10 Most Searched Keywords on Instagram To Elevate Your Posts

Have you ever wondered how Instagram chooses which trending content to showcase on the Explore page? Is it based on how pretty the images are? Or how heartwarming the caption is? Or maybe it’s a secret ingredient in the formula that boosts visibility, like using the most searched keywords on Instagram. But how do these search queries rock the charts on IG?

Sure, content will always be king on Instagram. But every king needs his court. And on Instagram, this court pertains to the trending keywords that carry that content to greater heights. The more popular these keywords are, the better. Today, we’ll dive into the world of using keywords in your Instagram content to boost reach and engagement. Let’s jump right in!

Why It’s Important To Use Trending Keywords on Instagram

You know how when you Google something, the search engine shows you the results most helpful to your search? Well, Instagram does the same thing. By using the social media platform’s search function to look up certain topics, you’ll see content most relevant to them. And it’s all with the help of a little something called SEO, or search engine optimization.

Instagram SEO refers to the strategy of using trending keywords on Instagram posts and profiles to boost their discoverability. By using popular buzzwords and hashtags on the platform, you increase your posts’ chances of showing up on people’s feeds. As a result, you get stellar numbers for reach and engagement—and maybe even attract potential customers and followers.

Using trending words in your profile and posts ensures that the people interested in your niche will see your content. In short, it makes targeting on the platform more pointed and purposeful.

And when your content reaches the right target audience, you can count on more likes, comments, and shares, too. The higher your engagement scores get, the more Instagram prioritizes you in its algorithm. That can help pave the way for success on the platform for your brand!

But how exactly do you find the best keywords for your content? Well, there are plenty of ways to conduct keyword research for Instagram. Here are just a few keyword research tools you can maximize:

• Instagram’s search function: Type in a keyword and go to the “Tags” section. There, you’ll see the most popular hashtags and phrases people use related to that niche.
• Social listening tools: See what words and hot topics people are discussing on the internet.
• Google Trends: Discover what your niche audience is searching online.

Remember, on Instagram Posts, Hashtags Are Your Main Keywords

When you use the Google search bar, your queries usually take the form of keywords, phrases, and questions. But on Instagram, your main keywords are hashtags that help categorize and “label” content on the platform. Think of them as your long-tail keywords—longer search queries condensed into one tag tied together with the pound sign.

See, Instagram’s algorithm pushes out content it thinks is relevant to each individual user. And how do they detect these posts? By checking on the trending tags (or “keywords”) used in the post’s caption or the author’s name and bio. And when you search specific words or hashtags on Instagram, the top-performing content that uses those tags shows up.

One awesome tool you should regularly use to find the most relevant hashtags is Path Social’s Hashtag Generator and Analyzer. It shows you all the tags related to your niche keyword and gives you an idea of their popularity.

Using it is super easy. All you have to do is enter your main topic or keyword. Then, we’ll show trending hashtags you can use associated with your main word to copy and paste into your post. We’ll also provide info like the total number of posts with that tag and the difficulty of ranking on it. It’s a must-try when you’re fleshing out your Instagram SEO and hashtag strategies.

Top 10 Most Searched Keywords on Instagram (+ Content Ideas)

Incorporating Instagram’s most popular keywords is a fantastic game plan for boosting your posts’ reach. It increases their chances to show up on people’s feeds and Explore pages. And when more people see your content, the higher the engagement it can drive.

Curious about the most common search queries Instagram users look up on the social media platform? Here are the top 10 most searched keywords on Instagram today. Oh, and we’ll also throw in some creative content ideas for those looking to use them in their posts!

1. #love

The most searched keyword on Instagram is none other than #love. This tag celebrates anything about the best thing in the world—love. It’s perfect for posts like selfies that scream self-love, romantic couple posts, family photos, and more. 

Think video montages with your significant other or snaps with your besties!

2. #instagood

Next up, we have #instagood—a keyword people use when posting feel-good content. It can be anything from your favorite meals of the day to positive, motivational quotes about life. It’s about showcasing your life and showing people how “good” it can be if they stop and smell the roses. 

Use this keyword in your uplifting content with good vibes to add a sprinkle of positivity to anyone’s day.

3. #fashion

Next is a keyword that any passionate fashion influencer might like to use and abuse—#fashion. It’s the perfect hashtag for content like style guides, mix-and-match ideas, minimalist outfit ideas, and more. It helps creators reach a target audience that loves all things clothes!

