Finding the best Hashtag Combination for Reels

Hashtags arguably play a big role in how your content interacts in the feed. Now... the difficult part is determining which hashtags are the best given your limited amount of hashtags (currently you can have max 30).

What data was used?

In this short analysis, we’ll explore insights from a sample of 93 videos posted by @thorfinn_wisdom. Each video leverages a unique mix of hashtags from #NeverGiveUp #Dedication #Motivation to #Anime #VinlandSaga #HardWorkTo better understand the style, themes, and strategy behind these hashtag choices, feel free to browse the Instagram page and get a sense of the content yourself.

How was it done?

To get insights from the data, two statistical methods were used.

1. Regression

videoPlayCount = β₀ + βᵢ * Hashtagᵢ + βⱼₖ * (Hashtagⱼ × Hashtagₖ) + ε

Explanation:

Hashtagᵢ are dummy variables indicating if a hashtag is used.
(Hashtagⱼ × Hashtagₖ) are interaction terms for hashtag pairs.
β₀ is the intercept, βᵢ and βⱼₖ are the coefficients being estimated.
ε is the error term.
We are trying to predict videoPlayCount for each video
Each interaction coefficient βⱼₖ tells us whether the combination of two hashtags produces a synergistic or negative effect on video views.

2. Brute force testing

average_views of combo = mean of videoPlayCount for videos using this combo

Explanation:

For every possible pair and triplet of hashtags, the script computes this.
This is a simple group-by aggregation, not a regression.
It helps identify which hashtag combinations tend to perform well empirically.

Results

Best Hashtag Combinations (Positive Interactions)

The combinations that appear to drive the highest positive effects on video views include:

#Dedication × #BelieveInYourself (p=0.8)
#BelieveInYourself × #NeverGiveUp (p=0.7)
#StayDedicated × #BelieveInYourself (p=0.8)
#StayDedicated × #AnimeInspiration (p=0.5)

In general, combinations of motivational/self-belief hashtags seem to correlate with higher views, albeit their significance is extremely questionable. This may be because these hashtags resonate with a broad inspirational audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

Worst Hashtag Combinations (Negative Interactions)

On the other hand, some combinations show a negative effect on views:

#DreamBig × #AnimeInspiration (p=0.5)
#NeverGiveUp × #Inspiration (p=0.2)
#BelieveInYourself × #AnimeInspiration (p=0.6)
#StayDedicated × #KeepPushing (p=0.8)

Best Combinations From Empirics

The top performing double combinations:

#HardWork × #NeverGiveUp (n=9)
#Dedication × #NeverGiveUp (n=9)
#Anime × #NeverGiveUp (n=13)

Interestingly, NeverGiveUp is ranked in the top 3 combinations. Notably, however, the data is also more limited for the top videos as sample size is only 9.

The top performing triple combinations:

#HardWork × #Motivation × #NeverGiveUp (n=6)
#Dedication × #NeverGiveUp × #Anime(n=6)
#Hardwork × #Dedication × #NeverGiveUp (n=8)

Interestingly, NeverGiveUp is once again found in all the top combinations. Notably, however, the data is also even more limited for the top videos as sample size is only 6.

Potential Reasons for Differences

Audience alignment

Some hashtags target broad inspirational audiences (e.g. #BelieveInYourself, #Dedication), while others target niche communities (e.g. #AnimeInspiration).

Hashtag mixing

Combining hashtags from very different niches may confuse Instagram’s algorithm or result in lower engagement from either audience.

Repetitive combinations

Some combinations (like #KeepPushing × #NeverGiveUp) may be perceived as redundant or too generic.

Conclusion

While many motivational hashtags perform well together, mixing them with niche tags (such as anime-focused ones) may not always yield the best results. Content creators should test combinations carefully and consider audience alignment when crafting their hashtag strategy.