How to Use Hashtags for Print on Demand: Instagram & TikTok Guide

 

How to Use Hashtags Effectively for Print on Demand on Instagram and TikTok [Updated]

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok aren’t just for scrolling fun—they've become essential channels for print on demand entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands. Using hashtags effectively on these platforms can make the difference between your designs getting lost in the crowd or grabbing attention from the right audience.

When you’re selling print on demand products, the right hashtags help you tap into specific communities and trending topics, increasing your visibility and, ultimately, your sales. This post will show you straightforward ways to use hashtags so your posts reach more potential customers without feeling spammy or random. 

If you’re serious about growing your POD business, especially on Instagram and TikTok, mastering hashtags is a smart place to start.

If you want a deeper dive into some social media strategies around print on demand, Growing Print on Demand with Social Media offers practical tips that complement what we’ll cover here. For those just starting out, the Print on Demand Startup Guide is a solid resource to keep in mind as you build your online presence.

Understanding Hashtags in the Context of Print on Demand

If you’ve ever posted on Instagram or TikTok, you know hashtags are those clickable words clogging up captions and comments. 

But for print on demand (POD) sellers, hashtags are far more than just decoration. They act like signposts, guiding the right shoppers to your designs and helping you build a community around your brand. 

Knowing how to use hashtags the right way can turn your social posts from invisible drops in an ocean to targeted beacons that attract genuine buyers.

Role of Hashtags in Expanding Your Print on Demand Audience

At their core, hashtags categorize content. When you tag your post with a hashtag like #printondemandtshirts or #custommugs, it doesn't just get thrown into the void. 

Instead, it lands in a stream where people interested in those products are browsing. 

This is the secret sauce for expanding your audience without paying a dime for ads.

Here’s what making smart hashtag choices can do for your POD business:

• Reach niche buyers: Instead of shouting into the void, hashtags funnel your content to precise groups actively searching for print on demand products. Whether it’s eco-friendly apparel or funny pet mugs, you can find your audience.
• Drive organic traffic: Hashtags increase your post’s discoverability organically. That means your efforts pay off not just for your followers but for every prospective customer who comes across your designs via hashtags.
• Build engagement and community: Using relevant hashtags invites conversation and interaction. When people see your posts in hashtag feeds, they’re more likely to like, comment, or follow, creating a cycle of engagement that fuels your brand’s growth.

Think of hashtags as a well-placed billboard on a busy road. But unlike a static ad, hashtags direct curious customers straight to your shop or profile. 

Without them, your posts risk being islands with no bridges leading in.

Differences Between Instagram and TikTok Hashtag Usage

While both Instagram and TikTok rely heavily on hashtags, their ecosystems treat them differently, especially for POD sellers.

Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post. This gives you freedom to mix broad tags like #printondemand with super-specific ones like #vintagelogoartshirts. 

You can layer your hashtags to target different audiences, including local buyers or fans of a niche style. 

Instagram users often expect hashtags in captions or comments, making it a normal part of content discovery.

In contrast, TikTok thrives on trends and quick discovery. Instead of maxing out the hashtag quota, TikTok favors a handful of punchy, trending, or niche tags. Too many hashtags can look spammy and dilute your reach. 

The platform’s For You page curates content based on trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags, so jumping on timely hashtags can give your print on demand posts a big boost.

Here are some key platform differences to keep in mind:

• Hashtag Volume: Instagram lets you use up to 30; TikTok works best with 3-5 focused tags.
• Trend Sensitivity: TikTok hashtags often tie to current viral themes; Instagram hashtags lean more evergreen.
• Discovery Patterns: Instagram users browse hashtag feeds and follow tags; TikTok’s algorithm pushes content to users fueled by hashtags tied to trends.

Both platforms reward smart hashtag strategies—but the tactics aren’t exactly the same. For example, on TikTok, it pays to keep an eye on rising hashtags in the print on demand space and adapt quickly. 

On Instagram, you have more room to experiment with hybrid hashtag sets targeting broad and narrow interests.

