How Many Hashtags Should I Use on TikTok?

TikTok isn’t just another social media app anymore. It’s the place where trends are born, creators blow up overnight, and brands find their next loyal audience. With its endless scroll of catchy sounds, fun challenges, and short-form videos that hook you instantly, it’s no surprise the platform has taken over the internet.

For creators trying to stand out, getting noticed can feel like a mix of luck and strategy. That’s why some choose to give their profiles a little push with TikTok followers for sale, a quick way to build credibility and catch the algorithm’s attention while you grow your content naturally.

But here’s the thing: even with followers, one of the biggest questions TikTok creators still ask is, “How many hashtags should I actually use?” Because let’s face it: hashtags can make or break your reach.

At SocialBoosting, we get how crucial the TikTok algorithm is when it comes to boosting visibility and engagement. So in this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how many hashtags to use, why they matter, and how to pick the perfect ones to help your videos go viral. Ready to master your hashtag game? Let’s dive in.

Understanding TikTok Hashtags

Before we explore the magic number of hashtags, let's first grasp the essence of hashtags on TikTok. Similar to other social media platforms, hashtags on TikTok categorize content and facilitate content discovery. When users search for or click on a hashtag, they are directed to a feed of videos related to that specific hashtag. Using relevant and trending hashtags can boost your video's visibility and attract a broader audience.

Do Hashtags Really Matter on TikTok?

Here’s the truth: yes, hashtags still matter on TikTok. Think of them like mini signposts for the algorithm. They tell TikTok what your video is about and who might like it. Without them, your content is like a great restaurant with no signs outside: amazing food, but nobody knows it’s there.

Hashtags are also a bridge between you and your audience. Whether you’re jumping on a trend like #StoryTime or going niche with #BookTok, these little tags help you land on the right screens, and possibly the For You Page.

So, while hashtags alone won’t make your video go viral, using them the right way gives TikTok’s system something to work with - and that’s a big deal.

How TikTok’s Algorithm Uses Hashtags

The TikTok algorithm is like your hype team, but only if it knows what to hype. When you post a video, TikTok analyzes everything: captions, sounds, engagement, and yes, hashtags. It uses that info to figure out what your content is about and who might enjoy it.

For example, if you use #CookingTips, TikTok might show your video to people who interact with food-related clips or follow similar creators. The algorithm uses hashtags to connect dots, linking your content with the right crowd. And once it notices people are watching your video all the way through, liking, or commenting, it keeps pushing it out to even more people with the same interests.

So, hashtags aren’t just for show. They’re signals TikTok’s AI uses to build your audience for you.

So, How Many Hashtags Should You Actually Use?

You’ve probably seen videos with just one hashtag and others that look like a hashtag buffet. The sweet spot? Usually 3 to 5 hashtags per video.

That’s enough for TikTok’s algorithm to understand your content but not so many that it looks spammy or desperate for attention.
Think of it like a good conversation. You want to make your point without overwhelming your audience.

If you’re new, start with a mix of broad and specific hashtags (like #TikTokTips, #SmallCreator, or #DayInMyLife) and then adjust based on what brings in more engagement. Watch your TikTok analytics. They’ll tell you which tags are pulling in views.

The Sweet Spot: Quality Over Quantity

One perfectly chosen hashtag can outperform ten random ones. Let’s say you make fashion content. Instead of using every fashion-related tag out there (#OOTD, #StyleInspo, #FashionBlogger, #Trendy, #Aesthetic, #Haul), narrow it down to a few that truly match your niche and vibe, like #StreetwearStyle or #MinimalOutfits.

The algorithm values relevance and consistency more than volume. When your hashtags match your video topic and audience interests, TikTok’s system learns faster who to recommend your videos to. That means more engagement, better visibility, and higher chances of hitting the For You Page.

The Power of Niche Hashtags

Incorporating niche-specific hashtags can work wonders for your TikTok strategy. These hashtags may not have the vast reach of broader ones, but they attract a more engaged and targeted audience. By honing in on your niche and using specialized hashtags, you increase the likelihood of your content resonating with viewers who share a genuine interest in your subject matter.

Riding the Trending Hashtag Wave

TikTok thrives on trends, challenges, and viral content. By riding the wave of trending hashtags, you can skyrocket your video's visibility and capitalize on the platform's viral nature. Keep a close eye on the "Discover" page and explore the top trending hashtags daily. When you spot a relevant trend, hop on it swiftly, creating content that aligns with the hashtag's theme.

Custom Hashtags for Brand Awareness

For businesses looking to establish their presence on TikTok, leveraging custom hashtags can be a game-changer. Create a unique hashtag that reflects your brand identity and encourages users to participate in your campaigns. Encouraging user-generated content with your custom hashtag not only fosters brand loyalty but also boosts visibility as users share content featuring your branded hashtag.

The Art of Keyword Research

As marketing experts, we recognize the importance of keyword research in driving organic traffic. Similarly, on TikTok, keyword research plays a crucial role in selecting the right hashtags. Invest time in understanding what your target audience searches for and align your content with those keywords. Use popular keywords and phrases as hashtags to attract users genuinely interested in your content.