And it’s not just for fashion creators. Literally anyone posting their OOTDs and cute outfit dumps should use this tag, too, to boost visibility.

4. # photooftheday

You’ll typically see the keyword #photooftheday on posts by users who commit to posting at least one picture daily. People usually post daily photos of mundane yet meaningful moments, from the book they’re reading or their morning coffee. 

After all, it is the little things that make every day wonderful—and this tag shows that for sure.

5. #beautiful

This keyword is pretty self-explanatory. You can incorporate it into captions for posts that show off the beauty of the world. Examples of posts you can use it for include summer ocean views and portraits of beautiful people in your life. If you’re feeling yourself a little extra, you can even use it for a photo of yourself!

6. #art

Trying to grow your art account and lure in art-loving fans to your page? Use hashtag #art to show up on the community’s most popular keyword.

Include this keyword in posts that include digital art, sketches, doodles, paintings, sculptures, and any other art form. You can also use it to boost discoverability for your behind-the-scenes content, highlighting the art creation process.

7. #photography

If you’re a professional photographer looking to make it big on Instagram, use #photography in your content. It’s awesome for showing off your best photos with stellar composition. You can use it for anything from high-production photos with abstract imagery to snapshots with your iPhone.

You might also want to include this keyword in your bio or display name. This increases your chances of showing up on photography-related searches even more. It’s an easy, fantastic strategy for reaching potential clients and other passionate photographers on the platform.

8. #happy

Here’s another self-explanatory one—#happy, a keyword you can use to post the most joyful moments of your life. It’s best for smiley photos, snaps with your favorite people, videos of you pursuing your hobbies, and more. 

As long as it radiates happiness, insert this keyword into your caption. Boost your post’s visibility while spreading joy on Instagram!

9. #picoftheday

The keyword #picoftheday is pretty similar to the premise of #photooftheday. It’s for people who love to update their followers on the little moments of their daily lives. It’s great for fleeting moments that may be trivial to some but significant to you.

What’s great about this content bucket is that you can post anything and use it in your caption. As long as it showcases a moment that made you happy in your day, post away! 

Here are some ideas for #picoftheday posts:

• A shot from your daily commute to work
• Your outfit of the day
• Your pet snuggling close to you in bed
• A photo of your significant other cooking dinner
• A DIY project you’re currently working on

10. #cute

Lastly, we’ve got #cute—a keyword you can use for any adorable, cuddly, heartwarming piece of content. You can use it when posting photos of your shy toddler or maybe your fur baby on National Dog Day. 

As long as it merits an “Awww!” from your audience, post it and use this keyword to boost its reach.

Mix Up Popular Tags With Niche Hashtags, Too!

All the tags listed above are absolutely perfect for skyrocketing your content’s visibility on Instagram. However, remember to mix it up a bit, too.

Don’t stick with just the most popular keywords, no matter how tempting it is. So many users compete on those tags. And remember, the Instagram algorithm only shows the most engaging content at the top of the search results. With billions of posts to compete with, showing up at the very top is nearly impossible.

So, combine these super popular tags with niche hashtags as well. That way, it won’t be lost in an ocean of posts under the world’s most popular IG keywords. You’ll have better chances to appear in the search results for these less popular keywords.

For example, if you’re a travel influencer, you might get tempted to use ultra-popular keywords like #travel and #wanderlust. But there are millions of posts already competing in those tags. So, be a little more pointed by adding niche tags on top of those, like #budgettraveller, #femaletraveler, #travelphotographyasia, and more.

Try your best not to overuse hashtags in your posts. While Instagram lets you post up to 30 hashtags per post, show some restraint. The Instagram Creators official page recommends using 3-5 tags only—so always be wise when choosing your hashtags. And remember—stuffing your post with too many keywords won’t give you the added visibility you think it will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grow on IG With Top Keywords and Tried-And-Tested Promotional Strategies!

There are tons of well-searched Instagram keywords you can incorporate into your content to boost reach and engagement. And if you really want to up your chances of getting noticed, use the most searched keywords on Instagram above.

But sometimes, even the most relevant hashtags aren’t enough to attract the attention of your audience. Need a little help getting your content on more people’s screens? Consider working with Path Social in conjunction with implementing your SEO and hashtag strategies.

Path Social helps you unlock your full Instagram potential by promoting your content to your target audience. With our proven strategies, we’ve helped creators like the Beauty of Baking gain almost 20,000 new followers. Make your page shine like that, too! Win the hearts of more Instagram followers with Path Social today.