TikTok Hashtag Strategy: Complete Guide | ViralNow
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Platform Guide2 min readFeb 3, 2026

TikTok Hashtag Strategy: Complete Guide

Complete guide to hashtags on TikTok. Learn proven strategies to grow faster and reach more people.

TikTok hashtags work differently than you think. They're not magic discovery tools—they're categorization signals. Here's how to use them correctly without falling for myths.

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How TikTok Hashtags Actually Work

What hashtags do and don't do:

  • Hashtags tell TikTok what your video is about
  • They help categorize content for the right audience
  • They do NOT 'hack' the algorithm or guarantee reach
  • #fyp and #foryou don't boost visibility (everyone uses them)
  • Relevant hashtags > popular hashtags
  • The algorithm analyzes your content directly—hashtags just assist

Pro Tip: ViralNow suggests hashtags based on your specific content and niche.

TikTok Hashtag Best Practices

What actually works:

  • Use 3-5 targeted, relevant hashtags
  • Mix niche-specific tags with 1-2 broader ones
  • Include one trending hashtag IF relevant to your content
  • Don't hashtag-stuff—it looks spammy
  • Create a branded hashtag for your content series
  • Check hashtag view counts—avoid oversaturated ones

Hashtag Myths to Ignore

Stop doing these:

  • #fyp, #foryou, #viral don't boost reach (everyone uses them)
  • Hiding hashtags in comments doesn't help
  • Using 15+ hashtags doesn't increase reach
  • Copying competitors' hashtags exactly doesn't guarantee their results
  • Hashtags won't save bad content

Finding the Right Hashtags

How to discover effective hashtags:

  • Search your niche and see what top creators use
  • Check TikTok's Creative Center for trending hashtags
  • Look at hashtag view counts—avoid billions (too competitive) or dozens (no audience)
  • Medium-sized hashtags (1M-100M views) often work best
  • Create your own hashtag for recurring content

Frequently Asked Questions

Does #fyp actually help TikTok videos?

No. Millions of videos use #fyp, making it meaningless for discovery. TikTok's algorithm doesn't prioritize content just because of this hashtag. Use niche-relevant hashtags instead—they actually help the algorithm show your content to interested viewers.

How many hashtags should I use on TikTok?

3-5 is the sweet spot. More isn't better—it looks spammy and the extra hashtags rarely add value. Focus on relevance: 2-3 niche-specific tags, 1 broader category tag, and optionally 1 trending tag if it fits your content.

Should I use the same hashtags on every video?

No. Using identical hashtags signals low-effort content and can reduce reach. Vary your hashtags based on each video's specific content. Keep 1-2 core niche hashtags, but change the rest per video.

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