Strike a Balance

In the pursuit of the perfect TikTok post, striking a balance between creativity and strategy is paramount. While hashtags contribute to discoverability, ensure they do not overpower the essence of your content. Craft compelling videos that resonate with your audience on an emotional level, while also incorporating hashtags organically to support your video's visibility. Additionally, a secure TikTok likes purchase can enhance social proof, making your videos appear more appealing and engaging to new viewers.

Importance of Performance Tracking

Once you've mastered the art of hashtag selection, it's essential to monitor your video's performance regularly. TikTok's built-in analytics tools offer valuable insights into your content's reach, engagement, and audience demographics. Analyze the performance of different hashtags to identify which ones drive the most views, likes, shares, and comments. This data-driven approach will enable you to refine your hashtag strategy continuously.

Why Too Many Hashtags Can Hurt Your Reach?

Here’s where many creators mess up: they treat hashtags like confetti. But cramming too many into one caption can confuse TikTok’s algorithm. It doesn’t know if your video is about dancing, cooking, or business tips, so it ends up showing your content to the wrong crowd… or worse, no one.

Also, too many hashtags can look cluttered and make your caption hard to read. TikTok favors clean, engaging captions that people actually want to read or tap on.
So instead of trying to rank for everything, focus on being clear and intentional. You’ll get more organic reach and attract the right viewers.

Best Types of Hashtags to Use (Trending, Niche, Branded)

There’s an art to choosing hashtags, and not all are created equal.

Trending hashtags: Great for visibility. They’re like joining a huge TikTok party where everyone’s watching. Example: #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt or #GlowUp.
Niche hashtags: Perfect for reaching your specific community - think #PlantTok, #BeautyTok, or #BookTok.
Branded hashtags: Use your own if you’re growing a brand or want followers to join in on a challenge. Example: #SocialBoostingTips.

Mixing these types keeps your content fresh, relevant, and discoverable - which is exactly what TikTok’s algorithm loves.

How to Mix Popular and Specific Hashtags

Here’s a simple rule: go half-and-half. Use a couple of popular hashtags (millions of views) to grab attention, and pair them with smaller, niche-specific ones (tens or hundreds of thousands) to reach a more loyal audience.

For example, if you post a fitness video, don’t just use #Workout or #Fitness. Add something like #HomeWorkoutsForBeginners or #FitMomsCommunity.
That way, you’re not competing with everyone, just the people who care about your exact topic.

It’s kind of like fishing: the big hashtags get you noticed, but the smaller ones help you catch the right fish.

How to Find Hashtags That Fit Your Content

Finding the right hashtags isn’t about guessing. It’s about researching.
Here’s what most successful creators do (and it works):

Search in TikTok’s Discover tab. Type in a keyword and see what hashtags come up with high engagement.
Check your competitors or favorite creators. What tags are they using? Which ones get the most traction?
Use TikTok’s suggestion tool. When you start typing a hashtag, TikTok auto-suggests related tags with their view counts. That’s gold.

Over time, you’ll notice patterns. Maybe #MondayMotivation works better than #MotivationDaily for your content, or maybe your audience engages more with #BehindTheScenes. Keep experimenting and tracking your results: TikTok’s all about testing and learning.

Final Thoughts

As TikTok continues to captivate the world, its relevance in marketing and brand promotion cannot be underestimated. Mastering the art of using hashtags effectively is a crucial step in dominating TikTok's algorithm and reaching a vast audience.

Remember, it's not about cramming your captions with hashtags, but rather, strategically selecting the most relevant ones that align with your content and target audience. Embrace trends, create your custom hashtags, and conduct thorough keyword research to boost your visibility on TikTok.

Check out more TikTok articles here.

FAQs

How many hashtags should I use on TikTok?

The ideal number is 3 to 5 hashtags per post. That’s enough for the TikTok algorithm to understand your content without cluttering your caption.

Do hashtags help you go viral on TikTok?

Yes. Hashtags guide the TikTok algorithm to show your videos to the right audience and boost your chances of landing on the For You Page.

Should I use trending or niche hashtags?

Use both. Trending hashtags increase visibility, while niche hashtags help you reach a specific, engaged audience interested in your content.

Can I reuse the same hashtags on every video?

It’s better to switch them up. Using new, relevant hashtags keeps your content fresh and helps maintain steady TikTok engagement.

Can too many hashtags hurt my reach?

Yes. Overloading your caption can confuse the algorithm and lower your content visibility. Keep it clean and intentional.

How do I find the best TikTok hashtags?

Check the Discover page, explore what’s trending in your niche, and use TikTok’s suggestions to see which hashtags get the most views.

Do hashtags still matter if I have followers?

Absolutely. Even if you’ve boosted your profile with TikTok followers for sale, hashtags help your videos reach new viewers and stay relevant.

What else can improve my TikTok visibility?

Combine strategic hashtags with consistent posting, engaging content, and authentic interaction to grow naturally and boost your TikTok reach.

How Many Hashtags Should I Use On TikTok?