Using the right hashtags on each platform helps you plug into communities actively looking for POD products, converting viewers into customers without feeling like a shout in the dark.

Photo by Damien Lusson

For more tips on growing your POD business through social channels, you may find the Social Media for Print On-Demand overview useful. 

Also, understanding Instagram hashtag basics can sharpen your strategy significantly—check out this detailed guide by Printful.

Combining these insights will help you get your print on demand products seen by the right people, turning everyday posts into sales opportunities.

Researching and Selecting Effective Hashtags for POD

Getting your print on demand products seen means more than just slapping on a few random hashtags. 

You want to find those that connect to active communities and consumers who are actually interested in what you’re offering. 

This section breaks down how to research hashtags using smart tools, how to balance different hashtag types, and shares examples that really perform on Instagram and TikTok.

Using Hashtag Analytics and Tools

Think of hashtag research like prospecting for gold—you need the right tools and know where to dig. 

Several free and paid tools are designed with entrepreneurs in mind, helping you discover hashtags that attract your ideal audience rather than wasting time on generic or overused tags.

Some user-friendly options include:

• Instagram’s native insights: If you switch to a business or creator account, Instagram provides data on how many impressions come from hashtags. This tells you at a glance which tags work best for your posts.
• TikTok’s Discover page: Use it to spot trending hashtags related to print on demand. Trending doesn’t mean you toss on every popular tag, but it’s a good signal of what’s hot.
• Third-party tools: Platforms like RiteTag, Hashtagify, or Inflact offer hashtag performance metrics. They show you engagement levels, popularity, and how competitive a tag is. This helps you pick hashtags that balance volume and relevance.
• Google Trends: Not just for Google searches; you can analyze hashtag phrases to see if interest is growing or declining.

The data you gather from these tools help you fine-tune your hashtag list to include tags that are active and relevant, rather than guessing and hoping your post sticks out. 

Think of this step as your hashtag “weather report”—you want to post when the conditions are just right.

Photo by Nothing Ahead

Balancing Popular, Niche, and Brand-Specific Hashtags

You don’t want to rely solely on popular hashtags where your post can get buried in seconds. 

At the same time, very niche hashtags might have low bottom-funnel engagement. 

The sweet spot lies in balancing three types of hashtags:

1. Popular Hashtags: High-traffic tags like #printondemand cast a wide net. They get a lot of eyeballs but also tons of competition.
2. Niche Hashtags: These are smaller communities focused on very specific interests, like #customtshirtdesigns or #funnycoffeemugs. People here are more likely to engage and convert because they’re searching exactly what you offer.
3. Brand-Specific Hashtags: These include your shop’s name or unique campaign tags, like #YourShopName or #LimitedEditionPrints. This builds your brand identity and creates a dedicated space for followers to find and share your products.

A typical formula might be using 40% popular, 40% niche, and 20% brand hashtags per post on Instagram, adjusting on TikTok to fewer but more targeted tags. 

This blend helps increase your reach without spreading yourself too thin or looking spammy.

Examples of High-Performing POD Hashtags on Instagram and TikTok

Here’s a curated list of hashtags that consistently work well for print on demand sellers, cutting across broad, niche, and brand-building levels. 

Mixing these into your posts will help connect you with buyers looking for unique, custom creations.

• #printondemand
• #customapparel
• #tshirtdesigns
• #personalizedgifts
• #custommugs
• #funnyshirts
• #ecofriendlyfashion
• #printondemandbusiness
• #madeforyou
• #smallbusinesssupport

For more strategic tips on how to position these and other marketing moves, check out guides like Print on Demand Social Media Strategies and Print on Demand Marketing Strategies. 

These resources dive deeper into ways to combine hashtags with content and paid efforts to grow your POD venture faster.

By researching with the right tools, balancing your tag types, and picking proven hashtags, you’ll be on your way to outshining competitors in the crowded print on demand space.

Best Practices for Implementing Hashtags in Your POD Campaigns

Getting hashtags right in your print on demand campaigns on Instagram and TikTok can make your products pop in crowded feeds. 

