Best Hashtags for Artists on Instagram: Top 8 Tags

Unleashing Your Art's Power: Hashtags for Artists

In the vibrant world of Instagram art, hashtags are essential tools. They're the bridge connecting you to new audiences, fellow artists, and wider recognition. Hashtags have grown from simple keywords to powerful tools for categorization and discovery, helping people navigate the expansive world of online visual content.

Effective hashtag strategies rely on relevance and specificity. While broad hashtags like #art might generate many views, your work can easily get lost. Targeted hashtags, however, connect you with a niche audience genuinely interested in your particular style or subject matter. It's about ensuring your art is seen by the right people – potential collectors, collaborators, and enthusiasts.

Think of it like curating an art exhibition. You wouldn't display a landscape painting among abstract sculptures. Similarly, using precise hashtags ensures your work reaches the most receptive audience. This isn't simply about accumulating likes; it's about cultivating a community and fostering genuine connections around your art.

Understanding how hashtags function is vital for any artist striving to thrive online. This article will unveil eight of the best Instagram hashtags for artists in 2025. These carefully selected hashtags are designed to boost your visibility and help you flourish in the competitive digital art scene. Get ready to elevate your Instagram presence and connect with the art world in exciting new ways.

The Power of #artistsofinstagram

#artistsofinstagram stands as one of the most recognizable hashtags in the online art world. It acts as a common thread, connecting artists across various mediums on Instagram. It has become a central hub for showcasing artwork, networking with peers, and reaching a wider audience of potential followers, collectors, and collaborators. With over 40 million posts, this hashtag provides significant potential for artists seeking greater visibility.

This hashtag's strength lies in its broad appeal. Painters, photographers, sculptors, digital artists, and mixed-media artists all find a home under the #artistsofinstagram umbrella. This inclusivity fosters a vibrant online community where artists can connect, share inspiration, and support each other. Organic growth, fueled by the Instagram art community itself, alongside features on Instagram's official channels, and promotion by art influencers and educators, has solidified its position as a key hashtag.

Features and Benefits of Using #artistsofinstagram

• Universal Application: Suitable for any artistic medium.
• Extensive Reach: Over 40 million posts demonstrates a large and engaged audience.
• Community Focus: Fosters connection and collaboration among artists.
• Wide Recognition: Recognized by art professionals, curators, and potential buyers.

Pros and Cons of Using #artistsofinstagram

Real-World Examples of #artistsofinstagram in Action

• Loish (@loisvb): This digital artist uses #artistsofinstagram, frequently receiving thousands of interactions per post, showcasing the hashtag's potential for reach.
• Lisa Congdon (@lisacongdon): A successful illustrator and author, Lisa Congdon incorporates #artistsofinstagram into her posting strategy, contributing to her significant online presence.
• Gallery-Represented Artists: Even established artists represented by galleries use this hashtag to extend their reach beyond existing collectors.

Tips for Effectively Using #artistsofinstagram

• Combine with Niche Hashtags: Pair #artistsofinstagram with hashtags specific to your medium and style (e.g., #oilpainting, #portraitart).
• Consistent Posting: Include it in all art-related posts for maximum visibility.
• Strategic Timing: Experiment with posting times, including off-peak hours, to improve visibility.
• Engage with the Community: Interact with other posts using the hashtag to build connections.

Conclusion: Why #artistsofinstagram Matters

#artistsofinstagram earns its place as a top hashtag due to its broad reach and its function as a central hub for the Instagram art community. While the competition necessitates a strategic approach, its potential for discovery makes it a valuable tool. By following the tips above and incorporating it into a comprehensive hashtag strategy, artists can expand their audience and connect with the wider art world on Instagram.

The Power of #art on Instagram

#art is a ubiquitous hashtag for artists on Instagram. With over 750 million posts, it’s the largest art-related tag on the platform. This makes it a central hub for the online art community, connecting artists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner posting your first sketch or an established artist like JR Artist or Takashi Murakami showcasing finished works, #art plays a significant role.

Even major institutions like MoMA use #art for announcements, highlighting its broad acceptance. This widespread use stems from its simplicity and inclusivity. #art encompasses various forms of expression, from traditional painting and fine art to digital art, illustrations, photography, and mixed media. Its prominence in the Instagram art ecosystem is reinforced by algorithms, art publications, media features, and organic adoption by artists and institutions.

