TikTok is all about trends. They come and go faster than you can scroll! And right at the heart of those trends are hashtags. They’re what help people find cool new videos, join viral challenges, and get their own content seen by more eyes. Knowing how to use trending TikTok hashtags can make a huge difference.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about TikTok hashtags: how they work, why they matter, and how you can use them to grow your reach and have more fun on the platform.
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The Power of TikTok Hashtags
TikTok hashtags wield significant power within the platform's ecosystem. They serve as the essential connectors between content creators and users seeking engaging and relevant content. The power of TikTok hashtags can be broken down into several key aspects:
1. Content Discovery
TikTok is a vast ocean of creativity, with millions of videos vying for viewers' attention. Hashtags serve as guiding stars in this sea, helping users navigate to the specific content they're interested in. Whether someone is searching for dance challenges, cooking tips, or pet antics, hashtags provide a straightforward means to discover precisely what they're looking for.
But it goes beyond that. TikTok's algorithm actively considers the hashtags used in a video when determining its reach. This means that using well-chosen, relevant hashtags can significantly boost the visibility of your content, even to users who may not have initially been searching for it.
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2. Joining Trends
TikTok is a platform built on trends, and hashtags are at the heart of these trends. A trending hashtag represents a collective conversation or challenge that has captured the imagination of TikTok's massive user base. By incorporating trending hashtags into your content, you not only join the conversation but also position yourself to potentially ride the wave of virality.
Trending hashtags can range from dance crazes to viral memes to societal challenges. The key is to stay current and keep an eye on what's trending in your niche. Jumping on a trend at the right moment can lead to a significant increase in views, likes, and followers, catapulting your content into the spotlight.
3. Niche Communities
TikTok's hashtag system extends far beyond global trends. It's a gateway to niche communities that cater to specific interests, hobbies, and passions. This means that whether you're into niche hobbies like miniature gardening, cosplay, or home brewing, there's a corner of TikTok where like-minded individuals gather.
For content creators, this presents a golden opportunity to connect with a highly engaged and passionate audience. By using niche-specific hashtags, you can tap into these communities and share your expertise or creativity with an audience that truly appreciates your content.
4. Branding and Campaigns
Hashtags aren't just for individual users; they're a powerful tool for brands and businesses as well. Creating custom hashtags as part of marketing campaigns can foster a sense of community and engagement among users. These branded hashtags encourage user-generated content, as customers and fans share their experiences and creations.
Brands often use these hashtags to run contests, giveaways, and challenges, encouraging their audience to participate and interact with their products or services. It's a dynamic way to build brand loyalty, increase visibility, and drive user engagement, all while leveraging the power of TikTok's hashtag culture.
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Hashtag Challenges vs Niche Tags: What Works Better
Here’s the thing about hashtags on TikTok: not all of them work the same way. Some are all about trends (think #DanceChallenge or #GlowUp), while others are super specific to your niche (like #BookTok or #SmallBusinessTips).
If you’re just starting out or trying to jump on the algorithm’s radar, hashtag challenges are your best friend. They’re designed to spread fast, get lots of engagement, and help your videos reach people outside your usual audience. The downside? Everyone’s doing them, so it’s easy to get lost in the noise if your video doesn’t stand out.
On the flip side, niche hashtags grow slower but tend to build a loyal audience. These are the tags your ideal viewers actually search for: the ones who really care about your content. So while a viral challenge might get you a quick spike in views, niche hashtags can help you grow a community that sticks around.
The sweet spot? Mix both. Use a couple of trending challenge hashtags for exposure, and add niche ones to attract followers who genuinely vibe with your content. It’s like casting a wide net, but still fishing in your favorite pond.
How TikTok Chooses Trending Hashtags
Ever wondered how TikTok decides which hashtags blow up? It’s not random. There’s actually a lot happening behind the scenes.
TikTok’s algorithm tracks what users are watching, liking, and sharing in real-time. When a certain type of content (say, funny cat videos or “get ready with me” clips) suddenly gets more engagement, the platform starts promoting the hashtags linked to those videos. That’s how something like #CoreMemory or #HotGirlWalk can go from niche to viral overnight.
The app also pays attention to what’s trending in the real world : events, holidays, memes, and pop culture moments. If everyone’s talking about something, chances are TikTok will highlight hashtags connected to it.
So if you want to catch a wave early, keep an eye on TikTok’s Discover page or the For You Page trends. Scroll for a few minutes each day - you’ll start noticing which hashtags are popping up again and again. Jump on them fast, add your unique twist, and you’ll have a much better shot at going viral.
Finding Trending Hashtags
Now that we've explored the significance of TikTok hashtags, let's delve into how you can find the trending ones:
1. Explore Page
TikTok's "Explore" page serves as a curated gateway to trending content and popular hashtags. It's a hub where you can explore the latest challenges, trends, and viral videos that are making waves on the platform. Regularly checking this page can help you stay in the loop and discover the hottest hashtags to incorporate into your content.
2. Discover Tab
The "Discover" tab within TikTok is a treasure trove of trending hashtags. TikTok provides a daily list of the top trending hashtags, showcasing the most popular and widely used ones. Browsing through this list can provide you with immediate insights into what's currently capturing the attention of TikTok users.
3. Research Competitors
Analyzing the strategies of top TikTok creators in your niche can be a goldmine for discovering relevant hashtags. By examining the content and hashtags that successful creators are using, you can gain valuable insights into which hashtags are currently popular and effective within your specific niche.
