How to Pick the Best Instagram Hashtags

The problem isn't finding hashtags – it's finding the best Instagram hashtags 2025 that match your content's actual performance level. Using #love or #instagood might seem smart, but competing against millions of posts guarantees invisibility. INSSIST's Tag Assist transforms Instagram hashtag research from gambling into data-driven strategy.

Manual Research vs INSSIST Tag Assist

Feature	Manual Research	INSSIST Tag Assist
Data Analysis	Guessing from post counts	Real-time engagement analytics
Difficulty Assessment	No way to measure competition	4-tier difficulty scoring system
Performance Tracking	Manual tracking	Automated 24-hour normalized metrics
Relevant Hashtags	Manual searching	AI-powered hashtag discovery
Strategy Balance	Hope for the best	Smart balance assessment
Time Investment	15+ minutes per post	2-3 minutes total

INSSIST analyzes actual Instagram data in real-time, calculating engagement rates, difficulty scores, and reach potential for every hashtag. This hashtag analytics tool turns speculation into science.

INSSIST automatically analyzes your last 42 posts to establish your baseline engagement. The system calculates your average likes and comments, normalized to 24-hour periods using Instagram's engagement decay algorithm. This becomes your benchmark for hashtag difficulty analysis.

Step 1: Search and Analyze Hashtags

Click Assistant+ and open Tag Assist module. Enter any hashtag to instantly see:

• Total Posts: Overall hashtag popularity
• Posts Per Day: Current trending velocity
• Average Likes: Normalized 24-hour engagement
• Average Comments: Community interaction level
• Difficulty Score: Color-coded competition level
• Reach Estimation: Potential audience size

Each metric uses INSSIST's proprietary normalization formula that accounts for Instagram's time-based engagement decay, providing accurate comparisons across different posting times.

Step 2: Build Your Hashtag Ladder

The LADDER feature creates the perfect hashtag mix:

1. Enter 3-5 seed hashtags related to your content
2. INSSIST discovers up to 1000 relevant hashtags
3. Automatically sorts them into difficulty tiers:
   • Low (Purple): Niche hashtags where you'll rank easily
   • Medium (Pink): Balanced competition matching your level
   • High (Coral): Challenging but achievable targets
   • Very High (Orange): Extremely competitive hashtags

The system ensures you're using hashtags across all difficulty levels – essential for Instagram reach optimization in 2025.

Step 3: Create Hashtag Collections

Save time with reusable hashtag templates:

1. Go to COLLECTIONS tab
2. Create named collections for different content types
3. Add hashtags with one-click selection
4. Bulk analyze entire collections for performance

Collections automatically update with fresh analytics, ensuring your Instagram hashtag strategy stays current. Make sure to rotate your collections between posts to avoid Instagram's spam detection.

Real-Time Competition Analysis

INSSIST's difficulty scoring uses a sophisticated algorithm:

Difficulty Rate = Hashtag Engagement / Your Account Engagement

This means a hashtag with 1000 average likes is "easy" for accounts averaging 2000 likes, but "hard" for accounts averaging 100 likes. The system personalizes every recommendation to your specific performance level.

If your account engagement is low, e.g. for fresh, brand ned or niche accounts, the system will suggest long-tail hashtags.

Performance Normalization Technology

INSSIST uses Instagram's engagement decay curve to normalize all metrics to 24-hour periods:

• Fresh posts show actual engagement
• Older posts get mathematically adjusted
• Accounts for Instagram's algorithm changes

This hashtag performance tracking ensures decisions based on current data, not outdated metrics.

How many hashtags should I use on Instagram in 2025?

Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post. Instagram now uses AI-powered algorithms to mark accounts as spam, and having 30 hashtags per post may reduce your post reach. It is recommended to use no more than 15 hashtags, distributed across difficulty tiers.

What are the best hashtags for Instagram growth?

The best hashtags match your current engagement level. Use INSSIST's Ladder feature to find hashtags where your content can realistically rank in "Top Posts," typically those with similar or slightly lower engagement than your average.

What makes a good Instagram hashtag?

Good hashtags have:

• Engagement levels matching your account
• Active daily posting (not dormant)
• Relevant audience for your niche
• No ban or restriction flags

INSSIST automatically evaluates all these factors.

How to avoid shadowbanned hashtags?

INSSIST flags banned and restricted hashtags with warning indicators. The system checks Instagram's internal ban lists in real-time, preventing accidental shadowban triggers.

Can I track hashtag performance over time?

Yes, INSSIST stores historical data with timestamps. Collections show performance changes, helping identify which hashtags drive growth versus those losing effectiveness.

Should I use the same hashtags repeatedly?

INSSIST's Collections feature encourages variety. Create multiple collections and rotate them to avoid Instagram's spam detection while maintaining consistency in your niche.

How does INSSIST compare to other hashtag tools?

INSSIST analyzes actual Instagram data in real-time, while most tools rely on static databases. The 24-hour normalization and personalized difficulty scoring are unique features unavailable elsewhere.