Examples of Tips for Using Hashtags Effectively (Start Here)

Let’s start with what you really want: real examples of tips for using hashtags effectively that you can copy, tweak, and use today.

Imagine you run a small bakery in Austin and you’re posting a short video of your new cinnamon rolls on Instagram Reels. Here’s a smart hashtag set you might use:

• #austinbakery – local, niche
• #atxeats – local foodie community
• #cinnamonrolls – product-specific
• #bakerylife – industry
• #supportlocal – broader sentiment
• #smallbusiness – broad but relevant

This is a concrete example of using a mix of local, niche, and broader hashtags. You’re not spamming #food or #yum alone. You’re placing your post where your actual customers hang out.

Now compare that to a weak approach:

• #food #foodie #yum #love #instagood #followme #likeforlike

This second set is what most people do—and it’s why their reach stalls. These tags are too broad, overused, and often targeted by bots.

These two side‑by‑side posts are some of the best examples of how smart hashtag choices make your content discoverable instead of lost in the noise.

Real Examples of Tips for Using Hashtags Effectively on Major Platforms

Different platforms treat hashtags differently. Here are real examples of tips for using hashtags effectively on the big four: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X.

Instagram: Mix Niche + Mid-Sized + A Few Broad Tags

Instagram still uses hashtags to help categorize content and suggest it to interested users, especially in Explore and Reels. Meta’s own help center notes that hashtags help people “find content that interests them” and help creators “get discovered” (source).

Example: Fitness Coach Post (2024)
A fitness coach posts a short glute workout Reel. Here’s a smart hashtag strategy:

• Niche: #gluteworkoutforwomen #homegluteworkout
• Mid-sized: #legdayworkout #homeworkouts
• Broad but relevant: #fitnesstips #workoutmotivation

This is one of the clearer examples of tips for using hashtags effectively because:

• Niche tags help you rank in smaller, more targeted feeds.
• Mid-sized tags give you steady discoverability.
• A few broader tags give you a shot at bigger exposure without relying on them.

On Instagram in 2024, most social pros recommend 5–15 highly relevant hashtags rather than stuffing 30 random ones.

TikTok: Treat Hashtags Like Search Keywords

TikTok behaves more like a search engine every year. Users literally type in things like “easy dinner recipes” or “how to do eyeliner.” TikTok’s own resources emphasize that adding descriptive hashtags helps the algorithm understand your content and connect it to search intent (TikTok Business Help Center).

Example: Small Skincare Brand
They post a video on how to layer products for acne‑prone skin.

Smart hashtag set:

• #acneskincareroutine
• #skincareforacne
• #oilyskinroutine
• #skincaretips
• #dermatologistapproved (if true!)

Weak hashtag set:

• #fyp #foryou #viral #xyzbca

The first set is a perfect example of tips for using hashtags effectively on TikTok because it matches what people actually search for. The second set is just wishful thinking.

LinkedIn: Fewer, Highly Focused Hashtags

LinkedIn hashtags help categorize professional content so it can show up in topic feeds like #marketing or #leadership. LinkedIn recommends using no more than 3 hashtags per post to keep things clean and relevant (LinkedIn Help).

Example: Marketing Manager Sharing a Case Study

A marketing manager posts about a successful B2B campaign:

• #b2bmarketing
• #contentstrategy
• #demandgeneration

This is a textbook example of using hashtags effectively on LinkedIn:

• All tags are directly tied to the content.
• They match real topic feeds that professionals follow.
• There’s no clutter or off-topic tags like #motivationmonday.

X (Twitter): 1–2 Strong Hashtags Beat a Wall of Blue Text

On X, hashtags still help you appear in topic searches and trending conversations. But stuffing them can look spammy and hurt readability.

Example: Nonprofit Promoting a Climate Event

A nonprofit shares a thread about an upcoming climate summit:

Join us at the 2025 Austin Climate Action Summit to learn how cities can cut emissions and build resilient communities.

We’re bringing together local leaders, scientists, and organizers to share real solutions.

Register here: [link]

ClimateAction #AustinTX

Two targeted hashtags—#ClimateAction and #AustinTX—are a clean example of tips for using hashtags effectively: relevant, easy to read, and tied to active conversations.

