When searching for people to follow on Instagram, should I use hashtags in the search bar?

No, you don’t need to use hashtags when searching. Just type the descriptive keyword or location name directly into the search bar. Instagram’s search engine will surface relevant posts, reels, and accounts without requiring a hashtag. Use the mobile app for searching—it returns far better results than the desktop version.

---

Asked by a landscape photographer · Answered by Indra · Office Hours · 2026-06-23