Instagram appears to be quietly testing a change that could reshape how users rely on hashtags. Over the past few days, many users have started seeing a prompt that stops them from adding more than three hashtags to a post. The message states that only three hashtags are allowed, even though the company has not announced any official policy change.
The new limit is not active for everyone, which suggests that Instagram is running a controlled experiment. According to the source, the company may be preparing a broader rollout, or it could be gathering early data before deciding whether this becomes a permanent rule. Instagram has also not commented on the reasoning behind the restriction.
The update comes at a time when hashtags no longer serve the discovery power they once had. Some users still add long lists of hashtags to increase reach, but others remember when hashtags actually surfaced new accounts and communities. Today, Instagram’s feed feels more driven by ads, suggested posts, and influencer content.
If the three-hashtag rule eventually becomes mandatory, it could mark the end of hashtag-heavy posts. For now, the change remains unconfirmed, and only a portion of users can see it. We will report more details if Instagram explains why it introduced the limit or if the test expands.