Hashtags vs Topics on Instagram in 2025: The Simple Guide to Maximizing Your Reach

Feeling confused about whether to use hashtags or topics on Instagram? You're not alone. The rules keep changing, and what worked last year might not work now.

In 2025, Instagram gives you two main ways to get your content discovered: Hashtags and Topics. But they are not the same thing. Using the wrong one can mean your amazing Reel gets hidden from the people who would love it.

This easy guide will break down the difference between hashtags and topics. You'll learn how to use both correctly to get more views, more engagement, and more followers.

What Are Hashtags? (The Classic Tool)

Think of hashtags as keywords. They are labels you add to your post to tell Instagram what your content is about.

  • How they work: When you use #PlantCare, people who follow or search for that hashtag can see your post.
  • You are in control: You choose exactly which hashtags to use.
  • They are public: Anyone can click on a hashtag to see all public posts using it.

Example: A post about a new cake recipe might use: #BakingLove #EasyDessert #ChocolateCake

What Are Topics? (Instagram's New AI Tool)

Think of topics as themes. Instead of you choosing a label, Instagram's artificial intelligence (AI) automatically figures out what your post is about and categorizes it.

  • How they work: Instagram's AI scans your video, audio, and caption to understand the context. Then, it places your content into broad topics like "Food & Cooking" or "Fitness."
  • Instagram is in control: You can't choose topics yourself. The AI decides.
  • They are private: You can't browse "topics" like you browse hashtags. It happens behind the scenes.

Example: For that same cake recipe video, Instagram's AI might automatically place it under the "Food & Cooking" topic and show it to users who have shown interest in that theme.

Hashtags vs. Topics: The Key Differences

FeatureHashtagsTopicsWho Chooses? | You choose them manually. | Instagram's AI chooses automatically.
Purpose | For discovery by keyword. | For discovery by broad interest.
How Specific? | Can be very specific (#VeganGlutenFreeBaking). | Very broad (Food & Cooking).
Visibility | Public and searchable. | Private and algorithm-based.

The Winning Strategy for 2025: Use BOTH Together

You don't have to choose one. The best strategy is to use hashtags and topics to help each other.

Here’s how to do it:

1. How to Use Hashtags Correctly in 2025

Forget using 30 generic hashtags. That looks spammy and doesn't work anymore.

  • Use 3-5 Highly Relevant Hashtags: Choose a mix of:
    • 1 Niche-Specific Hashtag: (#IndoorPlantCare)
    • 1 Mid-Size Hashtag: (#PlantLover)
    • 1 Broad (but still relevant) Hashtag: (#Gardening)
  • Put Them in the Comments: To keep your caption clean, you can post your caption first, then immediately add your hashtags in the first comment.
  • Create a Branded Hashtag: Encourage your followers to use it (#SaverInstaTips).

2. How to "Use" Topics (You Can't Set Them, But You Can Influence Them)

Since you can't choose topics, you need to create content that makes it easy for AI to understand.

  • Use Clear Keywords in Your Caption: If you make a video about yoga, use words like "yoga," "stretch," "flexibility," and "mindfulness" in your caption. The AI reads this.
  • Use Trending Audio: Audio trends are often linked to topics. Using a popular audio tells the AI what theme your content belongs to.
  • Be Consistent: If you always post content about "Digital Marketing," Instagram's AI will learn your account's niche and will better place your content into the right "Topic" for your ideal audience.

What Should You Focus On?

If Your Goal Is...Then Focus On...Reaching a specific community | Hashtags (e.g., #UrbanGardening)
Getting on the Explore Page | Topics (Create clear, niche content)
Building a brand community | A Branded Hashtag
Long-term growth | Both (Help the AI help you)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Banned or Irrelevant Hashtags: This can hide your post from everyone.
  2. Being Inconsistent: Posting about fitness one day and finance the next confuses Instagram's AI about your topic.
  3. Ignoring Captions: Not using descriptive text makes it hard for AI to categorize your video.

Conclusion: Let Them Work as a Team

Think of it this way:

  • Hashtags are your direct signals to Instagram and your audience.
  • Topics are how Instagram organizes its library to recommend your content.

Don't abandon hashtags. Just use them smarter. And always create clear, valuable content that leaves no doubt for the AI about which topic you belong to.

By understanding this partnership, you make sure your content is seen by the right people, both now and in the future.

Need to find the best hashtags for your niche? Use SaverInsta to research and get inspiration from top creators in your field.

Which strategy will you try first? Let me know in the comments!