How to Use TikTok Hashtags: A Strategic Playbook
TikTok hashtags often represent an untapped opportunity. The key is knowing how to use them correctly to unlock their full potential.
1. Mix Broad and Niche Hashtags
Some hashtags have millions of posts, while others in niche categories are far less crowded.
The best approach is to use a mix of both. Broad hashtags increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. Niche hashtags ensure you build authority within your specific segment and help you build a dedicated community.
For example, if you’re a food creator, #foodie is a broad hashtag, while #weeknightrecipes is a niche one.
2. Use a Maximum of Five Hashtags Per Post
It’s tempting to fill the caption limit with hashtags, but when finding hashtags for TikTok, quality trumps quantity. In fact, using too many can appear spammy and turn off your audience.
Instead of adding as many as possible, use three to five high-quality, relevant hashtags for your TikTok content. As mentioned, blend broad and niche tags.
3. Avoid Irrelevant Hashtags
Avoid overusing generic hashtags like #foryoupage. They can dilute the authority of your TikTok profile. It’s better to use more specific, niche-related tags that accurately reflect the topic of your TikTok content.
Using irrelevant hashtags can also hurt your overall performance, as it confuses the algorithm about your content’s niche.
4. Monitor Trending Hashtags
Keep a close eye on the TikTok Creative Center to monitor trending hashtag challenges and use them when relevant. The algorithm favors timely content, so this will give your performance a boost.
5. Create a Branded Hashtag
Creating a branded hashtag is an excellent opportunity to increase brand awareness and recall. You can even launch your own hashtag for promotions, campaigns, unique offers, or influencer partnerships.
Ensure your branded hashtag is easy to remember and catchy to encourage more people to use it.
6. Measure Hashtag Performance
Monitor your TikTok analytics to identify which hashtags are most effective at increasing your reach, and then double down on them. If you test different sets of tags, pay attention to which ones drive the most engagement.
TikTok Hashtags FAQs
Q: How many hashtags should a TikTok post use?
A: While TikTok allows many hashtags, aiming for clarity and relevance is key. Stick to a few highly targeted tags rather than stuffing in as many as possible. This keeps your caption clean and attracts people already interested in the topic.
Q: Do hashtags really help with TikTok growth?
A: Yes, when used correctly. Hashtags help the algorithm categorize your content and make your videos discoverable in search. While they can’t make a poor video go viral, they can significantly expand the reach of a quality video by pushing it to the right audience.
Q: Where should I put hashtags in the TikTok caption?
A: You can place hashtags within the caption text if they fit naturally, or at the end. Most creators choose to put them at the end to keep the main message clean and readable.
Q: Should I use broad or niche hashtags?
A: A mix of both works best. Broad hashtags help with visibility to a wider audience, while niche tags connect you with a more targeted community. A good goal is to use 1-2 broad tags and 2-3 niche tags that are directly relevant to your content.
Q: How often should I update my hashtag strategy?
A: Review your hashtag strategy at least once a month. TikTok trends change rapidly, so what works today might not work in a few weeks. Use your analytics to see which combinations drive the most engagement and adjust accordingly.
Hashtags can’t save a bad post, but they can amplify the reach of a good one.
Hashtags are not the key to virality. However, if you create engaging content that resonates with your audience, hashtags can increase the number of new people you reach.