Instagram now restricts you to a maximum of five hashtags for each post.

      The platform has also provided guidance for effective hashtag usage.

      Instagram posts filled with hashtags may soon become outdated, as the platform introduces new restrictions on the number of tags users can include per post. Adam Mosseri, the chief of Instagram, announced that users will now be limited to five hashtags to emphasize quality over quantity.

      In a recent update on his Instagram advice channel, Mosseri explained this decision, stating, “While it might be tempting to use more, a few specific tags actually outshine a lengthy list of generic ones. The focus should be on quality, not quantity.”

      He further mentioned that, although hashtags can aid in search functionality, they don't inherently boost a post’s visibility. Therefore, users should "concentrate on understanding what types of content resonate with their audience," rather than overcrowding their posts with hashtags.

      This isn't the first instance of Instagram attempting to reduce excessive hashtag use. The platform has consistently highlighted that hashtags have become less central to content discovery, aiming to deter misuse and spam-like behavior.

      According to SocialMediaToday, the platform has been trialing hashtag limits over the past year, recently experimenting with a restriction of three hashtags per post. Now, it has settled on a five-hashtag limit as it implements the change more widely.

      Instagram has shared recommendations for smarter hashtag use

      In a recent post on Threads, the company also provided guidance for optimal hashtag use, encouraging creators to be “intentional with their hashtags” and select those that are relevant to their content. It cautions against the excessive use of irrelevant or generic hashtags, as this could negatively impact the post’s performance.

      This initiative reflects Instagram's commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and preventing users from trying to exploit the system. By utilizing fewer, more pertinent tags, creators can connect with audiences who are genuinely interested in the related topics, while users benefit from cleaner and more readable captions.