How Many Hashtags to Use on TikTok for Best Results
Learn the ideal number of hashtags to use on TikTok, how to mix trending, niche, and branded tags, and research methods for better reach.
How Many Hashtags to Use on TikTok for Best Results
If you want to grow your reach fast on TikTok, understanding how many hashtags TikTok videos should have—and how to choose them—is key to success. Hashtags act as powerful indexing tools for TikTok’s algorithm, helping your videos surface to the right audiences, participate in trending challenges, and stay relevant in fast-moving feeds.
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How TikTok Hashtags Work in Search & Discovery
TikTok’s recommendation system relies heavily on hashtags to figure out the theme, tone, and audience for your video. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Categorization: Hashtags signal topics to the recommendation engine.
- Search: Users type hashtags to find specific topics or trends.
- Discovery: Trending hashtags appear in the Discover tab, improving visibility.
- Trend Participation: TikTok spotlights trending tags, boosting reach for early adopters.
Relevant hashtags are a matchmaking tool between creators and viewers.
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Optimal Hashtag Count Based on Algorithm Insights
TikTok captions max out at 100 characters, including hashtags. While you could cram in many, being strategic is more effective.
Recommended Sweet Spot:
Use 3–5 highly relevant hashtags per video. This keeps captions readable and focused.
Why fewer hashtags can outperform longer lists:
- Quality and relevance trump quantity for algorithm signals.
- Overstuffed captions dilute context.
- Audiences value genuine captions over keyword dumps.
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Trending, Niche, and Branded Hashtags Explained
Not every hashtag serves the same marketing purpose. A good hashtag strategy mixes different types:
| Type | Purpose | Example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trending | Ride waves of popular tags for instant visibility | #fyp, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt | High reach potential | Strong competition |
| Niche | Target specific audience segments | #veganrecipes, #booktok | Engaged, loyal viewers | Slower audience growth |
| Branded | Promote a product or campaign | #NikeRunClub | Boosts brand recognition | Limited appeal outside brand fans |
Combining these—such as 1 trending, 2 niche, and 1 branded hashtag—often gives balanced reach.
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How to Research TikTok Hashtags Using Discover Tab & Analytics
To find winning hashtags:
- Open the Discover tab.
- Search for keywords in your niche.
- Review trending hashtags and check engagement levels.
For business accounts, TikTok analytics offer hashtag performance metrics:
- Go to Content in analytics.
- Look at views driven by specific hashtags.
- Note spikes in engagement correlated with certain tags.
Third-party hashtag generators can help, but always verify with TikTok’s own interface.
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Balancing Broad vs. Specific Hashtags
Choosing how many hashtags TikTok videos should have means balancing:
- Broad hashtags: Massive reach but less targeting (e.g., #foryoupage).
- Specific hashtags: Highly relevant but modest reach (e.g., #guitarlessonsforkids).
Pro Tip: Use 1–2 broad hashtags for exposure, paired with 2–3 niche hashtags for engagement quality.
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Examples of Smart Hashtag Mixes
Fashion Influencer
- Broad: #TikTokFashion, #OOTD
- Niche: #streetwearstyle, #90sfashion
- Branded: #YourBrandName
Fitness Trainer
- Broad: #FitnessTikTok, #Workout
- Niche: #hiitworkout, #homeexercise
- Branded: #TrainWithAlex
Food Blogger
- Broad: #FoodTok, #Cooking
- Niche: #quickrecipes, #plantbasedmeal
- Branded: #ChefMariaKitchen
All examples average 4–5 hashtags for balanced results.
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Mistakes to Avoid with TikTok Hashtags
Steer clear of these pitfalls:
- Using 10+ hashtags—looks spammy and dilutes focus.
- Irrelevant tags—hurt watch time and user trust.
- Banned hashtags—TikTok can suppress such posts.
- Copy-pasting the same tags for every video—fails to match unique content.
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Testing & Iterating Hashtag Combinations
Treat hashtags like a marketing test bed:
- A/B Test: Post similar videos with different hashtag sets, measure results.
- Seasonal Updates: Swap out tags as trends evolve.
- Content-Specific Choices: Tutorials and comedy skits may need different hashtags.
Analytics tracking for Views, Likes, and Shares will help refine your mix.
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Captions vs. Comments: Where Should Hashtags Go?
You’ll hear debates about placement, but here’s the breakdown:
| Placement | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Captions | Strong algorithm signal; integrated context | May clutter captions |
| Comments | Keeps captions tidy; possible secondary signal | Lower importance for discovery |
Most marketing pros recommend hashtags in captions for maximum discovery value.
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Final Tips for a High-Performing Hashtag Plan
- Keep hashtags to 3–5 per post.
- Mix trending, niche, and branded tags.
- Check new trends daily—TikTok’s cycle is fast.
- Adapt hashtag sets to content format.
- Track results and iterate consistently.
By learning how many hashtags TikTok posts need and intentionally picking them, you can strengthen your micro-SEO and boost visibility.
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Summary: TikTok hashtags are a direct line to the algorithm and your ideal viewers. A well-balanced set of 3–5 relevant tags—mixing broad reach with niche focus—can boost both engagement and discoverability. Start optimizing your hashtags today to grow your TikTok presence faster.
