Instagram Cracks Down on Hashtag Spam

If your feed is full of Instagram posts with endless hashtags, relief is coming. Instagram has announced a cap of five hashtags per post, aiming to reduce spam and improve the quality of content. The change, shared by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, emphasizes that fewer, more relevant hashtags outperform long, generic lists. Users looking to grow their audience will need to focus on meaningful tags rather than sheer quantity.

Quality Over Quantity: Mosseri’s Advice

Adam Mosseri highlighted this shift on Instagram’s “advice” channel, noting that hashtags help with search but do not automatically boost reach. “While I know it can be tempting to use more, a few specific tags actually perform better than a long list of generic ones,” he said. Mosseri encourages creators to focus on content that genuinely resonates with their audience instead of relying on engagement hacks.

Lessons from Threads: One Tag Limit

Instagram isn’t the first Meta platform to experiment with limiting tags. Its app Threads already restricts users to one tag per post. The platform aims to direct users toward community-focused tagging rather than manipulating reach metrics. Mosseri explained that this design encourages thoughtful tagging while discouraging spammy behavior.

Implications for Content Creators

For influencers and marketers, the new hashtag rules mean adjusting posting strategies. Using highly relevant, specific hashtags will be more important than ever. Creators may need to research trending tags and study which resonate with their audience, as excessive tagging will no longer provide a reach advantage.

Why Instagram Is Making the Change

Hashtag overuse has long been a problem, cluttering feeds and reducing user engagement. By capping hashtags, Instagram hopes to create a cleaner, more authentic experience. The update aligns with broader Meta initiatives to prioritize meaningful interactions over algorithm-driven engagement tactics.

How Users Can Adapt

Users should review their hashtag strategies carefully. Focus on three to five targeted tags that best describe the post’s content and community. Avoid generic tags like #love or #fun, which offer little visibility and may dilute engagement. Consistency and specificity will become the new keys to visibility.

Better Engagement Metrics

Experts expect this change to improve the platform’s content discovery system. By prioritizing quality tagging, Instagram aims to reward creativity and genuine engagement. Users may see a cleaner feed, while creators can focus on building loyal, community-driven audiences rather than chasing reach through spammy tactics.