Instagram Hashtag Limit (30) and Best Number of Hashtags (3–5) for the exact numbers and strategy.
How many hashtags on Instagram are allowed? Instagram's hashtag limit is 30 per post or caption. If you add more than 30 hashtags in a single caption or in the first comment (when you use the first comment for hashtags), Instagram will not accept the extra tags—your caption or comment may fail to post or truncate.
The Instagram hashtag limit 2026 applies to:
You do not have to use all 30. Most creators and studies suggest using 3–5 relevant hashtags for the best balance of reach and relevance. For the full picture, see Best Number of Hashtags (3–5). For hashtag ideas, use our Instagram hashtags for likes and Instagram caption generator.
What is the best number of hashtags on Instagram? For 2026, the best number of hashtags for posts and Reels is 3–5 relevant hashtags. Instagram Creators and multiple studies recommend fewer, high-quality tags over filling all 30. Relevance and niche focus tend to outperform a long list of generic hashtags.
Why 3–5?
You can still use up to 30 if your strategy calls for it (e.g. a mix of niche + mid-size + broader tags). The key is quality over quantity. Pair your hashtags with strong captions and posting time: use our Instagram Reels caption generator, best time to post on Instagram, and Instagram hashtags for likes.
How many hashtags on Instagram post? Up to 30 in the caption or first comment. Recommended: 3–5.
How many hashtags for Instagram Reels? Same limit: 30 in the Reel caption or first comment. Recommended: 3–5 relevant hashtags so the algorithm can match your Reel to the right audience. For Reels, also use the right Instagram Reel dimensions and a strong caption with our Instagram Reels caption generator.
How many hashtags for Instagram Stories? You can add hashtags in Stories via text or the hashtag sticker. The same 30-hashtag limit applies. In practice, 3–5 keeps your Story clean and on-strategy; too many can look cluttered.
| Content type | Limit | Recommended (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Feed post | 30 | 3–5 |
| Reel | 30 | 3–5 |
| Story | 30 | 3–5 |
For more growth, combine how many hashtags on Instagram with our Instagram hashtags for likes, Instagram caption generator, and increase Instagram likes.
Once you know how many hashtags on Instagram to use (3–5 recommended, up to 30 max), apply a simple strategy:
That’s a 2026 Instagram hashtag strategy that stays within the Instagram hashtag limit and focuses on the best number of hashtags (3–5). For ready-made tag ideas, use our Instagram hashtags for likes.
Use this checklist to confirm your how many hashtags on Instagram setup:
If everything above is done, your Instagram hashtag strategy is set. Next: use our Instagram hashtags for likes, Instagram Reels caption generator, and increase Instagram likes for more reach.
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post or caption. If you add more than 30, your caption or comment may not post. The same limit applies to feed posts and Reels captions.
The best number of hashtags on Instagram for 2026 is 3–5 relevant hashtags per post or Reel. Instagram Creators and many studies recommend fewer, high-quality hashtags over filling all 30. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
Use 3–5 relevant hashtags for Instagram Reels. The technical limit is 30 (same as feed posts). Reels with a small set of relevant hashtags often perform better than those with many generic tags.
You can add hashtags to Instagram Stories via text or the hashtag sticker. Instagram applies a limit (up to 30). Using 3–5 relevant hashtags is a common best practice; too many can look spammy.
Yes. The Instagram hashtag limit is 30 per post or caption. This applies to feed posts, Reels, and captions. Hashtags in the first comment also count toward this limit if you add them there instead of the caption.
Using all 30 hashtags is not required for good reach. Many creators and studies suggest 3–5 or 3–10 relevant hashtags perform better. Focus on relevance and niche tags rather than filling to 30.
Hashtags still help Instagram understand and categorize your content. The platform continues to use them for discovery. Using a few relevant hashtags (3–5) is recommended; avoid spammy or banned hashtags to protect reach.
You can put hashtags in the caption of your post or Reel, or in the first comment. Both count toward the 30-hashtag limit. Many creators put 3–5 in the caption and the rest in the first comment to keep the caption clean, or use only 3–5 total.