Best Instagram Reels Hashtags: Viral & Trending IG Hashtags

Best Instagram Reels Hashtags: Viral & Trending IG Hashtags

Ever posted a reel you loved but got barely any views? You’re not alone. 

The secret to reaching more people lies in using the right hashtags for IG Reels. Hashtags help your content appear in search and explore feeds, boosting visibility beyond your followers. 

Below, we have shared how to find, use, and organize the most effective viral hashtags for Instagram Reels that actually work. Whether you’re a beginner or a creator aiming for massive reach, these strategies will help your reels get noticed and shared.

Viral Hashtags for Instagram Reels (Copy & Paste)

These are the 100 viral reels hashtags you can simply copy and paste to your caption:

General Viral Hashtags

#ReelItFeelIt #ReelGoals #InstaReel #ExplorePage #ExploreReels #ViralReels #ReelTrend #ReelVideo #InstagramReels2025 #ReelsofInstagram

Trending & Popular Hashtags

#ReelOfTheDay #ReelAddict #TrendingNow #ViralReel2025 #TopReelTrend #InstaViralReel #NewReelAlert #InstagramTrendingReels #ReelBuzz #IGReelTrends

Love & Relationship Reels

#LoveReels #CoupleGoals #RomanticReels #LoveStoryReel #RelationshipVibes #CuteCoupleReel #ForeverTogether #HeartfeltReels #CoupleTrend2025 #LoveInMotion

Fitness & Motivation Reels

#FitnessReel #WorkoutReel #MotivationReel #GymLifeReel #FitnessGoals #DailyWorkout #StayFitReel #HealthyLifestyleReel #FitnessMotivation2025 #NoExcusesReel

Travel Reels

#TravelReels #ExploreWithMe #AdventureReels #WanderlustReel #TravelVibes #TravelGoals2025 #NatureReel #DiscoverWorldReel #BeautifulDestinations #TripDiaries

Food Reels

#FoodReel #TastyReel #CookingReel #FoodieVibes #YummyReel #RecipeReel #FoodLoveReel #HomeChefReel #FoodTrend2025 #DeliciousReels

Fashion & Style Reels

#FashionReel #OOTDReel #StyleInspoReel #TrendyOutfitReel #FashionVibes #BeautyReel #MakeupTrend #StyleGoals2025 #FashionLovers #OutfitInspoReel

Funny & Entertainment Reels

#FunnyReel #ComedyReel #LaughReel #RelatableReel #MemeReel #DailyHumor #EntertainWithReel #JokesOnReel #FunTimeReel #LOLReel

Business & Motivation Reels

#BusinessReel #EntrepreneurLife #StartUpReel #SuccessMindset #Motivation2025 #GrowWithReels #WorkSmartReel #HustleMode #GoalSetterReel #InspireThroughReels

Creative & Aesthetic Reels

#AestheticReel #CreativeReel #ArtReel #PhotographyReel #CinematicReel #VisualVibes #MoodReel #CreativeTrend2025 #ReelArtistry #InstaAesthetic

Educational & Informative Reels

#LearnWithReels #EducationalReel #InfoReel #KnowledgeReel #DidYouKnowReel #StudyWithMeReel #SmartTipsReel #LifeHacks2025 #FactsOnReel #SkillLearningReel

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Niche-Wise Hashtags for Instagram Reels

Below are some of the best IG reel hashtags according to your niche or account category:

CategoryTop HashtagsApprox. Posts (Millions)
💪 Fitness#FitnessReel, #WorkoutReel, #GymMotivation, #FitLife, #NoExcusesReel, #HealthyLifestyle25M–40M
✈️ Travel#TravelReel, #WanderlustReel, #AdventureReel, #ExploreTheWorld, #TripDiaries, #NatureLoverReel30M–45M
🍔 Food#FoodReel, #CookingReel, #YummyReel, #RecipeReel, #FoodieVibes, #TastyReel20M–35M
👗 Fashion#FashionReel, #OOTDReel, #StyleInspo, #MakeupTrend, #BeautyReel, #TrendyOutfits35M–50M
❤️ Love & Romance#LoveReel, #CoupleGoals, #RomanticReel, #RelationshipVibes, #LoveStoryReel, #HeartfeltReels15M–25M
😂 Funny & Entertainment#FunnyReel, #ComedyReel, #MemeReel, #LOLReel, #RelatableReel, #DailyHumor40M–55M
💼 Business & Motivation#BusinessReel, #MotivationReel, #StartupJourney, #EntrepreneurLife, #WorkSmartReel, #GoalSetterReel10M–20M
🎨 Creative & Aesthetic#AestheticReel, #CreativeReel, #PhotographyReel, #CinematicReel, #ArtReel, #MoodReel12M–22M
🧠 Educational & Informative#LearnWithReel, #EducationalReel, #StudyWithReel, #SmartTipsReel, #InfoReel, #KnowledgeReel8M–15M