Features of #art

• Highest volume art hashtag on Instagram
• Broad category encompassing all art forms
• Used by both emerging and established artists
• Offers significant exposure potential

Pros of Using #art

• Maximum potential audience reach
• Simple and accessible for everyone
• Used by collectors and enthusiasts for discovery
• Clearly identifies posts as art content

Cons of Using #art

• High competition due to millions of posts
• Content quickly disappears from the feed
• Attracts spam and irrelevant content
• Too generic for focused growth

While #art offers extensive reach, its sheer size presents challenges. The volume of posts means individual artwork can quickly get lost. Its general nature also attracts unrelated content, including spam, which can dilute the quality of the feed. For emerging artists seeking targeted growth, more specific hashtags are essential.

Tips for Effective Use of #art

• Never Use #art Alone: Always combine #art with more specific hashtags relevant to your medium, style, and subject. Examples include #painting, #digitalart, #portraitpainting, #abstractart, and #fineartphotography. This combination offers both broad reach and targeted visibility.

• Best for Established Artists: Artists with a substantial following can benefit most from #art's broad reach. Their existing audience helps boost engagement and visibility.

• Consider Using #art in Stories: The temporary nature of Stories makes them less affected by the rapid content turnover in the main feed. Using #art in Stories can increase discoverability.

• Use for High-Quality Work: Reserve #art for your best pieces. The high level of competition necessitates showcasing your strongest work.

#art remains a fundamental hashtag in the Instagram art world. However, its effectiveness depends on strategic application. Understanding its limitations and using its strengths alongside a well-rounded hashtag strategy is crucial. By following these tips, artists can navigate the crowded #art landscape and connect with a wider audience.

#instaart: Connecting With the Instagram Art World

#instaart serves as a valuable hub for discovering art on Instagram. It bridges the gap between the overly broad #art hashtag (and its billions of posts) and more niche, specialized hashtags. With over 70 million posts, #instaart presents a significant opportunity for artists to connect with a dedicated art community on Instagram while still maintaining broader reach than hyper-specific tags. Its popularity reflects Instagram's growing role as a primary portfolio platform for artists, representing a natural evolution in how art is shared and discovered online.

This hashtag effectively filters the vast amount of content on Instagram, focusing specifically on artwork. This focus makes it incredibly useful for artists looking to connect with collectors, collaborators, and other artists directly on the platform. Its popularity has also made it a frequent focus for art feature accounts looking to showcase emerging talent, further increasing the potential for discovery.

Features of #instaart

• Acts as an Instagram-specific art community tag
• High volume of engagement (70M+ posts)
• Identifies art across various mediums
• More targeted than #art but broader than highly specialized tags

Pros of Using #instaart

• Access to a strong, Instagram-native community
• Better visibility than using #art alone
• Frequently monitored by art feature accounts that promote artists
• Attracts users actively seeking out artists on Instagram

Cons of Using #instaart

• Still a highly competitive space
• Content turnover remains rapid due to high volume
• Less effective for highly specialized art forms
• Can sometimes be used by automated accounts, diluting genuine engagement

Real-World Examples of #instaart in Action

• Stefan Kunz (@stefankunz): A lettering artist effectively using #instaart alongside tags like #lettering and #typography, broadening his reach within the general art community while still targeting his specific niche.
• James Jean (@jamesjeanart): A renowned visual artist who uses #instaart along with more specialized tags related to his style and subject matter, maximizing his visibility across different segments of the Instagram art world.
• Emerging Artists: For up-and-coming artists, #instaart is a crucial tool for initial discovery, helping their work gain visibility among established names.

Tips for Implementing #instaart

• Combine with Medium-Specific Hashtags: Don't rely solely on #instaart. Pair it with tags like #oilpainting, #digitalart, #sculpture, or #photography to reach a more targeted audience.
• Use for Completed Works: Showcase finished pieces rather than works-in-progress. #instaart is best for presenting polished, portfolio-ready artwork.
• Engage With Recent Posts: Build connections within the community by liking and commenting on other posts using #instaart.
• Schedule Posts Strategically: Maximize visibility by posting during peak art browsing times, which are typically evenings and weekends.

#instaart is a valuable hashtag for artists building their presence on Instagram because it offers a powerful combination of community engagement and targeted reach. Its evolution as a platform-specific art identifier aligns with how artists currently use Instagram, making it a useful tool for both emerging and established artists.

Illustration Hashtags: Connecting With the Art Community

The #illustration hashtag has become a cornerstone of the online art world, boasting over 80 million posts on Instagram. This impressive number speaks to its relevance as a primary identifier for artists working in various illustrative mediums, from traditional drawing and painting to digital art. Its popularity lies in its specificity, connecting artists with a highly targeted audience.

This focused approach allows illustrators to cut through the noise of broader art hashtags, reaching a community genuinely interested in their craft. This includes fellow artists, potential clients, and art enthusiasts seeking unique and engaging visuals. The hashtag serves as a bridge between commercial and fine art, attracting both professionals and passionate hobbyists.

