The Beginner's Guide to Instagram Advertising
Chapter 6
Should I Use Hashtags on My Instagram Ads?
Hashtags or not Hashtags? Let's solve the dilemma
Instagram is dominated by hashtags; it’s how users find content and profiles that they’re interested in.Even more than that, though, hashtags make up a central part of Instagram’s personality. Users attach clever hashtags that work like puns to their posts, or those intended solely for humor.
While you should place hashtags on every single Instagram post (preferably at least eleven of them), they don’t necessarily belong on Instagram Ads.
Hashtags on Instagram Ads can look slightly out of place. Most brands just don’t use them. The ads look cleaner with simple, concise text.
Your ads also won’t show up in searches like regular posts because they aren’t regular posts.
You’re paying for increased visibility, so there isn’t a need to add hashtags on your post for this purpose.
There is one exception to this rule, however, and that’s if you want to add hashtags for the purpose of personality.
In this sense, you’d be using them from a copywriting standpoint instead of a visibility one.
You’ll only want to add one hashtag (two tops) to your ads if this is the case, and use them to enhance your copy.
Are You Ready To Start?
Though Instagram Ads is fully integrated with Facebook Ads, there will be some creative and strategic differences to consider when it comes to the former. There is some overlap, but Instagram Ads has different placement options, ad formats, best practices, costs, and more. Understanding the differences allows you to prepare for them, optimizing your ads and getting the best results every time.