How to pick hashtags for TikTok, Reels and Shorts

Learn how to choose hashtags for TikTok, Reels and Shorts with practical examples, common mistakes and useful tools.

Hashtags remain a useful way to organize and discover content on social media. Using them well can help your videos reach more people interested in the topic.

Why are hashtags important?

  • They help classify your content by topic.
  • They allow interested users to find your video.
  • They can increase organic reach of your posts.

How many hashtags to use?

There is no fixed rule, but here are general recommendations:

  • TikTok: 3 to 5 relevant hashtags is usually enough.
  • Reels (Instagram): 3 to 5 hashtags is common.
  • Shorts (YouTube): 3 to 5 hashtags, YouTube recommends not overdoing it.

How to choose the right hashtags

  1. Identify the main topic of your video.
  2. Search for popular hashtags within that topic.
  3. Combine broad hashtags (many followers) with niche hashtags (more specific).
  4. Avoid generic hashtags like #viral or #fyp if not related to your content.
  5. Check what hashtags similar creators use.

Common mistakes

  • Using irrelevant hashtags just because they are popular.
  • Adding too many hashtags (over 10) without criteria.
  • Using the same hashtags in every video.
  • Writing hashtags with typos or errors.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Do hashtags really help a video go viral?

They do not guarantee virality, but they can improve visibility when used relevantly.

Should I use hashtags on every video?

It is not required, but it can help your content be discovered by new audiences.

Can I use the same hashtags on TikTok, Reels and Shorts?

You can, but it is better to adapt them to each platform since the audience and algorithm differ.

Is there a difference between hashtags on TikTok and Instagram?

Yes, each platform has its own ecosystem. A popular hashtag on TikTok may not be popular on Instagram.