How many hashtags should I use on TikTok to get the best results? Hashtags help TikTok’s algorithm categorize content and show it to the right target audience. However, using too many hashtags or the wrong ones can lower engagement.

A solid hashtag strategy includes a mix of popular TikTok hashtags, trending hashtags, and niche hashtags to increase visibility. The right approach can land your videos on the For You Page, driving more views.

In this guide, we’ll break down hashtags on TikTok, the ideal number to use, and how to find trending TikTok hashtags for maximum reach.

The Role of Hashtags on TikTok

Hashtags play a massive role in how content is discovered on TikTok. Whether you’re an influencer, business, or casual creator, using the right TikTok hashtags can distinguish between a viral video and one that gets lost in the feed.

TikTok’s algorithm scans hashtags on TikTok to categorize videos and match them with the right TikTok users.

If you use relevant hashtags, your content reaches people who are interested in your niche. On the other hand, adding irrelevant hashtags can confuse the algorithm and lower engagement.

A strong hashtag strategy combines popular TikTok hashtags, trending hashtags, and niche hashtags to maximize reach.

Trending TikTok hashtags boost visibility, while niche hashtags help target a specific audience. A mix of both can increase the chances of landing on the For You Page and attracting more views.

For example, a fitness creator might use top TikTok hashtags like #Fitness and #Workout but also add trending hashtags like #HomeWorkoutChallenge to stay relevant.

By carefully choosing TikTok hashtags, creators can increase their videos' exposure and build a stronger following.

Here arethetop TikTok hashtags for fitness:

  • #Fitness
  • #Workout
  • #HomeWorkout
  • #GymLife
  • #Fitspo
  • #HealthyLiving
  • #BodyGoals
  • #WeightLossJourney
  • #NoExcuses
  • #TrainHard
  • #GetStrong
  • #FitnessMotivation
  • #SweatItOut
  • #FitLife
  • #StayActive

The Ideal Number of Hashtags on TikTok

trending tiktok hashtags

A common question creators ask is: how many hashtags should I use on TikTok to maximize engagement? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but some general rules can help you get the best results.

How Many Hashtags Work Best?

Using the right amount of TikTok hashtags can improve discoverability, but overloading your caption with too many might reduce engagement. Here’s a breakdown of different approaches:

  • 1–2 Hashtags: Best for highly targeted content with relevant hashtags and a strong niche appeal.
  • 3–5 Hashtags: A balanced hashtag strategy for reaching both a target audience and the For You Page.
  • 6–9 Hashtags: Ideal for exploring different trending hashtags and increasing exposure to more TikTok users.
  • 10+ Hashtags: Too many hashtags on TikTok may confuse the algorithm, making content less effective.

What’s the Best Mix of Hashtags?

For a strong TikTok hashtags strategy, it’s important to include a variety of hashtags:

  • 1–2 popular TikTok hashtags: Broad terms like #FYP or #Viral to increase reach.
  • 2–3 niche hashtags: These help connect with a specific target audience and improve engagement.
  • 1–2 trending hashtags: Using trending TikTok hashtags keeps content relevant to what’s popular.
  • 1 branded or unique hashtag: A custom hashtag helps establish a creator or brand identity.

For example, a fashion influencer might use #OOTD and #StyleTips as top TikTok hashtags, while also adding relevant hashtags like #Streetwear and #TrendyLooks.

This approach ensures content reaches both TikTok users looking for general fashion content and those interested in specific styles.

Using too many TikTok hashtags can dilute the effectiveness of each tag, making it harder for the algorithm to categorize your content.

Instead of cramming in as many as possible, focus on choosing relevant hashtags that align with your video’s topic.

Types of Hashtags and How to Use Them

When deciding how many hashtags should I use on TikTok, it’s equally important to focus on the types of TikTok hashtags you include.

Not all hashtags on TikTok serve the same purpose, and using the right mix can significantly impact engagement.