Viral & Trending Instagram Reel Hashtags for Likes and Reach

Use the following IG reel hashtags to grow the reach and the number of likes:

CategoryTop HashtagsApprox. Posts (Millions)
🔥 General Viral Reels#ReelItFeelIt, #ViralReel, #ExploreReels, #ReelOfTheDay, #InstagramReels2025, #InstaViralReel70M–100M
❤️ Likes & Engagement Boost#ReelsForLikes, #DoubleTap, #InstaLikes, #LikeAndShare, #ReelEngagement, #BoostMyReel55M–80M
🌍 Trending Hashtags 2025#TrendingReel2025, #ViralReel2025, #ExplorePageReel, #ReelTrend2025, #TopReelsToday, #ReelBuzz40M–65M
🎬 Viral Challenges & Trends#ReelChallenge, #DanceTrend2025, #TransitionReel, #TrendAlert, #ReelTrendAlert, #ReelVibes45M–70M
💬 Relatable & Funny Trends#RelatableReel, #FunnyReel, #ComedyTrend, #LOLReel, #MemeReel, #DailyHumor60M–85M
✨ Aesthetic & Creative#AestheticReel, #CinematicReel, #MoodReel, #VisualVibes, #ReelOfArt, #CreativeTrend25M–40M
📈 Motivation & Growth#MotivationReel, #SuccessMindset, #HustleReel, #DreamBigReel, #GoalSetter, #InspireThroughReels30M–50M
❤️ Romantic & Couple Trends#LoveReel, #CoupleGoals, #RomanticReel, #RelationshipTrend, #CuteCoupleReel, #LoveInMotion25M–35M
🎵 Music & Dance Reels#DanceReel, #MusicTrend2025, #SongTrend, #BeatDropReel, #RhythmReel, #ReelGroove40M–60M
🧠 Informative & Hacks Reels#LifeHacksReel, #TipsAndTricksReel, #SmartIdeas, #DidYouKnowReel, #HackTrend, #KnowledgeBuzz15M–25M

What Are Instagram Reel Hashtags?

Hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol that help categorize content on Instagram. When you add hashtags to your posts or reels, your content becomes discoverable to users searching for or following those topics. 

For example, using IG reel hashtags like #TravelVibes or #FoodLover connects your reel with people interested in that theme. 

Hashtags act like searchable labels, helping Instagram understand what your post is about. The right reel hashtags for Instagram can boost visibility, attract new audiences, and increase engagement, making them one of the simplest tools for organic growth on the platform.

Also read: How to Increase Instagram Followers? 2026 Tricks to Boost IG

How Instagram Hashtags Work for Reels vs Posts?

Hashtags help both reels and posts reach more people, but the way the Instagram algorithm promotes each is quite different. 

Reels are discovery-focused, which means they appear on the Explore page, Reels tab, and even to users who don’t follow you. Using the right hashtags here helps you reach a wider, newer audience.

Static Posts (like photos or carousels), on the other hand, mainly show up in your followers’ feeds. Hashtags help categorize them and improve visibility within specific communities but don’t spread as widely as Reels.

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Types of Instagram Hashtags for Reels

Hashtags for IG reels can be grouped into different types based on their purpose. Using a mix of trending, niche, and branded tags helps your content reach the right audience. 

Type of HashtagExampleWhen to Use
Niche Hashtags#FitnessTips, #FoodPhotographyTo target people interested in a specific topic or industry.
Community Hashtags#BloggerLife, #BookLoverTo connect with like-minded creators and audiences.
Branded Hashtags#MyBrandName, #GrowWithWsCubeTo promote your business or campaign identity.
Trending Hashtags#MondayMotivation, #WeekendVibesTo join viral trends and increase reach.
Location Hashtags#DelhiFoodie, #JaipurBloggerWhen your content is related to a particular place or event.
Event Hashtags#WorldEnvironmentDay, #ChristmasSaleFor festivals, launches, or global events.

How to Find the Best IG Hashtags for Reels?

Use these strategies to find the best hashtags for reels on Instagram:

1. Research on Instagram Explore

Go to the Explore section and search for topics related to your niche. Check which IG hashtags for reels top creators are using. Observe the number of posts under each hashtag and pick those that are active but not overly saturated to get better visibility.

