How effective are hashtags really these days?

[KostyDays]

So, as the title says.. How effective are hashtags really these days.

I'm asking this because I'm noticing that a lot of the likes I get are almost instantly when I add a nice amount of hashtags related to my niche are from bots/bigger accounts that are also looking to grow their account.
Let's say you grow a few followers from it, wouldn't you think that it also makes you miss followers because it makes your account look kinda spammy?

So what are your experiences and advice when it comes to hashtags...

 

[kingxgamer]

I think hashtags are useful as hell. I've seen an increase of likes from real people but I target hashtags with less than 10,000 posts.

 

[gigaViews]

If there are some trends, then use hashtags. I think if the hashtags are relevant to your picture, then no one will think these are spammy. If you have a high amount of followers, then hashtags will make your account growth faster. But imo its always good to use hashtags.

 

[ezines]

Hashtags when used in context are good. Of course, you want to use hashtags that are trending and find some angles how you can fit in the hashtags into your message without appearing as spammy.

 

[BigSloth1337]

Hashtags definitely work well for me. I try finding hashtags that are niche related and are low to medium in post count so that my posts stick in the top posts of that hashtag giving me way more direct exposure to people searching hashtags.

 

[KostyDays]

I think hashtags are useful as hell. I've seen an increase of likes from real people but I target hashtags with less than 10,000 posts.

What advantages do you get from using hashtags with less than 10k posts?

 

[KostyDays]

If there are some trends, then use hashtags. I think if the hashtags are relevant to your picture, then no one will think these are spammy. If you have a high amount of followers, then hashtags will make your account growth faster. But imo its always good to use hashtags.

Is it proven that hashtags make bigger accounts grow faster?

 

[Kollege]

What advantages do you get from using hashtags with less than 10k posts?

Completly agree with kingxgamer, choose low post count hashtags because these hashtags are NOT spammed by bots.
The user also know that so they will look for these hashtags/photos.

On the other hand its easier to rank in these hashtags.

Cheers

 

[VapeMonkey]

What kind of prove do you need?

Big accounts get a lot of likes in a short timeframe anyway, which will put them in the toptags....more exposure for FREE!

If you ask me, it's just plain stupid to ignore hashtags. Especially when you're starting. All my new accounts get a lot of likes straight from the start. Try it without tags.....nobody will notice you when you are just starting.

 

[KostyDays]

What kind of prove do you need?

Big accounts get a lot of likes in a short timeframe anyway, which will put them in the toptags....more exposure for FREE!

If you ask me, it's just plain stupid to ignore hashtags. Especially when you're starting. All my new accounts get a lot of likes straight from the start. Try it without tags.....nobody will notice you when you are just starting.

Yeah man totally, I understand that it works but I was wondering like how much does it really influence.

 

[JAZIP]

Is it proven that hashtags make bigger accounts grow faster?

According to this article it is good to use hashtags on Instagram. An interesting read.

Can't post links yet, so Google: bufferapp blog how to use hashtags