With social media algorithms constantly evolving, hashtags have remained one of the most reliable ways to boost your content’s visibility. Whether you're creating Instagram Reels, posting to TikTok, or scheduling content across multiple social media platforms, the right hashtags can help you reach the right audience — fast.
Your TikTok or Instagram hashtags might be what gets your content discovered, shared, or saved — especially when they’re relevant, timely, and well-placed. That’s why having a solid hashtag strategy is still a key part of successful social media marketing.
But let’s be real: finding the best hashtags for every post can be a time-consuming process. And not all tags are created equal. That’s where hashtag generator tools come in — they help you generate hashtags based on your content, keywords, or even images, so you can post with purpose and save valuable time.
In this article, we’ll walk through 8 of the best free hashtag generators in 2026 — including AI-powered tools, niche-specific finders, and everything in between — to help you find better hashtags and grow your social media presence.
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Why use hashtags in your social media strategy?
Hashtags might seem like a tiny addition to your caption, but they’re one of the most effective tools for improving the reach of your social media posts — especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
Here’s why they’re still so important in 2026:
- Improve content visibility across platforms: Hashtags help your posts get discovered by users who don’t already follow you. The right ones — especially specific, relevant, and trending hashtags — can push your content onto the Explore page, into search results, or right into niche feeds. If growing your visibility is a priority, hashtags still matter.
- Boost engagement with the right audience: Using hashtags that your target audience is already searching for increases the chances of meaningful engagement. A smart hashtag strategy can help your post earn more likes, saves, and shares from people who actually care about your content — not just passive scrollers.
- Build stronger audience connections: Hashtags are cultural shorthand. Whether you're using the most popular hashtags like #momsoftiktok or niche tags like #slowtech, you’re signaling what community you're a part of. These small details help you connect with people who share your values, interests, or creative style.
- Grow brand awareness and social proof: Branded hashtags are a low-effort way to encourage user-generated content and build trust with new followers. You can use them to organize campaigns, spotlight customer stories, or just make your brand more recognizable across different social media platforms.
But none of this works if you’re just adding popular hashtags at random. That’s why tools like an AI hashtag generator are so helpful — they take the guesswork out of finding relevant hashtags and help you generate hashtags that fit your content and your goals.
8 of the best free hashtag generators
1. Buffer Hashtag Generators
Best for: fast, AI-powered hashtag ideas tailored to your platform and content
Features:
- Generate TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram hashtags in seconds using AI
- Just describe your post — like “sunset yoga on the beach” or “homemade avocado toast” — and the free tool suggests hashtags that match your niche and content
- Designed to improve visibility and reach with relevant (not random) hashtags
- No signup required to try — get five hashtag suggestions a day for free
- Get unlimited access with a free Buffer account
Heads-up: Hashtags are generated by AI so give them a quick check to ensure they fit your brand and local guidelines.
Why it stands out:
Buffer’s tool is built for creators, marketers, and small businesses who want to post smarter without spending hours on research. It’s perfect if you struggle with finding hashtags that actually work or don’t want to scroll through Instagram’s search bar every time. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with Buffer’s other social media tools.
Try Buffer's free hashtag generators:
2. Inflact Instagram Hashtag Generator
Best for: finding popular Instagram hashtags by keyword, image, or URL
Features:
- Generate hashtags based on a keyword, photo, or URL
- Sorts hashtags by frequency, popularity, and competition level
- Offers categorized hashtag suggestions (e.g. top, average, niche)
- Option to copy your hashtag list directly into your Instagram post or bio
Why it stands out:
If you want to go beyond just typing in a keyword, Inflact is one of the few hashtag generator tools that lets you upload an image or paste a URL to get hashtag suggestions. It’s particularly helpful for Instagram-focused creators who want to surface both trending and niche hashtags. You can even build reusable hashtag lists inside the tool.
The free version limits how much you can do in one session, but it’s a solid Instagram tag generator for quick hashtag research.
Try Inflact’s hashtag generator →
3. Predis.ai Instagram Hashtag Generator
Best for: AI-powered hashtag suggestions with image support
Features:
- Generate hashtags from keywords, full post text, or uploaded images
- AI suggests hashtags that are contextually relevant and niche-specific
- Supports multiple languages, making it great for international creators
- Offers other AI social media tools like caption writing and idea generation
- No signup needed to try — just type or upload and generate hashtags
Why it stands out:
Predis.ai takes a multi-modal approach to hashtag generation. You can type in a few keywords, paste your Instagram caption, or even upload a photo — and the tool will generate hashtags based on what’s visually or contextually relevant.
Try Predis.ai’s free hashtag generator →
4. VEED Hashtag Generator
Best for: finding hashtags for your video posts
Features:
- Generate hashtags from one keyword or a set of keywords
- AI suggests plenty of relevant hashtags related to your keyword
- Offers adjacent AI social media tools like video editing and script writing
- No signup needed to try — just type or upload and generate hashtags
Why it stands out:
VEED is the best hashtag generator if you want to edit your video content (like Instagram Reels), use AI to refine your script, and find different hashtags related to your post all in one tool.