2. Analyze Competitors and Influencers

Look at similar accounts in your niche and note the hashtags they use in viral content. Many viral hashtags for Instagram reels repeat across creators. Identify those and include them smartly in your captions for better discoverability and reach.

3. Use Hashtag Generator Tools

Online tools like Flick, Inflact, and Hashtagify suggest the most relevant reel hashtags for Instagram based on your keywords. These tools show performance metrics like reach and engagement, helping you select the best-performing tags for your content easily.

4. Mix Trending and Niche Hashtags

Don’t rely only on trending hashtags. Combine popular tags with specific Instagram hashtags for reels related to your topic. This mix ensures your reels reach both a broad audience and people genuinely interested in your content category.

5. Test and Track Performance

Experiment with different hashtag sets over time. Use Instagram Insights to see which hashtags bring the most reach and engagement. Keep a list of top performers and rotate them in future posts for consistent, organic growth.

Also read: 80+ Instagram Prompt Ideas (Reels, Captions, Posts & More)

How Many IG Reel Hashtags to Use and Where to Place Them?

Using hashtags wisely is just as important as choosing the right ones. Too many can make your content look spammy, while too few limit your reach. The goal is to find the perfect balance — using enough hashtags to boost visibility without overstuffing your caption.

Ideal Number of Hashtags for Instagram Reels

For Reels, the sweet spot is 20–25 hashtags per post.

Reels are discovery-oriented, and hashtags help your video appear on Explore and topic-based feeds. Using a mix of viral hashtags for Instagram reels, niche tags, and trending ones can significantly improve reach.

Recommended mix:

  • 5–7 trending hashtags
  • 5–8 niche or community hashtags
  • 3–5 viral or broad hashtags
  • 2–3 branded or personal tags

Example:

Morning motivation to keep pushing 💪✨ #FitnessReel #WorkoutMotivation #StayFitReel #ReelOfTheDay #ViralReel2025 #NoExcusesReel #HealthyLifestyle #FitnessGoals #ExploreReels #FitIndiaReel #InstaViralReel #DailyWorkout #MotivationReels #WellnessJourney #ActiveLifestyle

This example uses a mix of specific and viral tags that signal to Instagram what the video is about, boosting its discoverability among users interested in fitness.

Ideal Number of Hashtags for Instagram Posts

For static posts or carousels, 10–15 hashtags are ideal.

These posts rely more on engagement from your followers and less on viral discovery. Use targeted ig hashtags for reels and posts that describe your niche, topic, or location.

Recommended mix:

  • 3–4 niche-specific hashtags
  • 2–3 branded hashtags
  • 3–4 trending hashtags
  • 2–3 location or audience-based hashtags

Example:

A calm sunset to end a busy day 🌅 #TravelReel #ExploreWithMe #BeautifulDestinations #WanderlustVibes #TravelGoals2025 #NatureLoverReel #AdventureVibes #ReelItFeelIt #ScenicViews #TravelIndiaReel #TripDiaries #ExploreReels

This caption targets both travel lovers and trending travel audiences, helping your post reach people interested in similar destinations.

Where to Place Hashtags – Caption or Comments?

PlacementProsBest For
In CaptionEasy to see, improves immediate visibility, looks natural when blended with text.Reels and posts where hashtags fit well in your caption flow.
In First CommentKeeps captions clean, reduces clutter, still counted by Instagram for reach.Aesthetic or professional accounts that prefer neat captions.
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Tools to Find and Analyze Reels Hashtags

Finding the right hashtags manually takes time, but using smart tools can make it quick, accurate, and effective. 

Tool NameMain UseKey Features / Benefits
FlickHashtag Research & AnalyticsShows hashtag performance, reach potential, and competition level. Lets you create and save custom sets.
InflactAI-Powered Hashtag GeneratorSuggests hashtags based on keywords, images, or URLs. Great for finding viral hashtags for Instagram Reels.
HashtagifyTrend Tracking & AnalyticsTracks trending hashtags and gives insights on popularity and engagement rate.
Meta Business SuiteOfficial Instagram ToolHelps manage, schedule, and track post performance, including hashtag reach data.

Advanced IG Reel Hashtag Strategies for Growth

If you’ve already mastered the basics, it’s time to go deeper. These advanced yet easy strategies will help you use hashtags more strategically, strengthen your content reach, and improve your overall Instagram visibility.

1. Create and Promote Your Own Branded Hashtag

Build a unique identity with a personalized hashtag like #GrowWithYourName or #BrandNameReel. Encourage followers to use it when they share related content. Over time, this creates a collection of posts around your brand, boosting trust, recognition, and user-generated content.

