Instagram is removing the option to follow #hashtags, aiming to tackle spam and improve user experience. 

The decision addresses a longstanding issue where spammers exploit trending hashtags to boost irrelevant content. 

While Instagram’s advanced filters help reduce junk posts, many users still encounter unwanted content in their feeds.

By eliminating the ability to follow hashtags, Instagram ensures users see fewer irrelevant posts in their main feeds. However, hashtags will still appear in Explore and Search results, maintaining their role in content discovery. 

This shift aligns with Instagram’s focus on creators, encouraging users to follow individual accounts rather than relying on hashtags for engagement.