How to Research Hashtags: Examples Include Simple, Free Methods

You don’t need fancy software to find better hashtags. Here are examples of tips for using hashtags effectively that you can use with nothing but your phone.

Use the in‑app search bar
Type a keyword related to your post, like “meal prep.” Most apps will show:

• Popular hashtags (e.g., #mealprep, #mealprepideas)
• Related tags (e.g., #mealprepsunday, #mealpreprecipes)
• Sometimes, post counts next to each tag

Pick a mix of tags where:

• The tag is clearly relevant to your content.
• The post count isn’t so huge that you’ll vanish instantly.

Example: Meal Prep Creator on Instagram

They search “meal prep” and see:

• #mealprep – 20M+ posts
• #mealpreprecipes – 1.2M posts
• #mealprepsunday – 500K posts
• #easymealprep – 150K posts

A smart set might be:

• #easymealprep (niche)
• #mealprepsunday (community)
• #mealpreprecipes (mid‑sized)
• #healthyrecipes (broader, but still relevant)

This creator is using examples of tips for using hashtags effectively by choosing tags where they have a real shot at being seen, instead of only competing in a 20M‑post ocean.

Check what your audience and peers use
Look at:

• Top posts from creators in your niche
• Posts your ideal audience likes and comments on

Write down recurring hashtags and note:

• Which ones feel spammy or off‑topic
• Which ones match your content and audience perfectly

This simple research gives you real examples of what’s already working in your space.

Blending Branded, Community, and Campaign Hashtags

Not all hashtags serve the same purpose. Strong strategies blend three types: branded, community, and campaign tags.

Branded Hashtags: Your Home Base

A branded hashtag is one you “own” and encourage followers to use.

Example: Coffee Shop Brand Tag

A local coffee shop called “Bean & Bloom” might use:

• #beanandbloom – their main brand tag

They add it to every post and encourage customers to tag their drink photos. Over time, that tag becomes a mini-gallery for their brand.

Community Hashtags: Join Existing Conversations

Community hashtags are where your people already hang out.

Example: Indie Author on TikTok

They might use:

• #BookTok – broad community
• #indieauthor – niche identity
• #romantasybooks – specific genre

These are best examples of community tags: they plug you into existing streams of readers and creators.

Campaign Hashtags: Short-Term, Trackable

Campaign hashtags are temporary and tied to a specific launch, challenge, or event.

Example: Summer Challenge for a Gym

A gym runs a 30‑day challenge:

• Branded: #IronCityGym
• Campaign: #IronCity30DayChallenge

Members share progress using the campaign tag, and the gym can easily find and repost their content. This is a very clear example of tips for using hashtags effectively to organize user‑generated content.

How Many Hashtags Should You Use? Real-World Examples by Platform

There’s no magic number, but patterns have emerged from 2024–2025 social media best practices and platform guidance.

Here are examples of tips for using hashtags effectively when it comes to quantity:

• Instagram: Often 5–15 relevant hashtags perform better than 0 or 30 random ones.
• TikTok: 3–8 descriptive, search‑friendly hashtags.
• LinkedIn: 1–3 very specific, professional hashtags.
• X (Twitter): 1–2 hashtags max to keep posts readable.

Example: Overstuffed vs. Balanced Instagram Post

Overstuffed caption:

Trying a new leg workout today! #workout #fitness #fit #fitlife #fitspo #gym #gymtime #gymlife #legs #legday #exercise #health #healthy #healthylifestyle #motivation #inspiration #fitfam #strong #strongwomen #abs #cardio #training #bodybuilding #muscle #squat #deadlift #weights #fitnessaddict #fitnessjourney

Balanced caption:

New leg day routine that actually hits glutes and hamstrings.

Save this for your next gym session.

gluteworkout #legdayworkout #womenwholift #strengthtrainingforwomen #fitnessjourney

The second version is easier to read and focuses on hashtags that describe the content and audience. It’s a stronger example of tips for using hashtags effectively because it respects both the algorithm and the human reader.

Avoiding Hashtag Mistakes: Real Examples of What Not to Do

Sometimes the best way to learn is to see what to avoid. Here are real examples of common hashtag mistakes in 2024–2025.

