In the current social media environment, Instagram Reels have emerged as one of the most effective tools for influencers, brands, and creators to reach a large audience. However, you're losing out on a great chance to gain new followers and go viral if you're posting Reels without the appropriate hashtags.
Using the appropriate hashtags can help you get your content to Instagram's Explore page, increase views, and develop a devoted following, regardless of your background as a content creator, educator, small business owner, or novice.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Why Instagram hashtags are effective
- How Reels' visibility is affected by hashtags
- The best ways to use hashtags
- A categorized list of hashtags for Instagram Reels that have gone viral
- Innovative strategies to increase participation through themes and trends
Let’s get started with the most unique and the trendiest way to understand the hashtags and also the tip to go viral.
What is Instagram?
Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), Instagram is a free social media site where users can follow others, post images, videos, and stories, and interact with others by leaving likes, comments, and messages.
Since its 2010 launch, Instagram has become one of the most widely used platforms globally, particularly among influencers, brands, and content producers. Today, more than 2 billion people use it every month all over the world.
Key Instagram Features Includes:
- Posts: Add images and brief videos to your profile.
- Stories: Content that vanishes after 24 hours
- Reels are brief, vertical videos (up to 90 seconds) that resemble TikTok videos.
- IGTV / Videos: Longer-form videos, typically lasting more than a minute
- Live video broadcasting in real time
- Direct Messages (DMs): A feature for private chat
- Explore Page: Find popular content, hashtags, and creators
Instagram is particularly effective for:
- Developing individual brands
- Promoting companies or goods
- Distributing instructional materials
- Getting in touch with your audience aesthetically
Whether you're a creator, educator, artist, or business owner, Instagram helps you expand your online presence both creatively and visually, connect with your community, and reach new audiences.
Why Instagram Reels Hashtags are Important?
Instagram hashtags are useful search engines in addition to being ornamental tags at the end of your caption. Your Reel may show up in someone's feed when they search for or follow a hashtag. The appropriate hashtag combination increases:
- Discoverability: Allows new audiences to see your content.
- Engagement: Higher algorithm ranking results from more likes, shares, and comments.
- Relevance: Assists Instagram in comprehending the category of your content.
- Viral Potential: It spreads more widely the more people interact with it.
The content of reels is brief and moves quickly. But whether your 15-second masterpiece reaches 500 or 50,000 people depends on the hashtags.
How Instagram Reels Hashtags Work?
Instagram looks at your video content, hashtags, and caption when you post a reel to determine who should see it. For the algorithm, hashtags function similarly to keywords.
Here's the trick, though: Too generic = low engagement. Too niche = low reach. The sweet spot is a mix of trending + niche + branded hashtags.
And remember, keep in mind that hashtags in posts behave somewhat differently than those in reels. Reels are visible to non-followers, so using the appropriate tags can make your content visible to more people than just your followers.
Best Practices for Using Hashtags fo Viral Reels
Here are some quick tips to get the best results before we dive into the hashtag list:
1. Use 15–30 Hashtags
Instagram lets you use up to 30 hashtags. To expand your audience, use at least 15, but make sure they are pertinent to your content.
2. Mix Popular & Niche Tags
Don't rely solely on popular hashtags like #foryou or #reels. Combine them with the theme of your content (e.g., #learnspanish if your Reel teaches Spanish).
3. Create Branded Hashtags
Start by giving your page a distinctive hashtag, such as #LearnWithAakash. This enables followers to search through all of your content and helps you develop your personal brand over time.
4. Don’t Repeat the Same Tags Every Time
Instagram may mark repeated hashtag usage as spam. Continue to update and rotate according to your content.
5. Put Hashtags in the Caption or First Comment
Both are acceptable. The comment keeps your caption neat, and the caption keeps things visible. Select the option that best suits your style.
Theme-Based Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels (Updated for 2025)
This is a list of Reels' top-performing hashtags, arranged according to content themes. These have been shown to increase visibility and are frequently trending.
1. Entertainment & Trending Reels
Ideal for creators posting comedy, memes, or trend-based content.
- #reels
- #reelsinstagram
- #funnyreels
- #trendingreels
- #viralvideo
- #fyp
- #relatable
- #lol
- #explorepage
- #reels2025
2. Dance & Music Reels
For artists performing lip-syncs, dance moves, or utilizing popular music.
- #dancereels
- #reelsdance
- #reelsmusic
- #groovewithme
- #instadance
- #viralbeats
- #dancechallenge
- #musicreels
- #rhythmoftheday
- #beatdrop
3. Educational & Informative Reels
Ideal for knowledge-based content producers, coaches, and educators.