4. TikTok Analytics
If you've upgraded to a TikTok Pro account, you gain access to TikTok Analytics—a powerful tool that provides detailed insights into the performance of your videos. Among these insights is data on which hashtags are driving the most views and engagement for your content. Leveraging this data allows you to fine-tune your hashtag strategy and optimize your content for greater reach.
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List of the Top Trending TikTok Viral Hashtags
The world of social media is in a constant state of flux. It's important to note that this compilation of top trending TikTok viral hashtags is not set in stone; it can evolve over time. At this moment, however, here are some highly favored hashtags that you can incorporate into your TikTok videos.
General Hashtags
- #fyp
- #tiktok
- #foryoupage
- #viralvideos
- #funnyvideos
- #duet
- #trending
- #love
- #memes
- #followme
- #repost
- #new
- #music
- #cute
- #video
Fitness and Health-Related Hashtags
- #gym
- #workout
- #fit
- #motivation
- #bodybuilding
- #love
- #gymlife
- #training
- #health
Read more: How Many Hashtags Should I Use On TikTok?
Gaming-Related Hashtags
- #fortnite
- #youtube
- #memes
- #pc
- #game
- #gamer
Food-Related Hashtags
- #love
- #like
- #follow
- #yummy
- #foodlover
Beauty-Related Hashtags
- #makeup
- #love
- #beauty
- #fashion
- #style
Animals-Related Hashtags
- #nature
- #cute
- #pet
- #cats
- #dog
- #photooftheday
Sports-Related Hashtags
- #football
- #fitness
- #gym
- #fun
- #like
Entertainment-Related Hashtags
- #comedy
- #dance
- #art
- #funny
- #artist
Read more: TikTok Strategy: The Best Strategy To Grow Your TikTok Audience
Using Hashtags Effectively
Identifying trending TikTok hashtags is just the first step; using them effectively is where the magic happens. Here are some advanced strategies for harnessing the power of TikTok hashtags to elevate your content and grow your presence on the platform:
1. Relevance is Key
While it's tempting to jump on every trending hashtag, it's crucial to ensure that the hashtags you use are genuinely relevant to your video content. Misleading or irrelevant hashtags can lead to user frustration and may harm your credibility as a content creator. Be selective and choose hashtags that align with the core message or theme of your video.
2. Mix Trending and Niche
While trending hashtags offer the potential for massive reach, don't underestimate the power of niche-specific hashtags. These hashtags may have a smaller audience, but they're often more engaged and interested in the specific content you create. A balanced approach that incorporates both trending and niche hashtags can help you reach a broad yet targeted audience.
3. Create Your Own
Consider creating your unique and branded hashtags. These custom hashtags can serve as a powerful tool for building a dedicated community around your content. Whether it's a challenge you initiate, a recurring series, or a campaign related to your brand or persona, branded hashtags encourage viewers to participate and engage with your content in a meaningful way.
4. Monitor Performance
Effective hashtag usage isn't static; it evolves over time. Regularly review the performance of your videos with different hashtags to identify trends and patterns. Pay attention to which hashtags drive the most views, likes, shares, and comments. This data-driven approach allows you to refine your hashtag strategy based on what resonates best with your audience.
5. Engage with Trending Challenges
Participating actively in trending challenges is a strategic move to expose your content to a wider audience. By using the associated trending hashtags, you not only join the conversation but also make your video discoverable to those exploring the challenge. To maximize your visibility, put your unique spin on the challenge to stand out from the crowd.
TikTok hashtags are the threads that weave the tapestry of the platform's vibrant and diverse content. By understanding their power, effectively discovering trending hashtags, and employing advanced strategies for their usage, you can elevate your TikTok presence, connect with a community of engaged viewers, and ride the wave of trending TikTok hashtags to greater visibility, engagement, and success.
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Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, TikTok hashtags are more than just labels. They’re your ticket to visibility, community, and creativity. Whether you’re jumping on a viral challenge, connecting with a niche audience, or crafting your own hashtag trend, the goal is the same: getting your content in front of the right people.
Keep experimenting, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to mix things up. What works today might not work next week, and that’s the fun part about TikTok. Trends move fast, but if you stay active and authentic, you’ll always find your place on the For You Page.
And remember: hashtags are just one piece of the puzzle. Pair them with engaging content, great timing, and a bit of personality, and you’ll be well on your way to building your TikTok presence.
You can read additional TikTok articles here.
FAQs
How many hashtags should I use on TikTok?
There’s no magic number, but a good rule of thumb is 3 to 5 hashtags per post. Mix a few trending ones for reach with a couple of niche or personal tags that match your content. Going overboard can make your caption look cluttered — and honestly, TikTok prefers quality over quantity.
Do hashtags really help you get more views?
Absolutely! Hashtags help TikTok’s algorithm understand what your video is about and who might enjoy it. When you use the right ones, your video is more likely to show up on relevant For You Pages, giving you a better shot at getting seen (and liked).
How can I find which hashtags are trending right now?
Head to the Discover tab or scroll your For You Page — TikTok practically tells you what’s hot. You can also check out hashtag analytics tools or TikTok’s built-in recommendations when uploading your video.
Should I make my own TikTok hashtag?
If you’re building a brand, starting a challenge, or just want to get creative, go for it! Custom hashtags are great for encouraging people to join your trend or recognize your content. Just make sure it’s catchy, easy to spell, and relevant to what you post.
Can I use the same hashtags in every video?
You can, but it’s better not to. Reusing the same hashtags over and over can make your content feel repetitive and might limit your reach. Try switching things up — use a mix of evergreen tags and fresh, trending ones that fit your video.
Do hashtags work in TikTok comments?
Not really. TikTok’s algorithm focuses on hashtags used in your video caption, not in the comments. So make sure to include them when you post your video for the best results.