5. CopyAI Hashtag Generator
Best for: generating long lists of hashtags in one go
Features:
- Uses AI to generate up to 50 hashtags at a time
- Input a keyword or short description of your post
- Generates hashtags across multiple niches and tones (from playful to professional)
- Part of Copy.ai ’s larger suite of social media tools (e.g. captions, product descriptions)
- Requires a free account to use
Why it stands out:
Since it’s part of Copy.ai’s wider toolkit, you can create both your social media posts and hashtags in one place.
Try CopyAI’s hashtag generator →
6. Ahrefs Hashtag Generator
Best for: SEO-style hashtag research and competitive insights
Features:
- Generate up to 20 hashtags from an image or description of your post
- Offers data-informed hashtag suggestions based on reach potential
- Helps identify the best hashtags based on relevance and competition
- Designed with SEO-like logic — useful for marketers who think in keywords
- Totally free to use, no account required
Why it stands out:
Ahrefs is best known for search engine optimization, but their AI hashtag generator borrows that same data-first approach to help you find hashtags that are both relevant and discoverable. If you already use tools like Google Trends or AnswerThePublic for content research, this one will feel familiar.
Try Ahrefs’ hashtag generator →
7. Canva Instagram Hashtag Generator
Best for: quick hashtag ideas while creating visuals
Features:
- Uses AI to generate hashtags based on a few words about your post
- Can create hashtags in multiple languages
- Works well alongside Canva’s design tools and social media scheduler
- Offers quick access to popular and relevant hashtags for Instagram posts
- Free to use, no login required
Why it stands out:
While it doesn’t go as deep as some of the other tools on this list, it’s a solid, lightweight hashtag finder for quick inspiration — and it slots right into your workflow if you’re already using Canva.
Try Canva’s hashtag generator →
8. SISTRIX Instagram Hashtag Generator
Best for: finding successful Instagram hashtags based on performance data
Features:
- Helps you generate hashtags based on a keyword
- Shows metrics like hashtag frequency, popularity, and competition
- Includes a full hashtag search tool and related hashtag suggestions
- You can find different hashtags for free with no sign up for up to 25 queries every day
Why it stands out:
SISTRIX brings a performance-focused lens to hashtag research, making it easier to identify the best Instagram hashtags to grow your reach. If you’ve ever wondered which hashtags actually work — and which ones just look good — this tool gives you clarity.
Try Sistrix’s hashtag generator →
5 tips to boost your hashtag strategy
Hashtags are a simple way to make your content more discoverable — especially when you’re just starting out. But there’s more to it than copy-pasting a few popular hashtags into your caption.
Here’s how to build a hashtag strategy that actually works (and doesn’t feel random).
1. Develop a focused hashtag strategy
Start by looking at creators or brands in your niche. What hashtags are they using consistently? Are they using a mix of broad and niche terms? Tools like AnswerThePublic or Google Trends can help you surface relevant keywords that double as strong hashtag ideas.
This research can help you find the best hashtags — and avoid ones that are either overused or too vague to be useful.
2. Choose hashtags that match your content and audience
Instead of relying only on trending hashtags, prioritize relevant hashtags that reflect the content of your post and the community you want to reach. The more aligned your hashtags are with your brand voice and message, the more likely you’ll attract the right audience — and show up on the algorithm for people who care.
A good hashtag generator can help you generate hashtags specific to your niche, saving you time while keeping things targeted.
3. Keep your hashtags clean and intentional
Long, complicated hashtags can be hard to search (and even harder to read). Stick to short, memorable tags that are easy to type. And don’t overload your post — most social media platforms recommend using three to five high-quality hashtags instead of a long, spammy-looking list that dilutes your message.
Want a shortcut? Save a few ready-to-paste hashtag lists for different types of content. With Buffer’s Hashtag Manager, you can create and reuse hashtag groups for different campaigns, post types, or platforms — all without having to copy and paste from a doc every time. It’s a simple way to stay consistent and stay ahead of your content planning.
4. Use branded hashtags to build recognition
Creating your own branded hashtag is a great way to make your brand more recognizable across social media platforms. It also gives your audience a simple way to tag you in user-generated content — whether they’re sharing a review, a photo, or joining in on a campaign.
Bonus tip: Keep your branded hashtag short, unique, and easy to spell.
5. Use hashtags to connect and collaborate
Hashtags aren’t just for visibility — they’re also a great tool for networking. Browse trending hashtags or branded ones from potential collaborators and engage with their posts. It’s an organic way to show up in their notifications and build relationships within your industry or niche.
Save time and improve post performance with hashtags
These hashtag generators can help you save time and improve your social media performance. Each tool has pros and cons, so it's essential to experiment and find the one that best suits your needs.
Whether you're a social media manager, influencer, or just starting, these hashtag generators can help you create compelling content and grow your online presence.
Check out all the free tools from Buffer.
FAQs about hashtag generators
Are hashtag generators worth using?
Yes, hashtag generators save time and help ensure your tags stay up to date with real-time trends. Tools like Buffer can even analyze your previous posts to suggest relevant hashtags, so you can post more confidently.
How do I create a catchy branded hashtag?
Keep it short, unique, and easy to spell. Check that it’s not already in use by searching on social platforms. Use it consistently across your posts and encourage your audience to use it too.
How many hashtags should you use per post?
Most social platforms recommend using three to five hashtags in your post description. Using more than that can come across as spammy.