Using Banned or Misinformation-Related Hashtags

Platforms regularly limit or block hashtags associated with spam, misinformation, or harmful content. For health topics especially, it’s better to reference trusted sources like CDC or NIH and avoid questionable tags.

For example, if you’re posting about flu prevention, you might:

• Use tags like #fluSeason and #fluPrevention
• Link to CDC flu guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html

This is an example of pairing hashtags with credible information, which builds trust and reduces the risk of being flagged.

Hijacking Irrelevant Trending Hashtags

Bad example: A small candle brand uses #Oscars on a random product shot just because the awards are trending.

People clicking #Oscars are not looking for candles. The post looks spammy and can hurt your brand’s reputation.

Copy-Pasting the Same 30 Hashtags Forever

Algorithms and audiences both evolve. Repeating the same block of tags on every post is a missed opportunity.

Better example: Keep a core set of 8–10 evergreen tags and rotate 5–10 that are specific to each post. Over time, you’ll build a library of real examples of tips for using hashtags effectively tailored to different content types.

Tracking What Works: Turning Hashtags into Data

You don’t have to guess whether your hashtags are working. Most platforms give you basic analytics, and some third‑party tools offer deeper insights.

Simple tracking approach:

• Create a note or spreadsheet with columns for:
  • Date
  • Platform
  • Post type (Reel, Story, feed post, etc.)
  • Hashtags used
  • Key metrics (reach, saves, shares, clicks)

Example: Creator Testing Hashtag Sets

Week 1:

• Uses mostly broad tags: #fitness #workout #health
• Average reach per post: 1,200

Week 2:

• Switches to more niche tags: #beginnerworkout #homeworkoutforwomen #lowimpactworkout
• Average reach per post: 2,300, with more saves and comments

Now you have real examples of how niche, descriptive hashtags can outperform generic ones. That’s how you turn “tips” into a repeatable strategy.

If you’re sharing health, nutrition, or wellness content, consider aligning your language and topics with trusted sources like:

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: https://ods.od.nih.gov/
• Mayo Clinic Healthy Lifestyle: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle

You can then build hashtags around those topics (for example, #hearthealth, #healthyeatingtips) so your content and your tags both reflect evidence‑based guidance.

FAQ: Examples of Hashtag Questions People Actually Ask

What are some simple examples of tips for using hashtags effectively for a small business?

Here’s a quick scenario. A local landscaping business in Phoenix posts a before‑and‑after yard makeover on Instagram. Instead of #landscaping alone, they use:

• #phoenixlandscaping
• #desertlandscaping
• #arizonahomes
• #yardmakeover

These are strong examples of tips for using hashtags effectively because they:

• Target local customers
• Reflect the climate and style
• Describe the actual service shown

Can you give an example of a good hashtag strategy for a health coach?

A health coach sharing a post about heart‑healthy snacks might use:

• #hearthealth
• #healthysnacks
• #nutritiontips
• #wellnesstips

They could also link to reputable resources like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/. This combo—relevant hashtags plus credible links—is a strong example of using hashtags to reach the right people while building trust.

Do hashtags still work in 2024–2025, or are they outdated?

They still matter, but they work differently than they did years ago. Today, the best examples of tips for using hashtags effectively focus on:

• Treating hashtags like search keywords
• Keeping them specific and relevant
• Using fewer, better tags instead of long spammy lists

Algorithms now lean heavily on content itself (captions, audio, video, on‑screen text), but hashtags still help categorize and surface posts to interested users.

Should I put hashtags in the first comment or in the caption?

Most recent tests show that relevance and quality matter more than placement. Putting hashtags in the caption is simpler and still effective. If you prefer a cleaner look, you can place them in the first comment, but don’t stress over this more than choosing the right tags.

How do I find the best examples of hashtags for my niche?

Look at:

• Top posts in your niche on each platform
• Competitors and creators your audience already follows
• Hashtags suggested by the search bar when you type your main topic

Save strong tags in a note or document and organize them by theme (e.g., “product launch,” “educational tips,” “behind the scenes”). Over time, you’ll build your own library of real examples of tips for using hashtags effectively for your specific niche.

If you treat hashtags like signposts—clear, honest, and specific—you’ll stop shouting into the void and start showing up where your ideal audience actually looks. Use the real‑world examples above as your starting point, then keep testing, tweaking, and saving what works.