It’s not just about piling on as many as possible. 

Instead, it’s about using hashtags strategically to connect with the right audience and spark genuine engagement. 

Let’s walk through how to place hashtags smartly, tap into trending moments, and build a hashtag that boosts your brand identity.

Placement and Quantity of Hashtags

Where and how many hashtags you use plays a huge role in how your posts perform. 

On Instagram, you have the option to include hashtags directly in the caption or tuck them away in the first comment. 

Both methods work, but placing hashtags in the first comment can keep your caption looking clean and focused on your message.

For quantity, Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags, but that doesn’t mean you should use the max every time. 

Generally, hitting somewhere between 10 and 20 relevant hashtags balances reach and credibility. 

Too many hashtags can trigger spam filters or annoy your audience.

TikTok prefers a leaner approach, favoring about 3 to 5 well-chosen hashtags. Since TikTok’s algorithm depends heavily on trends, choosing a handful of targeted tags plus one or two trending hashtags works best. 

Overloading your TikTok posts can look spammy and dilute the content’s focus.

To get the most from your hashtags without losing authenticity, follow these tips:

• Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags tailored to your print on demand products.
• Place Instagram hashtags in the first comment for a neat caption.
• Stick with 10-20 hashtags on Instagram to avoid looking spammy.
• Use 3-5 hashtags on TikTok, prioritizing trending and niche hashtags relevant to your niche.

For further insight, the 2021 Guide to Using Instagram Hashtags offers a solid starting point for hashtag counts and placements.

Leveraging Trending and Seasonal Hashtags for POD Promotions

Jumping on trending or seasonal hashtags is like catching a wave at just the right moment. 

When done right, this can push your print on demand products in front of a flood of new eyes. 

Think of winter holidays, back-to-school, or viral TikTok challenges as prime opportunities to connect your designs with timely hashtags.

Trending hashtags offer instant visibility because people are actively searching and engaging with those tags. For TikTok in particular, hopping on trends quickly is crucial as the lifespan of popular tags can be brief but impactful.

If you plan ahead, you can align your print on demand campaigns with:

• Major holidays and events like Christmas, Mother’s Day, Halloween.
• Seasonal themes such as summer vibes or fall fashion.
• Viral hashtags or challenges popular on TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Use sites or tools like TikTok’s Discover page and Instagram’s Explore tab to spot rising hashtags. 

Be selective—only use trending tags that fit your brand and product. Overusing unrelated trends feels off and can hurt your credibility.

For a practical view on navigating trending hashtags on TikTok, check out this TikTok hashtags guide, which breaks down how to use popular hashtags to boost visibility without losing your authentic voice.

Creating and Promoting a Unique Brand Hashtag

Creating a unique hashtag for your print on demand brand isn’t just a branding gimmick—it’s a powerful way to unite your community and showcase user-generated content. 

A well-crafted brand hashtag encourages customers to tag their photos wearing or using your products, creating a stream of authentic social proof.

When designing your brand hashtag:

• Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.
• Use your shop or brand name, or a catchy phrase associated with your niche.
• Check that it’s not already widely used for unrelated content.
• Encourage customers to use it by featuring it in your posts, packaging, and even in incentives (like giveaways or contests).

Promoting your brand hashtag helps you track engagement and build a dedicated space where fans share their experiences. Over time, it becomes a community hub, raising awareness and loyalty simultaneously.

To see how this works in action, brands often encourage customers to share photos using their unique hashtag, then reshare that content in stories or feeds, highlighting real-life fans of the product. 

It adds authenticity and creates a cycle of engagement that paid ads can’t buy.

For a step-by-step path to building this community, check out strategies like those in Effective strategies to promote your print on demand business.

Photo by Cup of Couple

Utilizing these best practices can sharpen your print on demand marketing on Instagram and TikTok—helping your products catch eyes, build a following, and turn scrolling into sales.

Measuring Hashtag Effectiveness and Optimizing Strategies

To turn hashtags into a real driver of growth for your print on demand business, it’s not enough to just pick and post. 

