How to Add Hashtags to TikTok Videos for More Views
Learn to research, choose, and place TikTok hashtags effectively to boost reach, hit the For You Page, and attract your target audience.
How to Add Hashtags to TikTok Videos for More Views
If you want to grow on TikTok, learning how to add hashtags to TikTok videos effectively is one of the fastest ways to increase reach, land on the For You Page, and attract your ideal audience. This guide walks you through a proven process—from researching trending hashtags to optimizing placement—so your videos have the best chance of getting more views without looking spammy.
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Understanding How TikTok’s Algorithm Uses Hashtags
TikTok’s recommendation system uses hashtags to categorize videos and match them to users who have shown interest in similar topics. When chosen strategically, hashtags:
- Help the algorithm recognize your video’s subject matter
- Match your content with relevant users’ interests
- Boost visibility in hashtag search results and challenge pages
Why Hashtags Matter for TikTok SEO
Hashtags act as keyword metadata for TikTok, helping the platform serve your content to users most likely to engage. They can increase your chances of appearing on the For You Page (FYP) when aligned with user behavior.
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Research Trending Hashtags in Your Niche
Before adding any tags, you should research trending topics within your niche. This ensures your videos feel relevant, timely, and are more discoverable.
Use TikTok’s Discover Tab
- Tap the magnifying glass icon in the TikTok app.
- Browse trending hashtags, challenges, and music.
- Check engagement metrics and the views count for each hashtag.
Try Third-Party Tools
Outside TikTok’s Discover tab, you can use:
- Hashtagify – Tracks hashtag popularity trends
- All Hashtag – Suggests related tags based on your keyword
- Influencer Marketing Hub’s TikTok Hashtag Tool – Generates ideas tailored to specific niches
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Choose a Mix of Trending, Niche-Specific, and Branded Hashtags
A diversified approach ensures you attract both broad and targeted audiences.
| Hashtag Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trending | Capitalize on current viral topics for fast reach | #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt |
| Niche-Specific | Directly target viewers interested in your content category | #VeganRecipes |
| Branded | Encourage community building and brand recognition | #MyStoreName |
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Limit Hashtags to Maintain Readability
While TikTok captions allow up to 100 characters, overloading them with hashtags reduces clarity and can hurt engagement.
Optimal Number Range
- Use 3–5 hashtags for a neatly optimized caption.
- Keep the core message clear and concise.
- Avoid “hashtag stuffing,” which can flag your content as low-quality or spammy.
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Add Hashtags During Video Upload
Adding hashtags correctly is a simple but vital step.
Step-by-Step
- Create or upload your video.
- Tap Next until you reach the “Post” screen.
- Type your caption and insert hashtags.
- Place them at the end or weave into sentences naturally.
Example caption:
Making my favorite smoothie today 🍓 #HealthyLifestyle #SmoothieRecipe #VeganFood---
Experiment with Placement: Caption vs. Pinned Comment
TikTok hashtags can live in your caption or in a pinned comment.
- Caption – Prime position for maximum discoverability
- Pinned Comment – Keeps your caption cleaner while still signaling keywords
Test both to see which placement gets more reach and engagement for your audience.
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Leverage Hashtag Challenges to Boost Discovery
Hashtag challenges invite users to create videos around a shared theme or trend, using a specific tag.
Why Participate?
- Built-in momentum from other creators’ participation
- Potential boosts from TikTok’s algorithm promoting the challenge
Example: Participate early in a viral dance challenge for a song release to ride the initial wave of exposure.
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Monitor Hashtag Performance via TikTok Analytics
Review analytics regularly to understand which hashtags fuel results.
How to Access
- Switch to a Business or Creator account.
- Navigate to Settings and Privacy → Creator Tools → Analytics.
- Analyze metrics, especially traffic sources and watch time.
| Metric | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Reach | How many unique viewers found you through hashtag searches or FYP |
| Engagement Rate | The level of interaction generated via specific hashtags |
| Watch Time | Average viewing duration, showing content relevance |
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Update Hashtag Strategy Regularly Based on Trends
Trending topics on TikTok change quickly—your hashtag plan should too.
Tips for Staying Updated
- Check trending lists weekly
- Swap underperforming tags for stronger ones
- Keep a master list of evergreen niche tags for consistent results
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Avoid Irrelevant or Banned Hashtags
Misusing hashtags can confuse the algorithm or lead to penalties.
How to Identify Banned Hashtags
- Search within TikTok—if no results appear, the hashtag may be banned
- Avoid hashtags tied to prohibited content under TikTok’s guidelines
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Summary & Next Steps
Learning how to add hashtags to TikTok videos is more than copy-pasting popular tags. You need research, a balanced mix of trending and niche hashtags, and consistent performance tracking. Keep evolving your approach as trends shift and avoid irrelevant or banned hashtags to maintain reach.
With a smart hashtag strategy, your videos can rank higher, show up in more searches, and connect with the right viewers. Start experimenting today by researching niche trends and implementing a clean, impactful hashtag plan in your next TikTok post.