- #learnoninstagram
- #edureels
- #reelsforlearning
- #knowledgeshorts
- #quicktips
- #infobytes
- #teachthroughreels
- #reelsforstudents
- #oneminutelessons
- #studyreels
4. Fitness & Motivation Reels
Try these if your reels feature exercises, makeovers, or daily inspiration:
- #fitnessreels
- #workoutmotivation
- #homeworkout
- #fitspiration
- #reelsfitness
- #fitgoals
- #transformationreels
- #motivationdaily
- #pushyourlimits
- #mindandmuscle
5. Mental Health & Self-Care Reels
Journaling, wellness, mindfulness, and positive content complement:
- #selfcarereels
- #mindfulmoments
- #mentalhealthmatters
- #healingjourney
- #positivityvibes
- #youmatter
- #reelsforpeace
- #journalinglife
- #emotionalhealth
- #soulgrowth
6. Food & Recipe Reels
Displaying street food reviews, cooking tips, or recipes?
- #foodreels
- #reelscooking
- #instafoodies
- #quickrecipes
- #tastetest
- #recipeoftheday
- #homemaderecipes
- #foodideas
- #snacktime
- #yumreels
7. Tech & Productivity Reels
Excellent for makers of digital tools, devices, or productivity tricks.
- #techreels
- #reelstips
- #productivityhacks
- #digitaltools
- #lifehackreels
- #appsoftheday
- #automateyourlife
- #creatormindset
- #gadgetreviews
- #techin60
8. Art, DIY & Creative Reels
Artists, designers, and craft enthusiasts will love these.
- #artreels
- #diymagic
- #craftideas
- #paintwithme
- #timelapseart
- #creativevibes
- #handmadehappiness
- #doodlefun
- #designprocess
- #reelsartwork
9. Travel Reels
For creators showcasing destinations, routes, or travel tips.
- #travelreels
- #placestovisit
- #wanderlustvibes
- #vacationgoals
- #tripshorts
- #traveltheworld
- #hiddenplaces
- #reelsonthego
- #passportready
- #explorereels
Instagram Video Hashtags (For Non-Reels or Longer IG Videos)
Using hashtags designed for video content can help you reach a more targeted and interested audience when you post longer-form videos on Instagram (such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes, interviews, or instructional clips via IGTV or feed).
These hashtags are intended to draw attention to video-based content, extend the duration of viewing, and establish a connection with Instagram users who frequently watch more than just reels.
1. Use These Instagram Video Hashtags:
- #instagramvideo
- #videogram
- #videopost
- #videooftheday
- #igvideocontent
- #behindthescenes
- #contentvideo
- #dailyvideo
- #longformcontent
- #videomarketing
- #igtvvideo
- #videoediting
- #storytellingvideo
- #talkingheadvideo
- #howtovideo
- #explainergram
- #in30seconds
- #feedvideo
- #contentseries
- #igvideochannel
2. General Instagram Video Hashtags
- #instagramvideo
- #videogram
- #videopost
- #videooftheday
- #igvideo
- #instavid
- #feedvideo
- #dailyvideo
- #longformvideo
- #contentvideo
3. Educational / Tutorial Video Hashtags
- #howtovideo
- #learnoninstagram
- #tutorialvideo
- #educationalcontent
- #igedutok
- #knowledgebytes
- #learnwithme
- #teachthroughvideo
- #oneminutelesson
- #explainergram
4. Behind-the-Scenes & Vlog Video Hashtags
- #behindthescenes
- #btsvideo
- #dayinthelife
- #creatorlife
- #reallifecontent
- #vloggram
- #lifeonvideo
- #rawcontent
- #unfilteredlife
- #videodiary
5. Motivation & Thought Leadership Hashtags
- #talkingheadvideo
- #mindsetvideo
- #motivationgram
- #thoughtleadership
- #speaktoinspire
- #realtalkvideo
- #buildyourbrand
- #personalbrandingvideo
- #leadershipthoughts
- #successmindset
6. Marketing & Product Video Hashtags
- #videomarketing
- #productdemo
- #promovideo
- #brandedcontent
- #marketingvideo
- #launchvideo
- #productfeatures
- #sellwithvideo
- #instagramads
- #videopromo
Creative Tips to Go Viral (Beyond Hashtags)
Although hashtags are crucial, the following extra advice will help you elevate your reels:
- Hook in the first 3 seconds: To get people's attention, begin with movement, a bold question, or text on screen.
- Use trending audio wisely: To stand out from the crowd, however, customize it to your niche.
- Add closed captions: The majority of users turn off the sound while watching Reels. To keep them interested, use text.
- Post consistently: Reels three to four times a week keep your page active and in the algorithm's favor.
- Engage in comments: Your post's chances of going viral increase with the amount of interaction it receives early on.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the appropriate Instagram Reels hashtags is about putting your content in front of the right people, not just following trends.
Hashtags serve as a conduit between your content and millions of potential viewers, regardless of whether you're selling, inspiring, educating, or amusing.
Stay creative with your themes, be consistent in your appearances, and keep your hashtags up to date. A post could be the key to your next viral reel.
FAQs
1. Are hashtags good for Instagram Reels?
Yes! Using hashtags increases the visibility of your reels and expands your audience, including non-followers. They aid in audience targeting and can boost engagement.
2. What’s the meaning of Insta?
Instagram, a social media platform where users can share images, videos, and narratives, is colloquially referred to as "Insta."
3.What does IG really mean?
In social media, "IG" typically means "Instagram," but depending on the situation, it can also mean "I guess" in texting.
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