There is a very useful tool on Instagram - tagging. This simple feature allows you to tag people on Instagram in your post. They receive a notification and your post actually becomes a part of their profile. But for as beneficial as this feature is, some people either never use it (or don't know how to) or abuse it.

So to clear all that up, here are my best tips and advice for how and when to tag people on Instagram!

How to Tag People on Instagram

First of all, HOW to tag on Instagram.

It's actually very simple. During the upload process, just beneath where you've typed your caption, there is an option to Tag People. Simply tap this option and you'll be taken to a new screen where you can tap anywhere on the image to place a tag. This allows you to pick a person, thing, product, or specific area of the image. Once you tap the location, a little tag will appear that says "Who's This?" and a search bar will appear.

Simply start typing the name or username of the person or Instagram account, select them from the list of drop down options and their name will be populated into the tag.

You can also tap and drag the tag around if you want to reposition it on the image. Or tap it once, an "X" will appear and you can delete the tag.

To back out of the tagging screen, tap the "X". To confirm the tags, tap the checkmark. You'll be returned to the upload screen where the name(s) of those tagged appears next to "Tag People". Continue your upload process and you're all done!

If you want to tag someone after you have already uploaded and shared your post, go to that post, and tap on the 3-dot button below the image. Select "Edit" from the pop-up menu and you'll notice the little black tag in the bottom corner of the image that says "Tag People" next to it. Tap that tag and you'll be taken to the tagging screen as described above. Follow the same process of finding and selecting those users to be tagged in the image and tap the checkmark when complete. You'll be returned to the edit screen where you can make further edits, or tap the check mark to approve the changes and save the tagged names to your post.

Once you or another user has been tagged in a post, the tagged person will receive a notification that someone has tagged them in a post. You can view this notification in your regular Activity (notifications) feed. When you go the tagged person's profile, the little tag icon on the right of the four icon menu will be where the post is stored. You can see all images that you have been tagged in, or photos another user has been tagged in (by going to their profile), by clicking on this tag icon.

If you want to remove yourself from a tagged photo, check out this post (including other tricks on Instagram).

When to Tag People on Instagram

Now that we know how to tag people on Instagram. let's talk about some of the ways you can use this feature to your benefit.

When Socializing At Someplace or With Someone on Instagram

If you are at a business location that uses Instagram, you can tag that business on your posts. Or if you're socializing with someone who is on Instagram, you can tag them in your post. These are great ways to share the connection. When connecting with a business, this is beneficial to ensure they see your post and how you enjoy their location.

Something to consider, if you are at a concert, conference, or popular event, consider tagging people rather than @ mentioning them in the post (or do both). Because Instagram only provides a limited number of notifications on your activity feed, it's easy for @ mentions to get lost in the clutter. Tagging someone ensures they see the notification and the image in which you tagged them.

Tag the Company of the Product of Service in Your Post

If you want to reach out to your favorite brands, tag them in your posts that showcase their products or services. For example, if you just bought a new pair of designer shoes, tag the designer in the post of you wearing your awesome new shoes. If you attended a webinar with an industry expert host, tag the host in the image showing you watching the webinar.

While not everyone or every brand will respond, it is a good way to get on their radar. And if you get a response or shout out or regram from them, think of the additional reach and exposure that gives you!

Tag Your Business Partners or Affiliates

If you have others that you collaborate with in your business, tag them in your content on Instagram. If you are working on a project together, tag them in your post. If you have a post that showcases your products or services together, tag the other business in the post.

Be sure to share the love and promote the other companies and brands you associate with.

Contest Winners

If you run contests for your business, you can tag the winners in the post announcing the winners.

Shout Outs

If you want to give shout outs to customers, fans, or associates who deserve a little extra kudos, feel free to tag them in your related post.

Testimonials

If someone has given you a testimonial or recognition for a job well done, you can post that message or a thank you to them and tag them to be sure they see the notification.

Regramming

If you are regramming someone's content onto your Instagram account, tag the original user in the image so that they know you shared their content with your audience.

Answering Questions

If certain Instagram followers have asked you questions or were looking for something specific, you can tag them in the image where you post the answer, resource, or solution.

When to Avoid Tagging People on Instagram

Let's face it, there are plenty of times or reasons you can, and should, tag people on Instagram. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who take advantage of this tool and come across looking spammy. We don't want that!

Don't tag people in all your motivational posts. First of all, there's just no need. Unless you think it's relevant to them that day or at that time in their life. Doing this occasionally can work, but don't make this a habit.

Don't tag the same people all the time. If you're always tagging the same 10 people in every post, it looks desperate. Stop.

Don't tag people just to try and get more engagement on your posts. If they're following you, they want to see your content and will engage accordingly. If they aren't following you, there's probably a reason - so tagging them repeatedly isn't going to help that point.

Using the tag feature on Instagram can have a lot of benefits for both you as a user and you as business. Use this tool effectively to reach more targeted audiences, increase engagement, and forge relationships with your audience! Just don't overdo it and look spammy 😉