As Instagram continues to evolve into one of the most popular social media platforms in 2025, understanding how to properly tag someone is crucial for user engagement, brand visibility, and personal interaction. Whether you are a business, a content creator, or a casual user, tagging helps to promote connectivity and reach a broader audience in just a few clicks.
What Does It Mean to Tag Someone on Instagram?
Tagging on Instagram refers to the action of adding another user’s Instagram handle to your post, story, or comment. When you tag someone, they receive a notification, and depending on their privacy settings, your post may also appear on their profile under the “Tagged” section. This feature is used to credit collaborators, include friends in posts, or draw attention to brands and products.
Why Tagging Matters in 2025
In 2025, Instagram has added new ways to interact, and tagging has taken on an even more important role. Today’s algorithm rewards engagement, and tagging relevant people or accounts helps boost visibility on the platform. It’s also a way to attribute credit where due, highlight partnerships, and encourage users to interact with your content.
Additionally, businesses and content creators rely heavily on tagging to:
- Strengthen collaborations and cross-promote content
- Increase discoverability of posts and reels
- Gain credibility by showcasing authentic mentions and endorsements
How to Tag Someone in an Instagram Post
Tagging someone in a post on Instagram is a straightforward process but has been refined slightly in the 2025 app interface. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Instagram app and tap the + icon to create a new post.
- Select the photo or video you want to upload and tap Next.
- Edit your post with filters or adjustments, then tap Next again.
- On the caption screen, tap Tag People.
- Tap anywhere on the photo where you want the tag to appear.
- Begin typing the username of the person or account you want to tag and select them from the list.
- Once you’ve added all desired tags, tap Done.
- Complete your caption and settings, then tap Share.
Tagging in Instagram Stories
Unlike tagging in posts, Instagram Stories use mentions — still a form of tagging. This method allows tagged users to repost the story to their own accounts, increasing potential exposure.
To tag someone in a Story in 2025:
- Swipe right or tap the + Story icon to create a new Story.
- Capture or upload your image or video.
- Tap the Text tool (Aa) or the Sticker icon and choose @Mention.
- Type the user’s handle (e.g., @username) and select the correct account.
- Resize or reposition the tag on your story as desired.
- Tap Share to add it to your Story.
People you tag in your Stories receive a notification and can repost your story within 24 hours.
Tagging in Reels
Reels remain a major focal point for Instagram in 2025, and tagging in reels is as easy as tagging a regular post.
- Create your reel and tap Next.
- After editing and adding captions, go to the Tag People option.
- Tag users using the same method as you do in photo posts.
- You can now also tag collaborators with Instagram’s Invite Collaborator feature. When accepted, the reel appears on both profiles.
This collaboration feature is popular for influencers, brands, and co-creators sharing the same content.
Tagging in Instagram Comments or Captions
Another informal but effective way to tag someone is to use @mentions in your captions or comments. While it doesn’t appear as a formal “tagged in photo,” it still sends a notification to the user and helps direct interaction around your content.
To tag someone this way:
- Type @ followed by the person’s username in your comment or caption.
- Select the profile from the list that appears.
- Publish your post or comment. The tagged user will be notified immediately.
This is especially useful for shoutouts, community engagement, or directing viewers to a featured profile.
How to Tag Yourself in a Post
If someone forgets to tag you in their photo or video, you won’t be notified or added to the “Tagged Photos” on your profile. However, you can request to be tagged or manually suggest your username in the comments under that post.
Alternatively, enable the option under Settings → Tags → Tagging Approval to get alerts when someone tries to tag you, allowing you to approve or deny the tag.
Privacy Controls for Tagging in 2025
In 2025, Instagram gives users enhanced control over their tagged content. You can manage who tags you and what appears on your profile by visiting:
- Settings → Privacy → Tags
- Toggle the options to:
- Manually approve tags before they appear on your profile
- Limit tagging to people you follow
- Remove yourself from unwanted tags
These features safeguard your profile against unwanted exposure or spam tagging.
Tips for Tagging Etiquette
While tagging is a powerful tool, it should be used respectfully. Here are some tips:
- Only tag people relevant to the content. Avoid mass-tagging unrelated users, as it could be perceived as spam.
- Ask for permission when tagging brands or collaborators. Especially during business promotions, transparency is key.
- Avoid over-tagging in a single post. Too many tags can look cluttered and decrease post readability.
Conclusion
Tagging on Instagram in 2025 remains a foundational feature in enhancing engagement, visibility, and collaboration. Whether you’re tagging in posts, stories, reels, or captions, using this feature effectively ensures your content reaches the right audience and fosters digital interaction.
FAQ
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Q: Can I tag someone even if they don’t follow me?
A: Yes, you can tag anyone, but if their privacy settings are strict, your tag may not appear publicly on their profile. -
Q: How can I remove myself from a post I was tagged in?
A: Go to the post, tap on your tag, and select “Remove Me from Post.” -
Q: How many people can I tag in an Instagram post in 2025?
A: Instagram allows up to 20 users to be tagged in a single post image. -
Q: Can you tag people on Instagram from a computer?
A: Yes, Instagram’s updated web version allows users to tag in posts, but some tagging opportunities like Instagram Stories are still best managed through the mobile app. -
Q: Do users get notified when they are tagged?
A: Yes, users receive a notification when they are tagged in posts, stories, reels, or comments unless they have disabled these notifications.