How to Add Hashtags on TikTok to Boost Views and Reach
Learn how to use TikTok hashtags effectively to boost views and reach by researching, selecting, and placing them for maximum audience engagement.
How to Add Hashtags on TikTok to Boost Views and Reach
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to add hashtags on TikTok to increase views and engagement, you’re tapping into one of the platform’s most powerful growth levers. TikTok hashtags help the algorithm categorise your content, put it in front of the right audience, and open doors to appearing on the For You Page (FYP). This guide explains how hashtags work, how to research and apply them, and the best practices to make them boost your reach consistently.
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Understanding How TikTok Hashtags Work in the Algorithm
TikTok’s recommendation system processes hashtags as signals to understand your video’s subject matter and match it to users’ interests. Adding hashtags to your videos helps:
- Define your content’s context.
- Increase chances of appearing in hashtag feeds and searches.
- Match your video to audiences that engage with similar topics.
Hashtags work alongside watch time, engagement, and viewing patterns. While they won’t automatically make your content viral, they sharpen targeting and improve discoverability.
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Research Trending and Niche Hashtags Using TikTok’s Tools
Finding the right hashtags starts with in-app research:
- Search Bar – Enter a keyword related to your content and see auto-suggested hashtags plus usage counts.
- Discover Page – Browse trending hashtags linked to challenges, effects, or seasonal events.
- Competitor & Influencer Analysis – Monitor what top creators in your niche are using.
- Audience Insights – Pro and Business accounts offer audience interest analytics to guide hashtag selection.
Pro Tip: Don’t just chase huge hashtags — balance popularity with specificity for better results.
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Differentiating Between Broad, Trending, and Niche-Specific Hashtags
A well-rounded TikTok hashtag set typically blends multiple types for maximum reach:
| Hashtag Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Broad | #funny, #foryou, #tiktok | Attracts a wide audience but faces high competition. |
| Trending | #SummerOOTD, #FlipTheSwitch | Rides current content waves for potential virality. |
| Niche | #DigitalArtTutorial, #BakingTips | Targets smaller, engaged communities for quality engagement. |
A good mix might be 2–3 niche tags + 1–2 trending tags + 1 broad tag per post.
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Determining the Optimal Number of Hashtags per TikTok
Although TikTok captions can be up to 2,200 characters, flooding them with hashtags can dilute performance.
Recommended approach:
- Use 3–6 quality hashtags.
- Choose hashtags that are clear and easy to read.
- Avoid overly complex phrases in hashtag form.
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Steps to Add Hashtags in the TikTok App
Adding hashtags is simple:
- Create or upload your video in the TikTok app.
- On the caption screen, tap into the text field.
- Type `#` followed by your keyword (e.g., `#TravelTips`).
- Choose from TikTok’s suggestions with usage counts.
- Complete your caption, then post or save as draft.
Quick Hack: Keep a list of favourite niche hashtags saved in your notes for fast use.
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Best Practices for Hashtag Placement: Caption vs. Comment
You can include hashtags in:
- Captions – Ensures instant indexing and connection with your video.
- First Comment – Keeps captions clean but may slightly reduce indexing benefits.
For best reach: place main hashtags in the caption, and any extras in your first comment.
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Boosting Discovery by Pairing Hashtags with Trends
Hashtags gain more traction when combined with:
- Trending Sounds – Increases discoverability in both hashtag and sound categories.
- Effects & Filters – Join effects-linked hashtag challenges to tap into specialised feeds.
This combination multiplies the pathways for your video to be found.
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Creating and Promoting a Branded Hashtag Challenge
Branded hashtags can spark community participation:
- Choose a unique, memorable hashtag without symbols other than `_`.
- Post an example video inviting users to join.
- State the challenge rules clearly.
- Engage with participants by liking, commenting, or sharing.
- Optionally, invest in TikTok Ads’ Branded Hashtag Challenge for paid amplification.
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Tracking Hashtag Performance via TikTok Analytics
Reviewing results helps refine your hashtag strategy:
- Switch to a Pro or Business account.
- Access Analytics in Creator Tools.
- Examine the Content tab for each video to see which hashtags drove views.
- Monitor engagement patterns tied to different hashtag types.
Data-driven adjustments ensure sustained content growth.
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Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of:
- Using irrelevant hashtags solely for trend-chasing.
- Overstuffing captions until they appear spammy.
- Ignoring niche hashtags in favour of broad-only tags.
- Reusing the same set for every post without adapting to context.
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Staying Ahead of TikTok Hashtag Trends
To stay current with trending topics:
- Browse the Discover tab daily.
- Follow official accounts like @creators for updates.
- Anticipate seasonal peaks (holidays, school starts, events).
- Subscribe to social media trend newsletters.
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Summary and Next Steps
Knowing how to add hashtags on TikTok is only the first step — the real results come from applying a strategic mix, refreshing your research regularly, and tracking performance. Blend trending, broad, and niche hashtags, combine them with relevant sounds and effects, and optimise placement for the algorithm.
Start experimenting with your next TikTok — apply these strategies today to elevate visibility and reach more of the audience you want.
