Monday, 28 April 2025
27.9 C
Singapore
27.4 C
Thailand
19.7 C
Indonesia
27.6 C
Philippines

Instagram revamps hashtag search to enhance discovery

Instagram updates hashtag search, broadening discovery by connecting users to comprehensive search results, not just top posts.

In a move to broaden user discovery, Instagram has updated the functionality of hashtags within the app. Now, instead of being led directly to a “Top Posts” feed when tapping on a hashtag, you’ll be directed to a more comprehensive search result page related to the chosen hashtag. This change is set to transform how users interact with hashtags and discover new content.

Take the hashtag “#makeup” as an example. Previously, tapping on this hashtag would have brought you to a page filled with top posts under that tag. However, with Instagram’s latest update, you’ll find yourself looking at a full search results page for “makeup,” akin to what you’d see in the Explore tab. This includes posts, related accounts, audio snippets, geographical locations, and Reels.

This nuanced approach allows for a richer discovery experience. You can still follow topics through their tags, but now you’re greeted with more content forms. Instagram aims to highlight popular content and improve the visibility of profiles, hoping to encourage more diverse search behaviours among its users.

Enhancing profile discovery

One of the indirect benefits of this update is the increased importance of including target keywords within your profile. Since the profiles displayed in a hashtag search don’t always regularly post content with that specific hashtag, having the keyword in your profile name or description can significantly boost your visibility. This is particularly pertinent given the rise of Reels; searchers now have an easier time finding dedicated Reels content for any topic of interest.

The bigger picture

While not revolutionary, this update represents a logical step forward for Instagram. It transitions the user experience from a limited “Top Posts” view to a more expansive exploration of related content, which could potentially lead to broader engagement with the platform’s various features.

However, there’s still room for improvement, such as reintroducing the ability to sort results by post-date. Nonetheless, this update is a positive change for Instagram, promising to widen the scope of discovery within the app and make it easier for users to explore content that genuinely interests them.

Hot this week

GenAI investment could unlock ‘co-working’ future in financial services, says Moody’s

Moody’s sees GenAI transforming finance with AI co-workers, helping firms grow, automate decisions, and lower access barriers.

Proofpoint launches unified cybersecurity platform to cut costs and tackle multichannel threats

Proofpoint launches Prime Threat Protection, a unified cybersecurity platform tackling human risk and multichannel threats while reducing costs.

Tenable uncovers critical privilege escalation flaw in Google Cloud Composer

Tenable exposes a GCP vulnerability in Cloud Composer that allows privilege escalation through interdependent cloud services.

AMD optimizes models for faster generative AI performance with Amuse 3.0

AMD announces optimised models for faster AI performance with Amuse 3.0, featuring enhanced photo filters, video diffusion, and more.

Zoho partners with Cradle to boost Malaysia’s startup ecosystem

Zoho and Cradle are partnering to provide RM44 million in software credits to 4,400 startups, supporting Malaysia's tech innovation drive.

Gitex Asia x Ai Everything Singapore highlights robotics, AI and next-gen tech at inaugural event

Gitex Asia x Ai Everything Singapore highlights robotics, AI, startups, and tech innovations, shaping Southeast Asia’s digital future.

Lenovo introduces new ThinkPad mobile workstations and business laptops for the AI-ready workforce

Lenovo refreshes its ThinkPad lineup with new AI-ready mobile workstations and business laptops, enhancing mobility, performance, and security.

SquareX secures US$20 million to transform browser security

SquareX raises US$20 million to strengthen browser security, offering enterprises an easy way to protect users without disrupting their workflows.

Smart Communications acquires Joisto to strengthen cloud archival capabilities

Smart Communications acquires Joisto to expand cloud-based customer conversation and archival solutions, strengthening its leadership in CCM and IXM.

Related Articles

Popular Categories