# Instagram Hashtag Limit: 5 per Post

Instagram cut the hashtag limit from 30 to 5 per post and Reel. Here is what that means and how to choose the five that matter.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/instagram-hashtag-limit/
Updated: 2026-10-12

**Since December 2025, Instagram allows up to 5 hashtags per post or Reel. The old limit was 30. Instagram's Help Centre now states 5, while its developer documentation still mentions 30.**

## What this means

- Captions with more than five hashtags can't be posted as they are, so trim them before you publish.

- The caption itself can still be 2,200 characters long. About 125 characters show before «more».

- Old Reels and posts with up to 30 hashtags stay online.

## How to pick your five

- **One broad topic tag** that describes the post (for example #videoediting).

- **Two specific tags** people in your niche actually search.

- **One community or format tag** (for example #reelstips).

- **One brand or series tag** you use on every post.

Paste your caption into the [character counter](https://shortformkit.com/character-counter/): it counts characters, hashtags and shows what is visible before «more».

Source: [Social Media Today: Instagram implements new limits on hashtag use](https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-implements-new-limits-on-hashtag-use/808309/). Checked 2026-10-13.

All platform limits in one table: [social media video specs 2026](https://shortformkit.com/social-media-video-specs-2026/), or for Reels only: [Instagram Reels size and specs](https://shortformkit.com/instagram-reels-size/).

## FAQ

**How many hashtags can I use on Instagram?**
Up to 5 per post or Reel since December 2025. Before that the limit was 30.

**Does the limit apply to Reels and carousels?**
Yes, it applies to posts and Reels, so carousels too.

**How long can an Instagram caption be?**
2,200 characters. About 125 characters are visible before «more».

**Do hashtags in comments count?**
We could not find an official statement on hashtags placed in comments, so we don't make a claim here.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/instagram-hashtag-limit/). Free, no login.