2. Rotate Hashtag Sets

Instagram’s algorithm dislikes repetitive hashtags. Create 3–4 different sets of hashtags and rotate them across posts. For example, one for fitness, one for motivation, and one for lifestyle. 

This keeps your content fresh and increases the chances of discovery across various audiences.

3. Combine Trending and Niche Hashtags

Using only trending hashtags might attract random views but not loyal followers. The key is balance — mix viral hashtags for Instagram Reels with niche-specific ones like #YogaTips or #HomeWorkoutPlan. This approach helps you appear in both viral trends and targeted searches.

4. Use Hashtags in Stories and Comments

Most people forget that hashtags work in Stories too! Add 1–3 hashtags to your stories using smaller text or stickers to boost visibility on Explore. You can also add extra hashtags in the first comment to keep captions clean while improving discoverability.

5. Monitor and Replace Underperforming Hashtags

Check your Insights weekly to identify which hashtags bring the most reach. Remove underperforming ones and replace them with newer, relevant tags. Instagram’s trends evolve fast; refreshing your hashtag list regularly helps maintain strong engagement.

6. Join or Start Hashtag Challenges

Participate in ongoing #ReelChallenges or start one of your own. Challenges are a great way to get featured in trending feeds and reach a larger audience quickly. Use fun, shareable hashtags that encourage others to recreate your trend or idea.

7. Use Hashtags to Build a Community

Hashtags aren’t just for reach — they can help build long-term connections. Engage with users who post under the same hashtags, comment on their content, and form collaborations. This not only expands your reach but also builds authentic relationships that strengthen your growth.

Also read: 1000+ Best Captions for Instagram Post, Reels, Story (Trending)

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Instagram Reels Hashtags

Even if you’re using great hashtags, a few small mistakes can drastically reduce your reach. Avoid these to make sure your hashtags actually work for you:

  • Using the Same Hashtags Every Time: Repeating identical sets makes your content look spammy and limits reach.
  • Adding Too Many Hashtags: More isn’t always better; stick to 20–25 for Reels and 10–15 for Posts.
  • Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Don’t use random trending tags unrelated to your content — it confuses the algorithm.
  • Copy-Pasting Hashtags Blindly: Avoid copying entire sets from other accounts without checking relevance or engagement.
  • Using Banned or Broken Hashtags: Some tags (like #followforfollow) are flagged by Instagram and reduce visibility.
  • Ignoring Hashtag Analytics: Not checking Insights means missing valuable data about which hashtags drive engagement.
  • Placing Hashtags Too Late: Add hashtags immediately when posting; delays can reduce discoverability.
  • Overusing Generic Hashtags: Tags like #Love or #Happy have millions of posts and get lost in the crowd.
  • Cluttering Captions: Avoid stuffing too many hashtags mid-caption; place them neatly at the end or in the first comment.
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FAQs About Instagram Hashtags for Reels

Do hashtags really work on Instagram in 2025?

Yes, hashtags still matter. They help Instagram understand your content and show it to users who follow or search for those topics, especially on Reels.

How many hashtags should I use for Reels?

Use 20–25 hashtags per Reel. Combine trending, niche, and viral tags for maximum reach.

Can I use the same hashtags for every post?

No. Repeating the same set can reduce reach. Rotate between 3–4 hashtag groups based on your topic or theme.

What are banned hashtags, and why should I avoid them?

Banned hashtags are tags Instagram has restricted due to spam or misuse. Using them can reduce your post’s visibility or lead to a shadowban.

Should I put hashtags in stories?

Absolutely! Use 1–3 hashtags in Stories to help them appear on Explore or in hashtag-specific story feeds.

Can I create my own hashtags?

Yes, branded hashtags (like #GrowWithYourName) help build identity and community. Encourage your audience to use them.

Can I use hashtags in my Instagram bio?

Yes, but only use one or two that represent your brand or niche, not a full list.

Are lowercase or uppercase hashtags better?

They work the same. Choose whichever looks better visually in your captions.

Should I use location-based hashtags?

Yes, they help reach people in your city or area, which is great for local businesses or creators.

What happens if I use too many hashtags?

Overstuffing can look spammy and confuse the algorithm. Stick to a balanced mix of 20–25.

How can small creators use hashtags effectively?

Focus on niche and mid-level hashtags (under 500K posts). They’re easier to rank in and attract genuine followers.

Do hashtags help increase likes on Reels?

Yes, when your Reel appears under popular tags, it reaches new users who may engage with it.

Is there a limit to how many hashtags Instagram allows?

Yes, 30 per post. But you don’t have to use all. 20–25 relevant ones work best.

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