Are Hashtags Still Relevant on Instagram in 2025?
Here’s the deal—hashtags on Instagram have been the marketing holy grail for years. But spoiler alert: they’re not the magic engagement tool everyone claims they are. For musicians and independent artists trying to grow on Instagram, it’s not about plastering 30 hashtags under every post. Nope, it’s way deeper than that.
Welcome to the truth about hashtags in 2025. Stick around to find out why they’re no longer steering the ship and what you should focus on instead.
The hashtag obsession is outdated
Look, I get it. The advice to “use hashtags to grow your Instagram” is everywhere. But here’s the kicker—obsessing over hashtags won’t automatically make your posts go viral. Sure, they can help, but they are far from the main driver of growth on Instagram these days.
Think about it. When was the last time you followed someone just because they used #love or #instamusic? Crickets, right? And yet, artists spend hours glued to their phones, researching the “perfect” combination of hashtags.
It’s time to break free.
Why hashtags aren’t the secret sauce you think they are
Here’s the thing about hashtags—they’re not the magical growth hack that's going to skyrocket your reach. Don't believe me? Even Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, has flat-out said hashtags don’t significantly boost reach.
1. Instagram penalizes spammy hashtag use
1. Instagram penalizes spammy hashtag use
Newsflash—Instagram doesn’t want you gaming the system. Their algorithm is an actual mastermind at weeding out spammy behavior, including overusing or misusing hashtags. Oh, and those infamous banned hashtags? There are more than 60.000+ of them.
Some of them are obviously off-limits (#explicitwords), but others are super mundane. #adulting and #always were banned at one point. Seriously.
If you think you’re being clever by slapping #love on your post to boost reach, you might actually be inviting Instagram’s algorithm to ghost you or worse, shadowban you.
2. Famous artists don’t need hashtags
Check out your favorite artists—Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish. Spoiler alert again… they’re probably not using hashtags. Why? Because they don’t have to. Their clout carries them to the top of feeds naturally.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “Well, I’m not Beyoncé.” True. But if hashtags aren’t what drives success for the big names, what are the chances they will work for you?
3. You’re probably using too many hashtags
Confession time—are you one of those artists who copy-pastes the same generic 25-30 hashtags on every post? No shame, but that’s not helping. Try to stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags per post instead. Quality > quantity.
Flooding your post with hashtags like #music, #songwriting, #studio doesn’t help if:
- Everyone else uses them.
- They don’t match your content. Case in point, slapping #singersongwriter on a post about your dog? Yeah, no.
Spammy hashtag strategies look lazy, and they tank your engagement. You’re better than that.
4. Generic hashtags = content black hole
4. Generic hashtags = content black hole
"#Love, #instamood, #musician"—these popular hashtags are used billions of times. BILLIONS. Do you honestly think your post is going to compete with 2.1 billion other posts? Hate to break it to you, but your content is just getting shoved into the void of overused hashtags.
What’s worse, using the most popular ones won’t bring you the right audience. Why? Because people searching for #love are not looking for your punk-rock acoustic cover. Using generic hashtags is like performing to an empty room. A room that also smells weird.
5. Even Instagram admits hashtags don’t drive growth
This is the kicker, and it bears repeating—Adam Mosseri himself has acknowledged that hashtags don't drastically increase reach. They're just one piece of the puzzle. Concentrate on compelling content, playing into trends, and connecting authentically with your audience. THAT’S what grows your account.
What should artists be focusing on Instead?
I get it, this sounds bleak. But don’t dump hashtags entirely; just be smarter about using them. And—here’s the kicker—shift where your attention goes. Content strategy beats hashtag wizardry, every single time.
1. Stop making it a science
You’re not decoding some ancient algorithmic scroll. Hashtags aren’t rocket science. Instead of researching like it’s a PhD project, spend that time perfecting your hooks—the first 3 seconds of a Reel, an engaging opening line in your caption, or visuals that stop the scroll. A killer piece of content will smash dull hashtags every day of the week.
2. Use better, niche hashtags
If you’re going to use hashtags, aim for niche ones that act like secret doorways to specific communities. For example:
- Instead of #music, try #indiemusiclove.
- Instead of #art, how about #posterart?
Pro tip? Niche hashtags will attract a more targeted audience. And a targeted audience is 100x better than random numbers on your insights. Your followers are supposed to be enthusiasts of whatever you're putting out, not just bots.
3. Be creative, not predictable
Instagram’s algorithm is smart enough to detect when you’re pasting the same hashtags post after post. Switch it up. Tailor your hashtags to each post. For example:
- Posting a new demo? Use hashtags like #bedroomproducer, #acousticvibes.
- Sharing gig photos? #undergroundmusicscene, #liveandloud.
Match the hashtag to what’s happening in your content. Revolutionary, I know.
4. Double down on content strategy
This is where your energy should go. Not into hashtags. Into:
- Posting high-quality visuals.
- Writing vulnerable, relatable captions.
- Storytelling that connects you to future superfans.
- Comments that build actual relationships with fans.
Your goal? Get people to notice YOU, not just a #.
5. Leverage new Instagram features
Instagram evolves lightning-fast. Stop clinging to old tricks and experiment with new features. AI recommendations are showing people content based on their interests, not on hashtags. Translation? If your music content slays, Instagram will do the heavy lifting, even hashtag-free.
Try this:
- Use trending Reel formats.
- Post carousel posts—they’re amazing for engagement.
- Get real in Stories—ask questions, share mini music tutorials, or tease new songs.
The hashtags will feel secondary because your content DESERVES attention.
Final takeaway: it’s the content that matters
Listen up, musician—hashtags aren’t the magic wand they were hyped up to be. Sure, use them sparingly and strategically, but don’t lean on them like a crutch. Focus on your content. Focus on your story. Focus on your art and the way you show it to the world through social media. THAT is what will make people follow, engage with, and fall in love with your music.
