Instagram wants to limit hashtag spam
Source: The Verge
Instagram caps hashtags at five per post
If you’re tired of seeing Instagram posts with a seemingly endless list of hashtags, Instagram is making a change to stop that. In a post today, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri said that the platform will now cap hashtags to five per post.
“While I know it can be tempting to use more, a few specific tags that are relevant to the post are more effective.”
The new limit applies to all posts, including reels, stories, and carousel posts. Existing posts that already contain more than five hashtags will not be altered, but any new content that exceeds the limit will be blocked from publishing until the number of tags is reduced.
Why the change?
- Spam reduction: Instagram has been battling hashtag spam for years, and the cap is intended to curb low‑quality, mass‑generated tags.
- Improved discoverability: By encouraging creators to use only the most relevant hashtags, the platform hopes to make the discovery experience more meaningful for users.
- User experience: Shorter caption blocks keep feeds cleaner and reduce visual clutter.
What creators need to do
- Audit your hashtag strategy: Identify the top five tags that best describe your content.
- Use tools wisely: Many third‑party scheduling apps now include built‑in checks for the new limit.
- Stay updated: Instagram may adjust the policy in the future, so keep an eye on official announcements.
The change takes effect immediately, and Instagram says it will monitor the impact on both spam and organic reach over the coming weeks.