Why #illustration Matters

The sheer volume and targeted nature of #illustration make it a crucial tool for visibility. While general art hashtags have their place, #illustration provides a direct line to an audience actively seeking illustrative work. This increases the likelihood of meaningful interactions, follower growth, and even potential commissions.

Features and Benefits of Using #illustration

• Medium-Specific: The hashtag filters out other art forms, focusing on drawn, painted, or digitally created images.
• Extensive Reach: With over 80 million posts, #illustration offers a broad audience, although competition is naturally high.
• Diverse Audience: It attracts both commercial clients seeking professional illustrators and fine art lovers appreciating creative expression.
• Industry Standard: Widely recognized and used by professionals, it's a key element for networking and establishing a presence within the illustration community.

Pros of Using #illustration

• Targeted Connections: Reach an audience genuinely interested in illustration.
• Professional Recognition: Increase visibility to art directors, publishers, and potential clients.
• Community Engagement: Connect with other illustrators, share insights, and build relationships.
• Commercial Opportunities: Attract commissions and collaborations.

Cons of Using #illustration

• Significant Competition: Standing out requires consistent, high-quality work.
• Digital Art Prominence: Traditional illustrators may find their work less visible amidst the abundance of digital art.
• Limited Fine Art Reach: The hashtag may not be as effective for fine artists whose work doesn't fit typical illustration styles.
• Ongoing Effort Required: Building a following necessitates consistent posting and engagement.

Real-World Examples

• Victo Ngai: Showcases her editorial illustrations, connecting with publications and art directors.
• Jon Burgerman: Uses #illustration to solidify his brand and connect with the illustration community.
• Charlie Mackesy: Leveraged #illustration to gain widespread visibility for his heartwarming artwork.

Tips for Using #illustration Effectively

• Combine With Niche Hashtags: Refine your reach with tags like #vectorillustration, #childrensbookillustration, #digitalpainting, or #watercolorillustration.
• Share Your Process: Engage followers by posting behind-the-scenes glimpses and time-lapses of your work.
• Tag Relevant Accounts: Increase visibility by tagging clients and publications when sharing commissioned work.
• Develop a Consistent Style: A cohesive aesthetic attracts followers interested in your specific artistic approach.

#illustration has become an invaluable resource for illustrators on Instagram. While the competitive landscape demands consistent effort and quality, the potential for exposure and opportunity makes it a must-use hashtag for any serious artist in this field.

Contemporary Art and the #contemporaryart Hashtag

The #contemporaryart hashtag, with over 35 million posts, acts as a central hub for artists involved in current art movements. This tag signifies participation in established art discussions, drawing an audience interested in collecting, analyzing, and engaging with boundary-pushing art. It's a powerful tool for fine artists looking to connect with serious collectors, galleries, and institutions.

#contemporaryart’s strength lies in its ties to the established art world. It's where artists whose work aligns with contemporary gallery aesthetics and engages with conceptual and innovative approaches can be found. The focus here is less on selling prints and more on exhibiting in a museum or biennial.

Established artists like Olafur Eliasson use #contemporaryart for his large-scale installations and experiential art. Kehinde Wiley utilizes it alongside his figurative paintings, showcasing the tag's breadth within the contemporary art sphere. Even experimental artists working across disciplines, like Anicka Yi, use this hashtag to connect with relevant discussions.

#contemporaryart gained popularity through adoption by key art world figures. Gallery-represented artists, MFA graduates, museum and biennial participants, art critics, and journals all contributed to its rise. This organic growth solidified its position as a key identifier for work contributing to contemporary artistic conversations.

Features of #contemporaryart

• Fine art focus aligned with galleries and museums
• Moderate volume (35M+ posts)
• Focus on the art world and collectors
• Associated with conceptual and innovative approaches

Pros of Using #contemporaryart

• Attracts serious art collectors and institutions
• Higher quality engagement from art professionals
• Positions work within art historical context
• More specialized audience than general art tags

Cons of Using #contemporaryart

• Exclusive connotation may alienate some audiences
• High expectations for conceptual depth and originality
• Less effective for commercial or illustrative work
• Subject to scrutiny by art world professionals

Tips for Implementing #contemporaryart

• Conceptual Clarity: Use #contemporaryart for work genuinely engaging with contemporary themes or techniques, not just modern aesthetics.
• Specificity: Combine it with specific medium hashtags (#oilpainting, #mixedmedia, #sculpture, #photography, #installationart, etc.) for better targeting.
• Contextualization: Write thoughtful captions that provide context for your work within contemporary art dialogues. Explain your concepts, inspirations, and message.
• Research: Investigate current trends and discussions in the contemporary art world to position your work effectively.
• Authenticity: Ensure your work aligns with the spirit of contemporary art. Forced or superficial use of the tag will likely be met with skepticism.

