Instagram tags can help your posts reach more people, get better engagement, and grow your account faster. But most users either use tags randomly or use the same ones again and again.
If you want real growth, you need a simple strategy.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Instagram tags like a pro, in a clean, smart, and easy way.
What Are Instagram Tags?
Instagram tags are tools that help Instagram understand your content and show it to the right people.
Tags help you get:
- More reach
- More profile visits
- More followers
- More comments, likes, and saves
- Better visibility in search
The best part? Tags work for both business accounts and personal creators.
Different Types of Instagram Tags You Can Use
Most people think tags only mean hashtags. But Instagram has more than that.
1) Hashtags (#)
Hashtags group your post into a topic.
Example:
- #InstagramTips
- #SmallBusinessUK
- #DigitalMarketing
Hashtags help your content appear when people search or follow those topics.
2) Location Tags (📍)
Location tags show your post to people in that area.
Best for:
- Local businesses
- Service providers
- Restaurants, salons, gyms
- Events
Example:
- Slough
- Saint Albans
- London
Even if you sell online, location tags can still help you get local followers.
3) People Tags (@)
This is when you tag a person or business in your post.
You should tag:
- your client (if they allow it)
- your team member
- the brand you used
- your photographer or video editor
This increases the chances they will share your post, which gives you extra reach.
4) Collaboration Tag (Invite Collaborator)
This is a very powerful feature.
When you create a collab post, it appears on both accounts at the same time.
So you can reach their followers too.
Best for:
- brand partnerships
- influencer posts
- shoutouts
- joint videos and reels
5) Product Tags (For Online Shops)
If you sell products, product tags let people click on your product and buy it easily.
This works great for:
- clothing brands
- skincare brands
- home décor
- jewellery and accessories
Why Instagram Tags Matter So Much
Instagram has millions of posts uploaded every day. Tags help your post get seen by people who actually want to see it.
When you use the right tags:
- Instagram understands your topic
- your posts appear in search
- your audience becomes more targeted
- you get more saves and shares
That means better growth.
How to Use Hashtags Like a Pro (Easy Steps)
Let’s make this super simple.
Step 1: Don’t Use Only Trending Hashtags
Many people use popular hashtags like:
#love #instagood #reels #viral
But these are too broad and too competitive.
Your post gets lost quickly.
Step 2: Use a Mix of Hashtags
Professional Instagram users don’t use only big hashtags. They use a mix.
Use:
- 2–3 big hashtags
- 5–7 medium hashtags
- 5–8 small niche hashtags
This helps you rank better and reach the right people.
Step 3: Keep Hashtags Relevant
If you post about “Instagram marketing”, don’t use hashtags about travel or fitness just to get views.
Irrelevant hashtags bring the wrong audience and reduce engagement.
Always match hashtags to your content.
Step 4: Use 10 to 20 Hashtags (Best Range)
You don’t always need 30 hashtags.
A safe and effective range is:
10–20 hashtags per post
It keeps your post clean and still gives good reach.
Step 5: Use Different Hashtag Sets
Don’t repeat the same hashtags in every post.
Instead, create 5–6 hashtag sets based on content.
Example sets:
- tips & education
- business growth
- reels strategy
- local business
- niche keywords
- customer results
This helps you stay fresh and avoids spam signals.
How to Use Location Tags for Better Reach
Location tags are amazing for local reach.
Best Time to Use Location Tags
Use it when:
- you offer services in a city
- you are at a client site
- you are attending an event
- you are posting local content
Example:
If you provide roof cleaning services, use:
- Slough
- Saint Albans
- Abbots Langley
This helps you show up to people nearby.
How to Use People Tags the Right Way
Tagging people is simple, but do it smartly.
Who to Tag
Tag:
your customers (only with permission)
- the brand featured
- collaborators
- people in the photo/video
Who NOT to Tag
- Don’t tag big random brands that are not related to your post.
- That looks spammy and unprofessional.
How to Use Collab Posts for Fast Growth
Collab posts are one of the best ways to grow quickly.
Simple Collab Ideas
Here are easy collab post ideas:
- Business + client (testimonial post)
- Business + influencer (product review)
- Brand + photographer (behind-the-scenes)
- Two creators (reels together)
- Joint giveaway post
Collabs help you gain followers faster because you reach 2 audiences at once.
Reels vs Posts vs Stories: Best Tagging Style
Each Instagram format works differently.
For Reels
Reels need:
- strong hook
- good video quality
- trending or relevant audio
- short caption + keywords
- 3–8 hashtags
Reels don’t need too many hashtags.
For Carousel Posts
Carousels are best for saves and shares.
Use:
- 10–20 hashtags
- clear headings
- simple tips
- call-to-action
Example CTA:
- Save this post
- Share it with a friend
For Stories
In stories, keep tags light.
Use:
- 1 location sticker
- 1 mention sticker
- 1 hashtag sticker (optional)
Too many stickers can make the story look messy.
How to Find the Best Instagram Tags
You don’t need expensive tools to find good tags.
Method 1: Instagram Search Bar
Search your keyword and see suggestions.
Example:
Type “Instagram tags” and you’ll see:
- #instagramtag
- #instagramtips
- #instagrammarketing
Pick the best ones for your topic.
Method 2: Check Competitors
Go to similar accounts and check:
- their top posts
- their hashtags
- their captions
- their location tags
Then create your own version.
Method 3: Use Content-Based Tags
Use tags based on what your post is about.
Example:
If your post is about reels growth, use:
- #reelstips
- #reelsstrategy
- #reelsgrowth
Not random tags.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes if you want better results:
- Using only big hashtags
- Using unrelated hashtags
- Copy-pasting the same hashtag list daily
- Tagging random big accounts
- Forgetting location tags for local business
- Using too many tags in stories
Example: Pro Tag Setup for a Post
Here is a simple example of how a pro would tag a post:
Caption Example
- “Want better reach on Instagram?
- Use a mix of hashtags, add a location tag, and tag the right people.
- Save this post for your next upload”
Hashtags
#instagramtips #instagramtags #hashtagstrategy #contentcreator #instagrambusiness #socialmediamarketing #marketingtips #digitalcreator #reelsgrowth #growoninstagram
Location
Slough
People Tag
@yourbrandpartner
Quick Pro Strategy (Follow This Weekly)
If you want consistent growth, do this:
- Post 3–5 times per week
- Use 10–20 hashtags
- Add location tag (if relevant)
- Tag people and brands correctly
- Use 1 collab post every week
- Track which hashtags bring reach
Final Words: Tag Smart, Not Hard
Instagram tagging isn’t about using the most hashtags.
It’s about using the right ones.
If you want to use Instagram tags like a pro:
- use a mix of hashtags
- keep them relevant
- add location tags
- tag people correctly
- use collab posts
- stay consistent
That’s how you grow faster and attract the right audience.