Tagging has become one of the simplest yet most powerful tools on Instagram. In 2025, tagging does far more than identify who appears in your photo or Reel. It helps your content travel further, reach relevant audiences, and strengthen your presence on the platform. Whether you are a creator, business owner, or everyday user, knowing how to tag correctly can significantly improve your overall engagement.
Tagging allows you to connect your posts with real people, brands, and collaborators. It boosts your visibility and helps others discover your content through the tagged person’s profile. In many cases, a single tag can open the door to new partnerships, shared audiences, and viral reach.
Instagram now offers multiple tagging options posts, Reels, Stories, comments, and even after publishing. This guide breaks down each tagging method step-by-step so you can use them effectively and avoid common mistakes.
How Tagging Works on Instagram (2025)
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand how tagging functions and how it differs from mentioning.
Tagging vs Mentioning
- Tagging connects a post directly to a user’s profile. It appears in the tagged person’s “Tagged” section.
- Mentioning is simply typing @username in Stories or comments. It notifies the user but does not connect the content to their tagged photos section.
Tagging Limits
Instagram allows up to 20 tags per post. Reels and Stories have similar limits, but excessive tagging can sometimes trigger restrictions.
Privacy Settings
Some users only allow tags from people they follow. Others choose to review tags before they appear on their profile.
Notifications
Whenever you tag someone:
- They receive a notification.
- The tag appears in their tagged content (unless they review or decline it).
- If it’s a collaboration request, they must accept it for the post to publish as a joint post.
How to Tag Someone on Instagram Reels
Tagging in Reels is more interactive than before. Instagram now combines traditional tagging with the “Invite Collaborator” feature.
How to Tag Before Publishing
- Open Instagram and tap the + icon.
- Record or upload your Reel.
- Tap Next until you see the Tag People option.
- Tap Tag People, then select Add Tag to search usernames.
- Place the tag anywhere on the screen.
How the “Invite Collaborator” Feature Works
This feature allows the tagged person to appear as a co-author. The Reel will show on both profiles and reach both audiences.
- Tap Invite Collaborator.
- Select the username.
- Wait for them to accept the request.
Tag Limits for Reels
You can tag up to 20 accounts but can only add a few collaborators.
Tag vs Collaborator
- Use Tag for credit or identification.
- Use Collaborator when you want shared reach.
Important Note
A collaboration post will not go live as a joint post unless the other person accepts your invitation.
How to Tag Someone on an Instagram Feed Post
Tagging on Feed posts is simple and works across single photos, carousel posts, and videos.
Step-by-Step
- Tap + → select photo/video.
- Tap Next to edit, then Next again.
- Choose Tag People.
- Tap anywhere on the image and search the username.
- Position the tag clearly over the correct person.
Single Photos vs Carousel Posts
- For single photos, you tag only once.
- For carousel posts, you can tag different people on each slide.
Tag Categories for Businesses and Creators
Professional accounts can add categories such as:
- Product
- Brand
- Public figure
This helps with clarity and search visibility.
Best Practices
- Avoid placing tags on faces.
- Keep them in visible corners.
- Make sure you tag the correct verified profile.
Common Issues & Fixes
- Can’t find username? They might restrict tags.
- Tags not saving? Clear and re-install the app.
- Tag not appearing? They may have declined it.
How to Tag Someone in an Instagram Comment
Tagging in comments is useful for directing people to a post or starting a discussion.
How to Tag Using @Username
- Go to the comment section.
- Type @, then the person’s username.
- Choose from auto-suggestions to avoid mistakes
Tagging Multiple Users
Separate each username with a space.
Why Tag in Comments?
- Alert friends to relevant content
- Participate in giveaways
- Bring someone into a conversation
- Encourage engagement on posts
Notifications
Tagged users receive a standard notification, even if they aren’t following you.
How to Tag Someone on Instagram After Posting
Instagram allows editing tags even after the post is published.
Adding or Editing Tags on Feed Posts
- Open the post.
- Tap the three dots (···).
- Select Edit.
- Tap Tag People.
- Add, move, or remove tags.
- Save.
Limitations
Older posts sometimes fail to update tags due to Instagram’s review systems or privacy restrictions.
Adding Mentions to Instagram Stories After Posting
Stories cannot be edited fully after posting, but the Add Mentions feature helps.
- Open your Story.
- Tap the three dots (···).
- Select Add Mentions.
- Type the username and send.
Note:
The mention will not appear visually on the Story, but the tagged user gets a notification and can reshare it.
How to Tag Someone on an Instagram Story
There are two main ways to tag someone in Stories.
Using the “@Mention” Sticker
- Open the camera and create a Story.
- Tap the Sticker icon.
- Select @Mention.
- Type the username.
- Resize and position the sticker.
When to Use This
- When you want tags to be more visible
- When collaborating or promoting a brand
Using the Text Tool
- Tap Aa on the Story editor.
- Type @username.
- Change fonts, colors, and backgrounds.
- Position strategically for visibility.
How to Tag Someone in Reels (Inside Story or Remix Features)
Tagging Inside Remix
When you remix a Reel, you can tag:
- The original creator
- Other collaborators
- Anyone appearing in your remix video
Tagging When Sharing Reels to Stories
Use the @Mention sticker or text tool to tag users when sharing a Reel to your Story.
Limitations in Templates
Some templates restrict tag placement, so tags may only appear in specific areas.
Why Your Instagram Tags Aren’t Working (Troubleshooting)
If tags fail, consider these common reasons:
- The user has restricted tagging
- The user blocked you
- Username typed incorrectly
- Too many tags (limit exceeded)
- You’re tagging a private account
- Instagram flagged your activity as spam
Fixing these usually involves reducing tags, checking spelling, or waiting for restrictions to clear.
Tagging Etiquette & Best Practices (2025)
Good tagging improves relationships. Poor tagging can harm your credibility.
When You Should Tag
- The person is in the content
- You are collaborating
- The user is relevant to the topic
- You want to credit someone’s work
When to Avoid Tagging
- Random tagging for reach
- Tagging celebrities for attention
- Tagging brands unrelated to your content
Responsible Tagging for Creators and Businesses
Keep tags authentic and relevant. Avoid spam-like behavior, as it may lead to reduced reach.
Final Words
Tagging on Instagram may seem like a simple feature, but when used correctly, it becomes a powerful tool for visibility, growth, and connection. In 2025, every tag whether in a post, Reel, Story, or comment can help strengthen your online presence and improve the way others discover your content. By following the right steps, respecting tagging etiquette, and understanding Instagram’s updated features, you can make your posts more engaging and reach audiences that truly matter. Use tagging thoughtfully, keep it relevant, and let it support your overall strategy as you build a stronger and more impactful Instagram profile.