You need to measure how well your hashtags perform and optimize your approach based on data. 

This ensures you’re not wasting time on tags that don’t pull in buyers or engagement, and that you double down on what works. 

Here’s what to track, the tools to use, and how to keep improving your hashtag game.

Key Metrics to Monitor

Tracking the right numbers gives you the best clues about how your hashtags are actually affecting your posts. 

Focus on these key indicators:

• Reach: How many unique users saw your post through hashtags? A higher reach means your hashtags are putting your content in front of more eyes.
• Impressions: Total views generated from hashtags, counting repeated views by the same user. This shows how often your post is encountered.
• Engagement Rate: The percentage of users interacting with your post via likes, comments, shares, or saves from hashtag traffic. It signals how relevant and compelling your content is.
• Conversions Attributed to Hashtags: Sales or clicks on your store link that come from users who found you through hashtags. This ultimate metric ties hashtag use directly to your print on demand revenue.

Each metric tells part of the story. For example, a post could have high reach but low engagement, suggesting you need to refine your tag selection or content for your audience. 

Or you might see solid engagement but no conversions, meaning you need to tweak your call to action or checkout process.

Tools and Techniques for Tracking Hashtag Performance

Luckily, you don’t have to guess at what’s working. There are plenty of tools and platform features that help you monitor your hashtag results with ease:

• Instagram Insights: Switching to a business account unlocks native data showing how many impressions come specifically from hashtags on each post. It also shows reach and engagement statistics.
• TikTok Analytics: Pro accounts offer performance metrics for videos, including how hashtags contribute to views and engagement.
• Third-Party Tools: Platforms like Talkwalker and Sprout Social provide deeper hashtag tracking by monitoring mentions, analyzing competitor tags, and revealing sentiment around hashtags in your niche.
• Campaign-Specific Tracking: Use unique brand or campaign hashtags and track their performance over time to evaluate specific marketing pushes.
• Manual Tracking with Spreadsheets: If you’re just starting out, keep a simple spreadsheet logging the hashtags you use, the number of impressions, reach, engagement, and sales per post to track trends.

Using these tools regularly will help you understand which hashtags pull the most engagement and sales for your print on demand products, so you can invest your effort wisely.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Iterative Hashtag Strategy: Testing and Refinement

Hashtag effectiveness isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. The best approach is to think of your strategy as a cycle of testing, learning, and tweaking. 

Here’s a straightforward process:

1. Start with a Hypothesis: Choose a mix of hashtags based on your research—popular, niche, and brand-specific.
2. Post and Monitor: Use Instagram or TikTok analytics, and any third-party tools, to monitor how each hashtag performs.
3. Analyze Results: Look for which hashtags drive the most reach, engagement, and conversions reliably.
4. Adjust Your Mix: Drop the underperformers and try swapping in new ones where you see gaps, or add more from the winners.
5. Repeat Regularly: Trends and platform algorithms change, so reassess your hashtag list every few weeks.

This iterative approach helps you stay agile and continuously boost your print on demand marketing efforts. Sometimes a small swap in hashtags can unlock a whole new audience segment.

For a full guide on strategies for your print on demand campaigns, consider reviewing resources on optimizing social media marketing efforts at GoPathToMillions.

By measuring hashtag impact closely and refining your approach based on clear data, you make hashtags work as a strategic tool—not just a guess.

Conclusion

Using hashtags strategically on Instagram and TikTok is a practical way to boost your print on demand business. When you balance popular, niche, and brand-specific tags, you increase your chance of reaching the right buyers without cluttering your posts. 

Tracking how these hashtags perform lets you keep refining your approach, focusing on what actually drives traffic and sales.

If you’re ready to grow your POD brand further, exploring resources like Starting Your Print on Demand Business can offer deeper insights and step-by-step guidance. Every focused step you take with hashtags brings your products closer to an eager audience. 

Keep experimenting, measuring, and adapting—your next viral post might be just a tag away.