Do Hashtags Still Work? The Best Instagram Hashtag Strategy for Growth in 2025

Instagram is constantly evolving- but one question still stumps creators and marketers alike: do hashtags still work in 2025? The answer is yes, but only if you use them right. If you’re trying to grow your brand, boost post reach, or simply show up in the right conversations, having the best hashtag strategy for Instagram is more important than ever.

This blog breaks down what’s working now, how to build your own Instagram hashtag strategy, and how you can pair it with tools like Deepsolv to take your results even further.

Why Hashtags Still Matter in 2025

Instagram hashtags still function as discoverability tools—but with major caveats. The algorithm today weighs context and engagement far more than just the number of hashtags. So simply slapping on 30 tags doesn’t work anymore. You need relevance, timing, and intent.

What the Data Says

• Posts with at least one hashtag get 12.6% more engagement on average.
• Instagram users still browse and discover content using niche hashtags like #veganrecipes or #productivitytips.
• In 2025, Meta’s machine learning prioritizes relevance- so hashtags tied to your content and user behavior matter most.
• The average engagement rate for posts with 3-5 relevant hashtags is 25% higher than those with 10+ irrelevant ones.
• Hashtags now serve as contextual SEO signals, helping your content show up in Instagram search and Explore pages.

The Best Hashtag Strategy for Instagram in 2025

If you're wondering what the best hashtag strategy for Instagram really looks like, here’s what works:

1. Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags

Use a tiered system:

• Broad hashtags: 1M+ posts (e.g., #marketingtips)
• Mid-level: 100K–1M posts (e.g., #emailmarketing)
• Niche: <100K posts (e.g., #b2binstagramgrowth)

This helps you show up in both fast-moving feeds and smaller, more loyal communities.

2. Limit to 5–8 Highly Relevant Hashtags

Meta’s 2025 guidelines suggest that fewer, more relevant hashtags outperform mass hashtag stuffing. Keep it focused and specific.

3. Test Hashtag Placement: Caption vs Comment

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here. Some posts perform better with hashtags in the caption, while others perform better when hashtags are in the first comment. Use A/B testing and insights to evaluate your content.

4. Create and Promote a Branded Hashtag

Own your brand’s space. A branded hashtag encourages user-generated content and makes it easier to track brand mentions.

Branded hashtags also become searchable assets for campaigns. Customers looking for product FAQs, reviews, or deals can find everything under one digital roof.

How Deepsolv Enhances Your Hashtag Strategy

Even the best hashtag strategy for Instagram needs real engagement to work. That’s where Deepsolv comes in. Once your hashtags help new audiences discover you, Deepsolv ensures you turn that visibility into community, leads, and sales.

Deepsolv specializes in:

• Instagram Comment Automation: Instantly reply to comments triggered from hashtag campaigns.
• Smart Retargeting: Reconnect via replies and DMs with anyone who showed interest earlier.
• DM Automation: Share CTAs, offers, or product info directly through Instagram DMs.

Here’s how it elevates your hashtag game:

1. Automate Replies on Hashtag-Discovered Posts

When your post shows up in a hashtag feed and users comment, Deepsolv’s AI-powered automation instantly replies with brand-aligned messaging. This helps you:

• Keep potential customers engaged in real-time
• Push them towards product links, offers, or landing pages
• Build trust through personalized interactions

And it’s not just any reply- it’s a response that mirrors your brand tone, using sentiment analysis and contextual understanding.

2. Retarget High-Intent Commenters

Let’s say a user comments on your post but doesn’t follow or convert. Deepsolv remembers. With its smart retargeting engine, you can send DMs later when your product is back in stock, on discount, or trending again.

Use Case: A skincare brand saw a 40% boost in conversions by retargeting users who previously asked about product availability using hashtag-discovered posts.

3. Handle DMs from Hashtag Campaigns

Running a campaign with a branded hashtag? Deepsolv can automate DMs to anyone who interacts with those posts—whether it’s a discount code, product details, or booking links.

Pro Tip: Try combining your CTA with a hashtag—e.g., “Comment ‘GLOW’ under this post to get a special offer in your DMs.” Let Deepsolv handle the rest.

Real-Life Example: Hashtag Strategy + Automation in Action

Let’s say you’re a fitness brand launching a new protein shake. You use these hashtags:

• #FitnessFuel (branded)
• #PostWorkout
• #VeganProtein
• #CleanSupplements

Your post appears in these feeds, and you get 400+ comments:

• “Where can I buy this?”
• “Is it good for weight loss?”
• “Does this work for lactose-intolerant people?”

Instead of manually replying, Deepsolv handles every comment:

• Replies instantly with helpful product answers
• Sends personalized DMs with a product link
• Remembers who commented and follows up with a discount next week

Result: Less drop-off, higher conversion, and happy customers. No manual follow-ups required.

Bonus Tips: Hashtag Research Tools and Sources

Even though Deepsolv focuses on community management and automation, you still need solid tools for hashtag research. Here are a few recommendations:

• Instagram Search: Start with the app’s built-in tag search for trending suggestions.
• Explore page: Analyze which hashtags your competitors or influencers are using.
• Branded UGC: Look for hashtags your audience already uses in relation to your niche.
• Inflact: Offers hashtag generation based on keyword and image analysis (https://inflact.com/hashtag-generator/)
• Hashtagify.me: Tracks hashtag popularity, usage trends, and competition (https://hashtagify.me/)

Final Thoughts

The truth is, hashtags in 2025 are less about the number and more about the nuance. The best Instagram hashtag strategy isn’t about gaming the algorithm—it’s about showing up in the right conversations, with the right content, and making sure those conversations convert.

That’s exactly where Deepsolv can help. By combining hashtag visibility with instant replies, targeted retargeting, and smart DMs, you’re not just getting more reach- you’re driving more results.

📌 Ready to turn your hashtags into real growth? Book a free demo with Deepsolv today and automate the engagement that drives conversions.