How to Add Hashtags to Facebook Reels After Posting

Facebook Reels has become a powerful tool for sharing short, engaging videos. Like Instagram, hashtags play a big role in boosting visibility on Facebook Reels by helping users find content through trending and related tags. If you forgot to add hashtags before posting or want to boost your Reel’s reach with some additional tags, don’t worry—you can easily add hashtags after posting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to edit your Facebook Reel with hashtags after it’s been published.

Why Add Hashtags to Your Facebook Reels?

Hashtags can make a real difference in how your content is discovered. Here’s why they’re essential:

1. Increase Discoverability: Hashtags help categorize your content, allowing it to reach users interested in specific topics or trends.

2. Engage with Relevant Audiences: By adding niche or trending hashtags, you can engage with audiences who are more likely to enjoy and interact with your content.

3. Stay Relevant in Searches: Trending hashtags can keep your Reel appearing in search results, which increases its longevity and reach.

How to Add Hashtags to Facebook Reels After Posting

Currently, Facebook allows users to edit captions on Reels even after they’re published. Here’s how you can go back and add hashtags to your existing Reels.

Step 1: Open the Facebook App

1. Open Facebook: Go to the Facebook app on your mobile device.

2. Go to Your Profile: Tap on your profile picture or navigate to your profile from the menu to see all your posts, including Reels.

Step 2: Find the Reel You Want to Edit

1. Scroll to Your Reels Section: If you have a lot of posts, you might want to scroll directly to the Reels section of your profile for quicker access.

2. Open the Reel: Tap on the Reel you want to add hashtags to.

Step 3: Edit the Reel’s Caption

1. Tap on the Three Dots: Look for the three-dot menu at the top right corner of your Reel.

2. Select “Edit Post”: From the options, choose Edit Post to open the caption field for editing.

3. Add Hashtags: In the caption field, type in the hashtags you want to add. You can add general hashtags (e.g., #funnyreels, #travelvlog) or specific, niche tags that relate to your content (e.g., #doglovers, #DIYcrafts).

Step 4: Save the Changes

1. Tap “Save”: Once you’re satisfied with the hashtags, tap Save to update your post.

2. Check the Updated Reel: Go back to your profile and check the Reel to make sure the hashtags were added successfully.

Your Reel will now include the hashtags you added, making it more likely to show up in hashtag searches and appear in feeds of people interested in those tags.

Best Practices for Using Hashtags on Facebook Reels

Using hashtags effectively can significantly improve your reach. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Use Relevant Hashtags: Make sure your hashtags are relevant to the content of the Reel. Avoid spammy or unrelated hashtags, as they can turn away potential viewers and affect engagement.

2. Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags: Popular hashtags (#Reels, #viral) help reach a wide audience, while niche hashtags (like #urbanexploring or #naturevibes) can engage specific interest groups.

3. Limit Hashtags for Clarity: Facebook doesn’t have a strict limit on hashtags, but using too many can make your caption look cluttered. Stick to around 5–10 impactful hashtags.

4. Experiment with Trending Hashtags: Check out trending hashtags for ideas on what’s currently popular. However, only use trending hashtags if they genuinely apply to your content.

Common Questions About Adding Hashtags to Facebook Reels

Q1: Can I add hashtags directly in the comments of my Reel?
A: Yes, adding hashtags in the comments can increase visibility, but it’s more effective to have them in the main caption. Comment hashtags may not have the same reach as those in the caption, but it can be a useful option if you don’t want to edit the caption.

Q2: How many hashtags should I use for optimal reach?
A: There’s no strict rule, but around 5–10 hashtags generally work well. Too many hashtags can make the post look spammy, so aim for quality over quantity.

Q3: Do hashtags work the same way on Facebook as they do on Instagram?
A: Hashtags work similarly on Facebook and Instagram by categorizing content and making it discoverable through search, but Instagram’s algorithm is more hashtag-focused. Experiment to see what works best for your audience on each platform.

Q4: Will editing my caption affect my Reel’s engagement?
A: Editing the caption shortly after posting generally doesn’t impact engagement. However, if your Reel has been live for a while, some users believe that editing might reset its position in the feed slightly. Nonetheless, the benefits of increased reach through hashtags often outweigh any potential minor reset.

Q5: Can I edit my Reel on the desktop version of Facebook?
A: Currently, Facebook’s mobile app offers the most flexibility for Reels editing. The desktop version may have limited options, so it’s best to use the mobile app for adding hashtags.

Troubleshooting: If You Can’t Add Hashtags to Your Reel

If you’re having trouble editing your Reel to add hashtags, here are a few tips:

1. Check for App Updates: Ensure that you’re using the latest version of the Facebook app, as older versions might not support all editing features.

2. Clear App Cache: If the app is glitchy, clearing the cache (Android only) may help refresh the app.

3. Restart the App: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app can fix minor issues.

4. Try from Another Device: If editing doesn’t work on one device, try logging into Facebook on another device or platform to make the changes.

Final Thoughts

Adding hashtags to your Facebook Reel after posting is a great way to reach a broader audience and improve the Reel’s visibility. Hashtags help people find your content, so remember to use relevant, trending, and niche tags for maximum impact. If you forgot to add hashtags initially or just thought of a new one that would work well, this simple editing option makes it easy to update and optimize your content.