instagram has grown into one of the most powerful social media platforms for brands, influencers, and content creators. To maximize your reach and engagement,using the right keywords in your posts,captions,and hashtags is essential. But how do you identify effective Instagram keywords without spending a fortune on paid tools? This article will guide you through using free tools, many of which are available or discussed on GitHub, to perform Instagram keyword research efficiently.
Materials & Tools Needed
| Tool | Description | Link/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Search Bar | Built-in keyword and hashtag search feature on Instagram. | instagram.com |
| GitHub Instagram Keyword Tool Repos | Open-source repositories with scripts and tools for keyword/hashtag research. | github.com/search |
| Google Keyword Planner | Free keyword research tool useful to find trending keywords that can also apply to Instagram captions and content. | ads.google.com |
| Ubersuggest | Free SEO tool offering keyword ideas including Instagram-relevant keywords. | neilpatel.com/ubersuggest |
| Keyword tool.io (Free version) | Generates Instagram hashtag suggestions based on keywords. | keywordtool.io/instagram |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Free Tools for Instagram Keyword Research
1. Start with Instagram’s Native Search
Instagram’s own search bar is a great place to begin your keyword research. It offers real-time autocomplete suggestions based on popular, trending, and recent searches.
- Open the Instagram app or visit Instagram.com and log in.
- Click on the search bar and type your core keyword or topic related to your niche.
- Observe the dropdown suggestions: these reflect popular hashtags and keyword phrases.
- Look at the “Tags” section to note hashtags with high post counts, indicating popularity.
2. Explore GitHub for Open-Source Tools and scripts
Developers and enthusiasts create Instagram keyword research tools on GitHub — many are free to use or modify.
- Visit GitHub Search for Instagram Keywords.
- Browse repositories such as hashtag scrapers, keyword analyzers, or Instagram API wrappers.
- Find tools compatible with your programming skills or try no-code tools available in those repos.
- Clone or download the repository and follow the README instructions to run keyword analysis.
- Tip: Many tools require an Instagram API token or session ID – follow each project’s guidelines carefully.
- Warning: Using automated scripts might breach Instagram’s terms of service; always test responsibly.
3. Use Google Keyword Planner to Identify trending topics
While Google Keyword Planner doesn’t directly target Instagram, many search terms overlap across platforms.
- Create or log in to your Google Ads Keyword Planner account.
- enter your main Instagram keywords or related topics.
- Review suggested keywords with their average monthly searches and competition level.
- Select keywords that are trending but have moderate competition; these can inspire hashtags and captions.
4. Generate Hashtag Suggestions with Keyword Tool.io
Keyword Tool.io’s Instagram feature helps you generate hashtag ideas from a single keyword.
- Go to Keyword Tool Instagram.
- Type your seed keyword relevant to your niche.
- Browse through the list of suggested hashtags along with their popularity.
- Copy the relevant hashtags for use in your posts or save the list for later.
5. Analyze Competitors Using Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest offers insight into what competitors are doing, including keywords and hashtags driving engagement.
- Visit Ubersuggest.
- Enter your competitor’s domain or Instagram-related keywords.
- Review the keyword suggestions, search volumes, and trending status.
- Note high-performing keywords to adapt for your own Instagram content strategy.
Additional Tips for Effective Instagram Keyword Research
- Combine high-traffic keywords with niche-specific or local terms to capture targeted audiences.
- Regularly update your keyword list to adapt to trends and seasonal topics on Instagram.
- Use a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords and hashtags for balanced reach and engagement.
- Check post frequency and engagement metrics of hashtags before consistent use to avoid shadowbans.
- Document your keyword research process and results in a GitHub README or personal knowledge base for repeatability.
Summary Table: Tools & Their Features
| Tool | Best Use | Platform | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instagram Search | Quick popular hashtag and keyword revelation | Mobile/Web | Free |
| GitHub Tools & Scripts | Advanced, customizable keyword scraping and analysis | Desktop (Code) | Free/Open-source |
| Google Keyword Planner | Broader keyword trends and search volume data | Web | free (Google Ads account required) |
| Keyword Tool.io | Specific Instagram hashtag suggestions | Web | Free (limited) |
| Ubersuggest | Competitor keyword and hashtag analysis | Web | Free (limited) |
Using free tools for Instagram keyword research empowers content creators and marketers to optimize their posts without breaking the bank. Leveraging both Instagram’s native capabilities and GitHub’s rich ecosystem of open-source tools, you can build an effective keyword and hashtag strategy that drives growth and engagement on the platform.