Last updated on September 21st, 2024 at 07:37 pm
If you’ve been diligently using hashtags but your Instagram posts are not showing up in hashtag search results, you’re likely feeling frustrated.
This issue can hurt your visibility and engagement, particularly if you rely on hashtags for discoverability.
Fortunately, there are ways to fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search.
Instagram Posts Not Appearing in Hashtag Search: Here’s Why
If your Instagram posts aren’t appearing in hashtag searches, it can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to increase your reach and engagement.
Hashtags are a powerful tool for visibility, and when they don’t work as expected, it can limit your post’s exposure.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons why your Instagram posts may not be showing up in hashtag searches and provide solutions to fix the issue, so you can maximize your content’s visibility.
1. Check Your Account Settings
The first thing to do when trying to fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search is to check your account settings.
Instagram posts from private accounts do not appear in public hashtag searches, so you must ensure your account is set to public.
To do this:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Tap the profile icon at the bottom right.
- Tap the three lines (menu icon) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Privacy, and make sure the Private Account toggle is off.
If your account is set to private, your posts will not appear in hashtag searches, so switching to a public account should resolve the issue.
Overusing the same set of hashtags on all your posts can make Instagram’s algorithm think that you are spamming.
This could result in your posts not appearing in hashtag search results.
Furthermore, using banned hashtags—hashtags that Instagram has restricted due to misuse—can result in your posts being hidden from search results.
To fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search, you should:
- Research your hashtags to ensure none of them are banned or overused.
- Use a variety of hashtags rather than the same set every time.
- Limit the number of hashtags to 10-15 per post to avoid being flagged as spammy.
3. Refresh Your Hashtag Strategy
Instagram’s algorithm constantly evolves, and what worked before may no longer work today.
If you’ve been using the same hashtags for months or even years, it may be time to refresh your strategy to fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use niche-specific hashtags relevant to your content and audience.
- Combine popular hashtags with less popular, but highly targeted ones to increase your chances of ranking in searches.
- Avoid general or overly saturated hashtags like #love or #instagood, as your content will get lost in the sheer volume of posts.
By updating your hashtag strategy, you improve the likelihood that your posts will be indexed and shown in search results.
4. Check for Shadowbanning
If you’ve been violating Instagram’s community guidelines or have engaged in behavior like aggressive following/unfollowing, excessive liking, or bot-like activity, your account could be shadowbanned.
This means your posts may no longer appear in hashtag searches for users who don’t already follow you.
To check if you’ve been shadowbanned:
- Post an image with a unique hashtag you’ve never used before.
- Ask a friend who doesn’t follow you to search for that hashtag and see if your post appears.
If your post does not appear in their search, it’s possible that you’ve been shadowbanned.
To fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search due to shadowbanning, you should:
- Take a break from aggressive interactions on Instagram (such as mass liking, commenting, and following/unfollowing).
- Review Instagram’s community guidelines to ensure you’re in compliance.
- Avoid using bots or third-party apps to automate your engagement, as this can trigger a shadowban.
5. Review Your Content for Violations
Instagram may remove your posts from hashtag searches if the content violates their community guidelines or if it’s flagged as inappropriate by other users.
Ensure that your posts follow Instagram’s guidelines to prevent this from happening.
Here’s how to fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search due to content violations:
- Double-check your captions, images, and hashtags to make sure they adhere to Instagram’s terms of use.
- Avoid posting content that could be considered sensitive, offensive, or inappropriate.
If you believe your content has been wrongly flagged, you can appeal the decision through Instagram’s support.
While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using too many can sometimes be counterproductive and seen as spammy by the algorithm.
To fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search, limit the number of hashtags to around 10-15 per post.
Quality over quantity is key when it comes to hashtags.
Using fewer, more targeted hashtags can actually help your posts perform better in searches.
7. Boost Engagement on Your Post
The more engagement your post receives, the more likely it is to appear in hashtag searches.
This is because Instagram’s algorithm favors content that has high engagement.
To fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search, focus on generating organic engagement:
- Encourage your followers to like, comment, and share your posts.
- Respond to comments and engage with your audience to increase the visibility of your content.
Higher engagement can improve your chances of ranking in hashtag searches and bring your posts back to the forefront.
8. Check for App Updates
Sometimes, technical glitches in the app can lead to issues with posts not appearing in searches.
Ensuring that your Instagram app is up-to-date can fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search.
To update the app:
- Go to the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Search for Instagram.
- If there is an update available, tap Update.
Keeping the app updated ensures that any bugs or issues related to hashtags and searches are addressed.
9. Re-upload Your Post
If all else fails, try re-uploading the post. Sometimes a simple glitch can prevent a post from appearing in hashtag searches.
If you believe your post is fine but is still not showing up, deleting and reposting it may solve the problem.
FAQs on How to Fix Instagram Posts Not Appearing in Hashtag Search
Why aren’t my Instagram posts appearing in hashtag searches?
Your posts may not appear in hashtag searches due to account settings, overused or banned hashtags, shadowbanning, or technical glitches.
Addressing these issues can help fix Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search.
How can I check if I’m shadowbanned?
You can check if you’re shadowbanned by using a unique hashtag and asking a friend who doesn’t follow you to search for it.
If your post doesn’t show up, you may be shadowbanned.
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
It’s best to use around 10-15 targeted hashtags per post.
Using too many hashtags can result in your post being flagged as spam, which might affect its visibility in hashtag searches.
What are banned hashtags?
Banned hashtags are those that Instagram has restricted due to misuse or inappropriate content.
Using banned hashtags can prevent your posts from appearing in searches.
Can engagement help my posts appear in hashtag searches?
Yes, higher engagement can improve the visibility of your posts in hashtag searches.
Encourage likes, comments, and shares to boost your post’s ranking in hashtag results.
Conclusion
Fixing Instagram posts not appearing in hashtag search can seem daunting, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue.
Ensure your account is set to public, avoid overusing or banned hashtags, and check for shadowbanning.
Regularly refreshing your hashtag strategy and maintaining compliance with Instagram’s guidelines can also help keep your posts visible in hashtag searches.
Lastly, don’t forget to stay updated with the latest app versions and boost engagement to maximize your post’s reach.
PrimeGate Digital is a Result Driven Blog that strives to go beyond ‘Conventional Digital Marketing’ through digital innovation and performance marketing. We have experience working with world class brands and products.