#contemporaryart provides a direct line to the most engaged members of the contemporary art world. While not suitable for everyone, artists creating conceptually driven, innovative work will find it invaluable for connecting with collectors, curators, and fellow artists shaping the future of art.

Digital Art and the Rise of #digitalart

The #digitalart hashtag on Instagram acts as a central hub for digitally created artwork. With over 60 million posts, it represents a significant and growing segment of the art world. This hashtag encompasses diverse art forms, ranging from digital painting and 3D modeling to AI-assisted art and NFTs.

#digitalart's prominence has grown alongside increased access to digital creation tools and the art market's acceptance of digital formats. The 2021 NFT boom significantly accelerated this trend, making it a vital hashtag for digital artists.

The Impact of Technology on #digitalart

The growth of #digitalart is intertwined with technological advancements. As software like Procreate, Photoshop, and Blender became more accessible, more artists embraced digital mediums. This democratization lowered the barrier to entry compared to traditional art forms, fostering a wider range of artistic styles.

The subsequent rise of the NFT market further propelled #digitalart into the mainstream. It provided a new avenue for artists to monetize their work and connect directly with collectors.

Community and Examples Within #digitalart

The hashtag’s strength lies in its broad yet focused community. It connects artists across digital disciplines with collectors, galleries, and online platforms. Artists like Beeple leveraged Instagram and #digitalart to build visibility, culminating in his record-breaking NFT sale.

Refik Anadol, known for his AI data sculptures, uses the platform to showcase his work and engage with a wider audience. Even artists like FEWOCiOUS, who achieved success with NFTs, built their initial following through platforms like Instagram using the #digitalart tag.

Pros and Cons of Using #digitalart

Pros:

• Strong Community: Connecting digital artists with peers and potential collectors.
• Tech-Forward Appeal: Attracting collectors interested in the intersection of art and technology.
• Lower Barrier to Entry: Digital tools often being more accessible than traditional art supplies.
• Connection to Emerging Markets: Providing links to the NFT and crypto art markets.

Cons:

• Authenticity Debates: Discussions around the authenticity of digital art compared to traditional media.
• Rapid Technological Change: The challenge of keeping up with software and trends.
• Oversaturation with AI-Generated Content: The increasing difficulty for artists to stand out.
• Credibility Concerns: Skepticism towards digital art from some traditional art institutions.

Tips for Using #digitalart Effectively

• Show Your Process: Using Instagram carousels to highlight the technical aspects of your digital artwork creation.
• Specify Your Medium: Using more specific hashtags alongside #digitalart, such as #procreate, #3dart, #photoshop, or #blender3d, to reach a niche audience.
• Engage with the Community: Commenting on other artists' work and participating in discussions to network.
• Stay Current: Keeping up with the latest digital art trends and technologies.

Conclusion: #digitalart's Place in the Art World

#digitalart's significance is undeniable. It represents a dynamic and constantly evolving segment of the art world, offering opportunities for artists to create, connect, and monetize their work. By understanding this hashtag and implementing these tips, artists can leverage its power to reach a wider audience and build a strong online presence.

Using #artwork on Instagram

The hashtag #artwork, with over 90 million posts, is a powerful tool for artists on Instagram. It bridges the gap between broad tags like #art and more niche, medium-specific hashtags. This inclusivity makes #artwork a valuable addition to any artist's hashtag strategy.

This hashtag's strength lies in its ability to connect diverse portfolios. For multi-disciplinary artists like Shantell Martin, #artwork links her drawings, performances, and installations. Even established artists like KAWS use #artwork to categorize both their sculptures and 2D work. Emerging artists also benefit, often combining #artwork with location-based tags for local discovery.

#artwork highlights finished pieces, differentiating it from process-oriented hashtags. This clarifies the artist’s intent to present polished work ready for appreciation and potential sale. This focus contributes to a more professional online presence.

Features of #artwork

• Medium-neutral tag for completed art
• High volume (90M+ posts)
• Used across various styles and approaches
• Emphasizes finished pieces

Pros of Using #artwork

• Accessible to artists of all backgrounds
• Appeals to a broad art audience
• Useful for building a cohesive profile across mediums
• Less niche than specialized tags

Cons of Using #artwork

• Less targeted than medium-specific hashtags (e.g., #oilpainting, #digitalart)
• High competition due to popularity
• Doesn't communicate a specific style, potentially attracting a less focused audience

Tips for Using #artwork

• Prioritize Quality: Use #artwork for your best work.
• Strategic Pairing: Combine #artwork with broad (e.g., #contemporaryart) and specific (e.g., #portraitpainting) hashtags.
• Visual Consistency: Maintain a recognizable style across your profile.
• Community Engagement: Interact with other posts under #artwork.

