Hashtags are one of the core Instagram features that have hardly changed since they were introduced in 2011. However, Meta is now testing what is likely to be the biggest change to hashtags on Instagram ever.
Instagram is testing a limit of three hashtags per post
Multiple users on Reddit have reported that Instagram is limiting the number of hashtags they can add to their posts. When trying to add more than three hashtags in the description of a new post, the app shows an error message.
Instagram hasn’t officially announced the limitation, and it doesn’t apply to all accounts. The Instagram account of PhoneArena has the limit, but my personal account doesn’t.
Meta is likely testing the change on a limited number of accounts before making a decision to introduce it to everyone. It is also possible that the “feature” is slowly rolling out, like Instagram’s recent redesign.
Instagram in a new era
Many users can still use Instagram's old design. | Image credit – PhoneArena
Instagram first introduced hashtags in 2011, and since then, they have been one of the best ways to find posts on certain topics. In fact, for years, hashtags were critical if you wanted to reach anyone outside your followers. Instagram had a cap of 30 hashtags per post.
Do you use hashtags when you upload to Instagram?
Yes, as many as possible
33.33%
Yes, but only a few
0%
No, I don’t like hashtags
33.33%
I don’t upload to Instagram anymore
33.33%
While that change may feel like a blow to content creators, hashtags are not as important as they were in the past. Instagram’s Explore page surfaces posts and reels based on their content, description, and various other factors. Even Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has said multiple times that hashtags don’t help increase the reach of a post and serve more as a categorization tool.
Millennials, welcome to the Gen Z era
I think choosing the correct hashtags for an Instagram post was a core skill for many millennials in the mid-2010s. Now, hashtags make the person who uses them look like they’re stuck in 2015 or are trying too hard. Regardless, I think this change is an unnecessary attack against millennials. If hashtags don’t affect the reach of a post, why change them, Instagram?
Travel Easy with Nomad eSIM – 25% Off
25% off eSIM data-only plans & global coverage - enter code IPHONE25, sign up required
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: