TikTok Hashtags: How to Use them for Growth

If you're a TikTok creator, you've probably heard about hashtags. They can be a serious game changer to boost TikTok SEO and get more eyes on your content.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about TikTok hashtags, including best practices for boosting your content's visibility.

What are TikTok hashtags and how do they work?

TikTok hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the "#" symbol used to categorize content on the platform. When a user adds a hashtag to their video, it becomes searchable by other users under that specific hashtag.

When someone searches for a hashtag, they are presented with a feed of all the videos that have been tagged with that hashtag, allowing them to find content that is relevant to their interests.

This makes it easier for users to discover new content and for creators to reach a wider audience. The use of hashtags on TikTok plays a crucial role in helping users categorize their content and increase their visibility on the platform.

The benefits of using TikTok hashtags

TikTok hashtags help to categorize your content, which in turn helps the people who are looking for content in your niche discover you more easily. Here are some of the benefits of using TikTok hashtags:

• Increased visibility: Adding a hashtag to your TikTok video makes it searchable by other users and increases its chances of being discovered.
• Reach a wider audience: TikTok hashtags make it easier for creators to reach a target audience that is interested in the same topics.
• Viral potential: If your video is well-received and relevant to a particular hashtag, it has an increased chance of going viral and reaching a large audience.
• Improved engagement: Using hashtags that are relevant to your content can lead to increased engagement from users who are interested in the same topics.
• Increased followers: By using popular and relevant hashtags, you can attract new followers who are interested in your content.
• Increased brand exposure: Brands can use TikTok hashtags to increase their visibility and reach a wider audience, leading to increased brand exposure and recognition.

Using hashtags can help you build your brand on TikTok. When you consistently use the same hashtags in your content, users will start to associate those hashtags with your brand. This can help you build a loyal following and increase your overall visibility on the platform.

How to find (and use) the right hashtags for your TikTok

Doing research for which hashtags to use can be a bit time-consuming. Fortunately, TikTok’s Trend Discovery tool is the perfect solution to quickly finding the right hashtags. It’s great for finding the hard data on hashtag popularity by their numbers, industries and regions.

The only downside is that the experience doesn’t come in the app, so it’s a bit more difficult to dive deep into other content on your phone since you have to do all your research in your browser. So, here’s how to find the right hashtags for your TikTok manually:

• Open TikTok, click on the search button at the top-right of the screen, and type in your query. For example, if you want to create a cooking video showing off a recipe, you can search for the keyword "recipe ideas". If you want to get even more niche, search for a keyword that is specific to the type of recipe like healthy recipes or beginner recipes.

• The hashtags associated with your query will be displayed under the "Hashtags" section. Scroll through the results to see all the hashtags that are related to your keyword. The number of views for the hashtag will also be displayed beside each one.

• Check what content is being created under that hashtag. Keep a mental note of how many likes, comments, and views the videos have, as well as which creators appear repeatedly under that hashtag. This can give you an idea of its popularity.
• Select the hashtags that are relevant to your content and that you believe will reach your target audience. You can use up to 30 hashtags per video on TikTok (but stick to 4-6)
• After you've selected your hashtags, add them to your video when you post it on TikTok. Simply type the hashtags into the caption or description field and make sure to add the "#" symbol before each hashtag.

Once your video is posted, it will be searchable under each hashtag you add, helping you increase its visibility and reach a wider audience.

4 tips to make the most of TikTok hashtags

Here’s what you need to do to make the most of hashtags on TikTok:

• Research relevant hashtags: Take the time to research the best hashtags for your content. Look for hashtags that are related to your niche, theme, or topic and ensure that they are still being actively used by the TikTok community. This includes digging through your competition’s post and looking for relevant hashtags.
• Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags: Using both popular and niche hashtags can help you reach a wider audience while also targeting specific users who are interested in your content. The more niche a hashtag, the less content you will likely see under it. This is actually good for content discovery as there is less competition.
• Stay up-to-date: TikTok is constantly evolving, and the popularity of hashtags can change quickly. Keep an eye on trends and use hashtags that are relevant to current events, challenges, and trends.
• Limit the number of hashtags: Using too many hashtags can look spammy and detract from the quality of your content. Stick to using 4-6 relevant hashtags per video, keeping a mix of trending and niche hashtags.

Finally, track which hashtags work best for you and your content. If you consistently use the same set of hashtags, note which ones seem to drive more engagement or views than others. This will allow you to focus on the most effective tags and optimize your hashtag strategy over time.

Creative content ideas to help you make the most of TikTok hashtags

Creating content for TikTok can be a fun and creative way to engage with your audience. But if you want your content to be seen by more users, you must ensure you're using the right hashtags. Here are some ideas for creating engaging content using popular TikTok hashtags:

• Develop a branded hashtag: A branded hashtag is a great way to build brand recall on TikTok. ELF Cosmetics #eyeslipsface hashtag has over 9.8B associated videos and was a massive viral campaign in 2020. If you have any catchy ideas, make sure the hashtag is easy to remember and spell. When users see your branded hashtag, they will associate it with your brand and be more likely to engage with your content.

• Try out a hashtag challenge. Popular hashtag challenges on TikTok include the #dontrushchallenge and #renegadechallenge. You can create a unique challenge of your own or join in on one that's already trending.
• Show off your skills with a hashtag tutorial. Create a tutorial video featuring tips related to the topic of the hashtag you're using, such as #cookingtutorials or #craftstutorials.
• Share funny moments with a hashtag meme. Create an entertaining meme featuring an image or GIF related to the hashtag you're using, such as #catmemes or #dadjokes.
• Make it personal with a hashtag storytime. Share personal stories from your life that relate to the hashtag you're using, such as #childhoodmemories or #favoritesongs.
• Get creative with an original hashtag concept. Brainstorm unique concepts related to the topic of the hashtag you're using, such as #unexpectedtwists for stories or #kitchenhacks for cooking tips.

By getting creative with popular hashtags and experimenting with different types of content, you can ensure that your posts stand out from the crowd and reach more users on TikTok!

Hashtags are not a guarantee you'll go viral – but they can improve your chances

Using hashtags doesn’t guarantee that your video will go viral. However, developing a strategy for using them in your videos can help increase the number of eyes on your content, reach a specific audience, and build your brand on TikTok. By following these best practices, you can use hashtags effectively and take your TikTok content to the next level.

Start scheduling your TikToks – hashtags inclusive – in Buffer today!