General and Popular Hashtags

Many creators rely on broad TikTok hashtags like #FYP, #ForYou, and #TikTokViral. These are widely used and can expose content to a large number of TikTok users.

However, since millions of videos compete for visibility under these hashtags on TikTok, they don’t guarantee high engagement.

Trending Hashtags

Jumping on hashtags on TikTok that are currently popular can help videos gain traction. TikTok’s Discover page highlights what’s trending, making it easier to spot opportunities.

If you find trending hashtags relevant to your content, using them can improve visibility and increase the chances of appearing on the For You Page.

Niche-Specific Hashtags

Creators in specific industries benefit from using TikTok hashtags that align with their content. A makeup artist, for example, might use #MakeupTutorial, while a fitness trainer might go for #WorkoutTips.

You can try some of these niche-specific TikTok hashtags:

  • #MakeupTutorial (Beauty)
  • #WorkoutTips (Fitness)
  • #FashionInspo (Fashion)
  • #FoodieFinds (Food)
  • #TechReviews (Technology)
  • #MusicCover (Music)
  • #ParentingHacks (Parenting)
  • #DIYProjects (Crafts & Creativity)

Unlike popular hashtags, these help attract a target audience genuinely interested in the topic.

Branded and Custom Hashtags

Businesses and influencers often create their own TikTok hashtags to build brand recognition. These custom tags help establish identity and encourage user-generated content.

Brands promoting a challenge, for example, might create a unique hashtag to engage their audience.

Viral TikTok Hashtags: Do They Work?

Many assume that using viral TikTok hashtags automatically improves performance. While these can increase exposure, they don’t guarantee success unless they align with the content.

A strong strategy involves balancing popular hashtags with niche and trending ones for the best results.

Choosing the right hashtags on TikTok isn’t just about following trends. It’s about understanding how different types work together to improve content visibility.

Whether you want to go viral or build a long-term audience, a well-planned approach to TikTok hashtags is key.

Pro Tip:Buying TikTok followers can quickly increase your visibility, especially when paired with the right hashtags. More followers lead to higher engagement, boosting your chances of landing on the For You Page.

The Best Hashtag Strategy for Maximum Engagement

tiktok hashtags

Many creators wonder, how many hashtags should be used on TikTok to maximize engagement. The answer depends on how well you structure your TikTok hashtags strategy to reach the right target audience.

Using as many hashtags as possible doesn’t always lead to better results. Instead, a well-balanced approach ensures that your content reaches both broad and niche viewers while maintaining strong hashtag performance.

Building a Balanced Hashtag Strategy

A strong TikTok hashtags strategy requires selecting a mix of broad, trending, and niche tags to maximize visibility. Here’s a breakdown of different hashtag types and their roles:

Hashtag Type

Purpose

Example Hashtags

Best For

Popular TikTok Hashtags

Increase exposure but highly competitive

#FYP, #Viral, #ForYou

Reaching a broad audience

Niche-Specific Hashtags

Attract a targeted target audience

#FitnessTips, #MakeupHacks

Engaging with a specific community

Trending Hashtags

Boost discoverability with daily trending hashtags

#DanceChallenge, #TrendingNow

Keeping up with viral trends

Branded Hashtags

Build brand identity and encourage participation

#NikeFit, #MyBrandStory

Business campaigns & challenges

Multiple Hashtags Mix

A combination of different hashtag types for better reach

A mix of all the above

Maximizing engagement

By using a mix of TikTok hashtags, creators can optimize reach while ensuring content remains discoverable over time.

Should You Use Viral Hashtags?

Many creators think that viral hashtags are the best way to gain traction. While they can help push content to a larger audience, they also come with intense competition.

Using only viral TikTok hashtags can make it harder for your content to stand out.

Instead of relying only on viral trends, creators should add TikTok hashtags that are relevant to their content, balancing viral, niche, and branded hashtags for better results.

