Instagram Hashtags in 2025: Still Worth It for Social Media Marketing in the UK?

Hashtags have been part of the social media world for over a decade - but in 2025, do they still help your posts perform better?

At Evolve My Media, a specialist social media marketing agency in the UK, we get asked this question all the time.
So, are hashtags a powerful growth tool or just clutter in your captions? Let’s break it down.

What Hashtags Actually Do in 2025

In 2025, hashtags have evolved. They’re no longer about chasing viral reach - they’re about content categorisation, discoverability, and relevance.

Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok use hashtags to group posts by topic, helping users find exactly what they’re looking for.

But here’s the catch: hashtags alone won’t skyrocket your reach anymore.
Instead, they’re most effective for:

• 🎯 Niche targeting – connecting with people interested in your specific niche or industry.
• 🧭 Content organisation – making it easier for audiences to browse a campaign or theme.
• 💡 Brand visibility – building recognition with branded hashtags that reinforce your identity.

The Algorithm Shift You Need to Know About

The biggest change? AI now drives discovery more than hashtags.

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok rely on machine learning to recommend content based on user behaviour, watch time, and engagement - not just tags.

That doesn’t mean hashtags are dead. It means they should complement great content, not replace it.
At Evolve, we’ve seen local brands achieve stronger results when hashtags are combined with:

• 📸 Strong creative visuals that stop the scroll.
• 💬 Captions that spark conversation or emotion.
• 💰 Paid social ads that amplify organic reach and bring consistency.

So… Are Hashtags Still Worth Using?

✅ Yes — but use them strategically.
Here’s how to make them work for you in 2025:

1. Quality over quantity – 3–5 targeted hashtags outperform 30 generic ones.
2. Mix niche and trending – balance broad industry tags with community-focused ones.
3. Use branded hashtags – create your own to build awareness and track campaigns.
4. Keep testing – check insights monthly to see which hashtags drive the most engagement.

How UK Businesses Can Use Hashtags Effectively

If you’re a UK business wondering how hashtags fit into your strategy, here’s what works best:

• Local hashtags: build community and attract nearby customers.
  → Try #ShropshireBusiness, #ShrewsburyLife, or #UKSmallBiz.
• Industry hashtags: align your content with your sector.
  → Think #SocialMediaMarketing, #DigitalStrategy, #LeadGeneration.
• Campaign hashtags: for launches, events, or competitions - great for user-generated content.
• Cross-platform testing: what works on Instagram might not perform the same on LinkedIn or TikTok.

By blending local, industry, and branded hashtags, you strengthen both your visibility and credibility.

Quick FAQs About Hashtags in 2025

Do hashtags increase reach in 2025?
Sometimes - but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Engagement and video watch time carry more weight.

What’s the best number of hashtags on Instagram?
Research shows 3–5 relevant hashtags perform best in 2025.

Should UK businesses still use hashtags?
Absolutely - especially local and branded ones that help your audience connect with you directly.

Are hashtags important for TikTok?
They help categorise your content, but TikTok’s algorithm focuses more on engagement and watch time.

Final Thoughts

Hashtags aren’t dead - but they’ve changed.
In 2025, they work best when used intentionally, alongside creative content, storytelling, and a consistent posting strategy.

If you’re not sure whether your business is making the most of hashtags, we can help.

At Evolve My Media, we’re the social media agency UK brands trust for results-driven campaigns, scroll-stopping content, and paid social that delivers growth.

👉 Ready to evolve your social media? Book a call with our team today and let’s start building your next success story.

‍

‍