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Confused about Instagram hashtags and whether you should still be using them? Let’s clear it up.
Confused about Instagram hashtags and whether you should still be using them? Let’s clear it up.
In 2025, Adam Mosseri shared that Instagram was prioritizing SEO keywords over hashtags. Instead, keywords in captions, bios, and especially on-screen text started playing a much bigger role in discoverability.
Fast forward to 2026, and Instagram made another update that’s important to understand.
Hashtags are back — but with guardrails.
You can now use up to five hashtags per post, and they’re meant to support SEO, not replace it. They only work if they’re highly intentional.
Why this works is pretty simple.
It guarantees keyword coverage, so you’re not relying only on captions.
It reinforces SEO discipline without cluttering the actual caption.
And it creates consistency across posts and across accounts.
It is also important to note that Instagram content is now Google-searchable.
Public posts from Business and Creator accounts can show up in Google Search. That includes static posts, carousels, Reels, and captions.
This unlocks reach beyond the Instagram feed.
It increases discoverability through Google.
It gives content a longer shelf life.
And it strengthens your brand’s overall SEO footprint.
The takeaway is that Instagram isn’t just a social platform anymore — it’s part of your search strategy.
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By Adam Brown
5
33 ratings
Confused about Instagram hashtags and whether you should still be using them? Let’s clear it up.
In 2025, Adam Mosseri shared that Instagram was prioritizing SEO keywords over hashtags. Instead, keywords in captions, bios, and especially on-screen text started playing a much bigger role in discoverability.
Fast forward to 2026, and Instagram made another update that’s important to understand.
Hashtags are back — but with guardrails.
You can now use up to five hashtags per post, and they’re meant to support SEO, not replace it. They only work if they’re highly intentional.
Why this works is pretty simple.
It guarantees keyword coverage, so you’re not relying only on captions.
It reinforces SEO discipline without cluttering the actual caption.
And it creates consistency across posts and across accounts.
It is also important to note that Instagram content is now Google-searchable.
Public posts from Business and Creator accounts can show up in Google Search. That includes static posts, carousels, Reels, and captions.
This unlocks reach beyond the Instagram feed.
It increases discoverability through Google.
It gives content a longer shelf life.
And it strengthens your brand’s overall SEO footprint.
The takeaway is that Instagram isn’t just a social platform anymore — it’s part of your search strategy.