How Hashtag Performance Affects Engagement

Using the right mix of TikTok hashtags directly influences how well a post performs. TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes content based on engagement rates, meaning hashtags help determine which audience gets to see your video.

A strong TikTok hashtags strategy not only increases reach but also ensures that content is shown to users who are more likely to interact with it.

Whether you're using multiple hashtags or a few well-targeted ones, the key is to maintain relevance to keep your content in front of the right people.

How to Find Trending Hashtags on TikTok

Finding the best hashtags is key to boosting engagement, but many creators still ask, how many hashtags should I use on TikTok to maximize visibility.

The right mix of TikTok hashtags can help content reach the most popular TikTok hashtags while also targeting a niche audience. Here’s how to stay ahead of trends and find the best TikTok hashtags for your content:

  • Use TikTok’s Discover Page – The Discover tab highlights TikTok hashtags that are currently trending. Checking this page regularly helps creators see which topics are gaining traction.
  • Analyze Viral Content in Your Niche – The same hashtags often appear in viral videos within a niche. Studying competitors and influencers can reveal patterns in the best hashtags that drive engagement.
  • Follow Branded and Niche Hashtags – Many companies create branded hashtags to promote products and challenges. Following these helps creators stay updated on trends while also finding industry-specific TikTok hashtags.
  • Use Hashtag Analytics Tools – Various social media platforms offer analytics to track trending and high-performing TikTok hashtags. Websites and third-party apps provide data on the most popular TikTok hashtags, making it easier to choose effective tags.
  • Experiment with Different Hashtags – Avoid using the same hashtags in every video. Mixing trending, niche, and branded hashtags allows creators to test what works best for their TikTok account.
  • Look at Daily and Weekly Trends – Some TikTok hashtags trend for a day, while others stay relevant for weeks. Keeping track of both helps ensure content remains fresh and discoverable.

By focusing on the best hashtags and staying up to date with trends, creators can improve engagement and increase the chances of theirvideos going viral.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Hashtags on TikTok

viral tiktok hashtags

Misusing TikTok hashtags can reduce engagement and limit video reach. Stuffing captions with too many tags confuses TikTok’s algorithm, making it harder for content to reach the right audience.

Instead of cramming in every trending tag, focus on a balanced mix of the best TikTok hashtags that match your content.

Using irrelevant hashtags is another mistake. TikTok prioritizes content that engages the right viewers, so using random viral tags won’t help. Creating content relevant to the hashtags you choose ensures better visibility.

Repeating the same TikTok hashtags in every post limits discovery. Switching hashtags based on trends increases reach.

Taking part in a hashtag challenge is also a great way to gain exposure, as TikTok promotes trending challenges to more users.

Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok favors a mix of broad and specific hashtags.

Testing different combinations and tracking performance ensures continued growth. The key isn’t just about quantity but howeffectively TikTok hashtags are used.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Hashtag Success

Using the right hashtags can make all the difference in TikTok's growth. Many creators and brands have successfully used TikTok hashtag work strategies to boost engagement, reach millions of views, and even go viral.

Below are two case studies that highlight how using the right hashtags at the right time can maximize success on the TikTok app.

Case Study 1: Small Business Growth Through Hashtags

A handmade jewelry brand struggled to gain traction until they optimized their TikTok hashtags work strategy.

Instead of using generic tags like #Jewelry, they researched the right hashtags that aligned with trending conversations in the fashion community.

Popular hashtags like:

  • #JewelryMaking
  • #ShopSmall
  • #HandmadeWithLove
  • #CustomJewelry
  • #JewelryLover
  • #FashionAccessories
  • #SupportSmallBusiness
  • #DIYJewelry
  • #JewelryAddict
  • #UniqueStyle

helped them connect with potential customers who appreciate handcrafted pieces.

One video featuring a behind-the-scenes look at their production process gained over 500,000 views, leading to a 200% increase in sales.

Case Study 2: Viral Success with Trending Challenges

An independent music artist leveraged the right hashtags to boost visibility on the TikTok app. They participated in a trending conversations challenge by using #NewMusic, #ViralSound, and #MusicChallenge.

