How to Use Hashtags Strategically on TikTok

TikTok may seem like a wild west of trends and challenges, but strategic hashtag use can make or break your content’s visibility. For creators and brands looking to maximize reach, understanding how to use hashtags with intent—not guesswork—is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use hashtags strategically, not just stylistically, to boost discoverability, engagement, and sustained growth on TikTok.

Why Relevance Beats Virality

It’s tempting to slap on #fyp, #viral, or whatever is trending at the moment. But the truth? Hashtag relevance directly impacts how TikTok’s algorithm categorizes and distributes your video.

When your hashtags match the actual content—whether you’re teaching SEO tips or reviewing a product—the algorithm is more likely to show your video to users interested in that niche. In other words, relevant hashtags improve audience targeting, which increases watch time and engagement.

For example, if you’re posting about SEO tips for TikTok, use tags like #TikTokSEO, #ContentStrategy, or #SEOonTikTok, which align with your content’s topic and keyword strategy.

Balancing Broad vs Niche Tags

Not all hashtags are created equal. The sweet spot? Pairing high-volume, broad tags with specific, niche ones.

• Broad tags (e.g., #marketing, #digitalmarketing) help your video appear in larger discovery feeds.
• Niche tags (e.g., #TikTokForLawyers, #RealEstateTikTokTips) let you target a hyper-specific audience more likely to engage.

Think of this like SEO keyword targeting. You wouldn’t try to rank for only “marketing” on Google—you’d mix in long-tail phrases to attract quality traffic. The same rule applies to hashtags.

Use combinations like:

• #TikTokMarketing + #ContentStrategy + #TikTokForCoaches
• #SmallBusinessTips + #TikTokSEO + #EcomTips2025

3–5 Hashtags Per Post: Why It Works

TikTok’s algorithm isn’t built for spam. Overloading your caption with hashtags dilutes your targeting and can even flag your post as low-quality or desperate.

TikTok themselves recommend 3 to 5 hashtags per post. Why?

• It gives the algorithm enough context without confusion.
• It keeps the caption clean and focused on value.
• It prioritizes quality over quantity, much like on-page SEO best practices.

A good rule of thumb:
1–2 niche tags, 1–2 medium-volume tags, and 1 broader industry tag.

For example, a post about TikTok SEO tips might use:

#TikTokSEO, #ContentRankingTips, #SEOonTikTok, #SocialMedia2025, #MarketingStrategy

Avoiding Filler Tags like #fyp

Let’s be clear: #fyp, #ForYouPage, and #viral used to work. Today, they’re overused, often meaningless, and sometimes even counterproductive.

Here’s why you should avoid them:

• They don’t describe your content, which makes targeting difficult.
• Everyone uses them, so you’re competing in oversaturated pools.
• TikTok may even deprioritize generic tags, favoring more descriptive ones.

Instead, focus on hashtags that:

• Reflect the topic or value of your content
• Contain relevant keywords your audience is searching
• Fit your niche and branding goals

Filler hashtags don’t build topical authority. Strategic ones do.

Tracking Hashtag Performance

It’s not enough to guess what works—you need to track hashtag performance over time. Luckily, TikTok and third-party tools make this easier than ever.

Here’s how:

• Use TikTok Analytics (Pro account required) to monitor views and engagement by post.
• Use tools like TikTok Creative Center or TrendTok Analytics to find rising hashtags in your niche.
• Run A/B tests by varying hashtags on similar content and comparing outcomes.

Make a habit of tracking:

• Reach per hashtag set
• Engagement rate on posts using certain tags
• Video retention metrics and how they correlate with tag relevance

And remember—what works one month may not work the next. Trend cycles on TikTok are short, so stay nimble.

Final Thoughts

Using hashtags strategically on TikTok isn’t about gaming the algorithm—it’s about aligning your content with your audience’s intent. Think like a marketer. Use hashtags like you’d use keywords: with purpose, research, and continual iteration.

When done right, hashtags can help you:

• Reach the right people
• Build topical authority
• Improve TikTok SEO and long-term visibility

Want to stay ahead of TikTok’s evolving search landscape?
Be sure to explore our full collection of insights in the SEO on TikTok section.