TikTok hashtags can help people find your videos. If you use them right, more people will see your posts. But using hashtags the wrong way can do more harm than good. This guide will show you how to use TikTok hashtags the smart way.

What TikTok Hashtags Do

Hashtags group content. TikTok uses them to sort videos and show them to the right people. When you use a hashtag like #fyp or #funnyvideos, TikTok knows who might enjoy your video.

People also use hashtags to search for things they care about. If your video has the right tag, it might show up in their search results.

So hashtags do two things:

1. Help TikTok figure out what your video is about.
2. Help viewers find your video.

Why They Matter

Without hashtags, TikTok has less info about your video. That means the algorithm might show it to the wrong crowd. If people skip your video, TikTok will stop pushing it.

But if you use hashtags well, your video has a better shot at landing on the For You Page (FYP). More views mean more likes, more follows, and more chances to grow.

Use Niche Hashtags

Big hashtags like #fyp have millions of videos. If you only use those, your post will get buried fast.

Instead, mix in smaller, niche hashtags. Let’s say you make cooking videos. Don’t just use #food. Try:

• #easyrecipes
• #weeknightmeals
• #homecooking

These have fewer posts, so your video has a better chance to stand out.

Match Hashtags to Your Content

Don’t use random hashtags. TikTok looks at your video’s caption, sound, and text. If your hashtags don’t match, it can confuse the algorithm.

If your video is about dog training, use tags like:

• #dogtraining
• #puppytraining
• #dogtips

Don’t tag it with #catsoftiktok just because it’s trending.

Use a Mix of Tags

Use a blend of:

• Broad tags (e.g., #funny)
• Niche tags (e.g., #dadjokes)
• Community tags (e.g., #blacktiktok, #booktok)
• Location tags (e.g., #torontotiktok)

This mix helps TikTok show your video to the right group, not just a random crowd.

Don’t Overuse Hashtags

You don’t need 20 hashtags. TikTok is not Instagram.

Using too many can look spammy and confuse the algorithm. Stick to 3–5 strong tags. Some creators use up to 10, but only if they’re all relevant.

Stay on Top of Trends

Trending hashtags can give your video a boost. But don’t force it.

Before using a trending tag, watch a few top posts. Ask:

• Does my video fit this trend?
• Can I add my own twist?

If yes, go for it. If not, skip it. Forced content won’t perform well.

TikTok also rotates trending tags often. What works today may flop tomorrow. Stay active and check the Discover tab daily.

Create a Branded Hashtag

If you’re building a brand, think about starting your own hashtag. Keep it short and easy to spell. For example:

• #coolwithcarla
• #fitwithjay

Use it in every post. Ask your followers to use it too. This makes it easier to track your growth and build a community.

Learn from Your Top Posts

Scroll through your old videos. Which ones did best? What hashtags did you use?

Look for patterns. Maybe posts with location tags got more views. Or maybe niche hashtags pulled in more comments.

Use this info to shape your future posts. TikTok is always changing, so keep testing and adjusting.

Hashtags and the For You Page (FYP)

People often ask if #fyp or #foryou helps. The truth? No one really knows.

TikTok has never said that using #fyp boosts your reach. Some creators swear by it. Others say it does nothing.

If your content is strong, TikTok may push it no matter what tags you use. If your video isn’t engaging, no hashtag will save it.

It’s okay to use #fyp, but don’t rely on it. Focus on quality and matching tags to your content.

Keep Captions Short

Hashtags live in your caption. But your caption still needs to make sense.

Don’t fill your caption with only hashtags. Write a short line about the video, then add tags.

Example:

“Quick tip to stop your dog from pulling 🐶 #dogtraining #leashreactivity #puppytips”

That’s better than:

“#dog #dogs #puppy #puppies #fyp #cute #viral #love”

The first one tells viewers what to expect. The second looks like spam.

Watch What Others Do

Spend time watching videos in your niche. What tags do other creators use?

You don’t need to copy, but you can learn a lot. Pay attention to:

• Which tags show up in the captions?
• Which tags show up in the comments?
• Which ones keep showing up on the FYP?

This helps you spot trends early.

Use Hashtags in Comments (Optional)

Some people add extra tags in the comments. TikTok doesn’t say if this helps, but it doesn’t hurt.

If you want to test it, drop 1–2 extra tags as a comment on your post.

Don’t overdo it. Avoid tagging every word you can think of. Keep it clean.

Final Tips

• Use real hashtags. Don’t make up weird ones unless they’re branded.
• Check your spelling. Misspelled tags won’t help.
• Stay consistent, but don’t copy-paste the same set every time.
• Focus on helping people find your content—not tricking the system.

Wrap Up

Hashtags can help people find your TikTok videos, but only if you use them the right way. Choose tags that match your content. Mix popular ones with niche ones. Keep things clear and simple.

If your video is worth watching, the right hashtags will help it get seen. But they can’t fix weak content.

Put time into both your content and your tags. That’s how you grow on TikTok.