How to find trending hashtags
What you'll learn
- →Why broad hashtags hurt reach
- →The 3-tier hashtag stack (broad/niche/branded)
- →Native discovery tools per platform
- →How to track which hashtags work
Before you start
- □Active accounts on the platforms you target
Most hashtag advice is outdated. Here's how to find tags that actually move the needle in 2026.
The steps
- Step 01
Build a 3-tier stack
1 broad (#smallbusiness, 50M+ posts), 4 niche (#brooklynbakery, 50K–500K), 3 branded (#yourshopname). Mix wins.
- Step 02
Use Instagram's native search
Type a niche tag in search → Tags tab → see related tags and post volumes.
- Step 03
Use TikTok's Creative Center
ads.tiktok.com/business/creativecenter — shows trending hashtags by region with growth %.
- Step 04
Check Pinterest Trends
trends.pinterest.com — shows seasonal trends 6 months out.
- Step 05
Audit competitor posts
What hashtags do similar-sized accounts use on their best posts? Steal selectively.
- Step 06
Track which tags drive saves and reach
Use Instagram Insights → see which hashtags brought non-followers.
- Step 07
Rotate every 30 days
Same hashtag set forever signals spam. Refresh quarterly.
Common questions
+How many hashtags should I use?
Instagram: 3–8. TikTok: 3–5. Pinterest: 4–8. More isn't better.
+Are hashtags dead?
No, but they're less powerful than 2020. They're a multiplier, not a strategy.
+Should I put hashtags in caption or first comment?
Caption — Instagram has confirmed both work equally.
+Banned hashtags?
Yes — they exist and tank reach. Check tools like Display Purposes.
+What's a good hashtag size to target?
10K–500K posts is the sweet spot for visibility without drowning.
What to do next
Social Perks turns happy customers into a marketing team. Free 14-day trial. No card required.
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