How to build a working hashtag setLesson 5 of 5
Pre-publish checklist
40 seconds before you post
Before you hit share — 40 seconds of checklist. Boring. Way fewer faceplants though.
Hashtag checklist
- Under the limit: Instagram — max 5
- You can explain each tag in one sentence about this post
- You've got niche/topic, not a wall of broad tags
- Broad — one max
- No
#follow4follow,#fyp,#like4like, or other junk - The set isn't a 1:1 copy of the last post
- Geo/format — only if it's truly on-topic
- Quick search glance: the tag is alive, doesn't look toxic
Checklist next to tags (often more important)
- The caption has real words people search for
- For video: the key phrase is spoken / on screen early
- Preview and first second aren't “eh, you'll get it later”
If you're unsure
Drop the tag. A short honest set > “I padded the five with whatever.”
Save this checklist. Next courses cover profile and content — tags alone still won't carry you.
Check yourself
What should you do if you're unsure about one of five tags?
Explanation: The limit is 5 — you don't need a “fill every slot” quota. A shaky tag hurts more often than it helps.