#artwork's popularity comes from its organic use within the art community. Artists, educators, suppliers, and collectives all contribute to its widespread use. This makes it a key hashtag for artists seeking visibility and connection on Instagram. By understanding its strengths and limitations, and using these tips, artists can effectively utilize #artwork to showcase their work and build a strong online presence.

Artists on Instagram: A Community-Focused Approach

For artists seeking meaningful connections on Instagram, #artistsoninstagram offers a compelling alternative to the highly saturated #artistsofinstagram. With over 25 million posts, it provides a less competitive landscape while maintaining a strong sense of community. This nuanced difference fosters a unique ecosystem where artists prioritize engagement and relationship-building. It emphasizes being an artist on Instagram specifically, attracting those who view the platform as integral to their artistic identity.

This hashtag's popularity stems from its organic, community-focused development. Independent artists, especially within art journaling and artist support networks, sought ways to connect online. Self-taught artists and those building their online presence found it especially beneficial, fostering mutual support and encouragement. Emerging artists have reportedly gained traction using this tag and engaging within its community. Even established artists like Lisa Congdon incorporate #artistsoninstagram alongside more specific tags, demonstrating its value in reaching a wider art audience.

Features of #artistsoninstagram

• Community-focused with less saturation than #artistsofinstagram
• Moderate volume (25M+ posts)
• Used across various artistic disciplines
• Emphasizes platform-specific artist identity

Pros of Using #artistsoninstagram

• Less competitive than #artistsofinstagram
• Strong community engagement
• Effective balance between broad and specific tags
• Monitored by numerous art feature accounts

Cons of Using #artistsoninstagram

• Still competitive
• Often used as a secondary tag
• Less effective for established artists with large followings
• Requires consistent engagement for maximum benefit

Tips for Implementing #artistsoninstagram

• Engage: Comment on other artists' work using the tag to build genuine connections.

• Be Consistent: Use #artistsoninstagram regularly to establish your presence.

• Go Local: Combine it with location-based hashtags (e.g., #artistsoninstagram_london) to connect with your local art scene.

• Declare Yourself: Include #artistsoninstagram in your profile bio to signal your active participation in the art community.

Why #artistsoninstagram Matters

#artistsoninstagram offers a valuable middle ground. While #artistsofinstagram can feel overwhelming, and niche tags limit reach, #artistsoninstagram connects you with a substantial yet engaged audience. Its community-driven nature benefits emerging artists and those seeking authentic relationships online. By actively engaging within this community and following these tips, artists can enhance their visibility and foster meaningful connections.

8-Hashtag Comparison Matrix

Level Up Your Instagram Game: Strategic Hashtagging

Using the right hashtags is crucial for increasing your art's visibility on Instagram. Think of hashtags as keywords that categorize your work and make it discoverable. While using popular hashtags like #art, #artistsofinstagram, #instaart, #illustration, #contemporaryart, #digitalart, #artwork, and #artistsoninstagram provides a solid foundation, strategic combination is key to maximizing their impact.

Don't limit yourself to the most common hashtags. Incorporate niche hashtags relevant to your specific style, medium, and subject matter. Are you a #watercolorartist creating #botanicalillustrations? Use those! Do you specialize in #fineartphotography, focusing on #cityscapes? Add those too! The more specific your hashtags, the higher the chance of connecting with a genuinely engaged audience.

Experiment with various hashtag combinations and track the results. Observe which hashtags generate the most engagement and refine your approach accordingly. Instagram's analytics tools provide valuable insights into reach and impressions. Remember, the Instagram algorithm is constantly evolving, so adaptability is essential. Stay informed about trending hashtags within the art community and incorporate them into your posts whenever relevant.

Key Takeaways

• Mix Broad and Niche Hashtags: Expand your reach while targeting specific interests.
• Research Relevant Hashtags: Explore hashtags used by other artists in your niche.
• Track and Analyze: Monitor hashtag performance and adapt your strategy.
• Stay Updated on Trends: Use trending hashtags to enhance visibility.

Ready to enhance your Instagram marketing and dedicate more time to your art? ArtHelper, an AI-powered marketing tool for artists, generates targeted hashtags, captivating captions, and other marketing content efficiently. Let ArtHelper manage the marketing so you can focus on creating.