This approach helped them gain over 1 million views on a single video, leading to an increase in streaming numbers and a surge in followers.

Popular music hashtags like:

  • #MusicLover
  • #UnsignedArtist
  • #IndieMusic
  • #Songwriter
  • #CoverSong
  • #LiveMusic
  • #StudioSession
  • #RapChallenge
  • #SingWithMe
  • #MusicTikTok

further helped them gain exposure by reaching users who actively engage with music content.

These case studies prove that selecting the right hashtags and aligning them with trending conversations can drive real results.

A strong hashtag strategy ensures content reaches the right audience, increases engagement, and helps creators achieve their TikTok goals.

How Many Hashtags Should Small vs. Large Accounts Use?

The number of hashtags that work best depends on account size, reach, and audience engagement. A TikTok video from a new creator requires a different approach than one from an established influencer.

Here’s how small and large accounts should adjust their hashtag strategy:

Small Accounts (New Creators & Small Businesses)

  • Use related hashtags that are niche-specific to attract the right audience.
  • Include a certain hashtag trending in their industry to increase visibility.
  • Keep video captions clear and focused on engagement rather than stuffing hashtags.
  • Test different marketing campaigns by rotating hashtags and analyzing what works best.

Large Accounts (Influencers & Established Brands)

  • Use fewer but highly effective related hashtags that reinforce brand identity.
  • Leverage their following to push a certain hashtag and encourage audience participation.
  • Optimize their TikTok caption with a mix of broad and niche hashtags without overloading.
  • Focus on trending or branded hashtags rather than relying solely on video captions for discoverability.

By tailoring the hashtag approach to account size, creators and businesses can improve engagement and maximize the reach of every TikTok video.

Conclusion

Mastering TikTok hashtags is essential for increasing reach and engagement. Instead of focusing solely on how many hashtags should I use on TikTok, the key is selecting the right mix of trending, niche, and branded tags.

A well-planned strategy helps content reach the right audience while avoiding common mistakes like overloading captions or using irrelevant hashtags.

By experimenting with different hashtag combinations and tracking performance, creators can refine their approach over time.

Whether you're a new user or an established influencer, understanding how many hashtags should I use on TikTok and using them strategically leads to better visibility and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use all 30 hashtags?

Using the maximum number of hashtags isn't always effective. TikTok prioritizes relevance over quantity, so stuffing top hashtags into a post can reduce engagement.

Instead of adding 30 tags, focus on a mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags to optimize reach. Many social media marketers recommend using 3–9 well-chosen hashtags for better results.

How many hashtags should I put on TikTok?

There’s no fixed number, but most hashtag experts suggest using 3–5 targeted hashtags per post.

The goal is to strike a balance between broad and niche TikTok content, ensuring the algorithm categorizes the video correctly. Adding phrases preceded by a hashtag that directly relates to your content can help reach a wider audience.

What is the 3 hashtag rule on TikTok?

The 3 hashtag rule suggests using one top hashtag, one niche-specific hashtag, and one trending hashtag.

This approach helps videos gain exposure while staying relevant to the right social media users. It’s widely used in digital marketing strategies to boost engagement and visibility.

Does too many hashtags affect TikTok?

Yes, overloading TikTok content with hashtags can make posts look spammy and confuse the algorithm. Instead of reaching a wider audience, excessive hashtags can reduce engagement by making the video less relevant.

A smart strategy is to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that every hashtag aligns with the content and marketing campaigns.

Key Takeaways

  • Quality over quantity: Use a balanced mix of 3–9 hashtags, focusing on relevance to your content rather than overloading with tags.
  • Combine hashtag types: Mix popular, niche, and trending hashtags to optimize reach and engagement.
  • Avoid irrelevant hashtags: Ensure your hashtags align with your video’s content to avoid confusing TikTok’s algorithm.