Key takeaways
- One row per candidate hashtag: tag, tier, why it fits, platforms and last used.
- Tier each tag as broad, niche or branded, and draw each post’s set mainly from niche tags.
- Respect each platform’s rules: Instagram allows five per post, Threads one topic tag, LinkedIn and TikTok count tags in the text.
- Use the last-used date to rotate tags rather than pasting the same block every time.
On this page
What columns does a hashtag research sheet need?
Six columns are enough. Keep the tag without the # so the sheet sorts cleanly, and fill the result column after a few weeks, comparing each post with your own median rather than with other accounts.
| Hashtag | Tier | Why it fits | Platforms | Last used | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bakerylife | Niche | Behind-the-scenes posts from our kitchen | Instagram, TikTok | 2026-10-28 | Above our median reach |
| food | Broad | Fits every post, but very crowded | 2026-09-30 | Below median; use rarely | |
| ourbakeryname | Branded | Our own tag for customer posts | All | 2026-11-04 | Collects customer photos |
How do you tier hashtags?
A specific tag tells people and the platform what the post is about; a broad one tells them little. Build most sets from niche tags, add a branded tag where one exists, and use a broad tag only when it truly fits. The hashtag generator suggests niche candidates for new rows.
| Tier | What it is | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Broad | A large, general tag shared by many posts | Sparingly; it says little about the post |
| Niche | A specific tag for your topic or community | The core of most sets |
| Branded | Your own or a campaign’s tag | On every post in that campaign |
How many hashtags can you use on each platform?
Set your sheet’s picks to fit the strictest platform you post to. The hashtag limits by platform page covers every network, and the hashtag counter checks a caption before you post.
| Platform | Hashtag rule |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 per post or Reel | |
| Threads | 1 topic tag per post |
| No separate limit; tags count toward the post’s characters | |
| TikTok | No count limit; tags count toward the caption |
How do you use the sheet for each post?
When you schedule in bulk, put each post’s tags in the hashtags column of the import file; SkedCast checks every row against each network’s rules before it is scheduled. See bulk scheduling.
Filter by platform
Show only the tags you use on the network you are posting to.
Pick the set
Choose mostly niche tags, plus a branded tag, within the platform’s limit.
Skip the recent ones
Sort by last used and leave out tags you used on the last few posts.
Update the row
Set today’s date, then add the result once the post has settled.
Sources
FAQ
- How many hashtags should I use per post?
- Follow each platform’s rule: up to 5 on Instagram, 1 topic tag on Threads, and a few specific tags on LinkedIn and TikTok, where tags count toward the text.
- Should I use the same hashtag set on every post?
- Rotate them instead: pick the tags that fit each post, and use the last-used column to avoid pasting the same block every time.
- What is the difference between broad and niche hashtags?
- A broad tag is large and general; a niche tag is specific to a topic or community, so it describes the post more precisely.
- Where do I find new hashtag candidates?
- The hashtag generator suggests tags by category for any topic, as a starting point for new rows in the sheet.