The creativity on TikTok knows no bounds, and trends emerge in the blink of an eye, making it a dream platform for nearly all creators. Many often attribute this to the use of hashtags as well as the number of them used. However, a common question among content creators is: how many hashtags on TikTok to go viral? How many hashtags does it take to catapult a video into the coveted status of viral?
Hashtags wield significant power on TikTok, serving as navigational beacons for content discovery and amplification. Yet, amidst the clamor for attention, finding the optimal number of hashtags to accompany a TikTok creation remains elusive for both seasoned veterans and aspiring stars.
This article examines the number of hashtags you will need to get your TikTok video viral on the platform.
Adding hashtags to a TikTok video doesn’t have a strict limit, but your caption can only be 2,200 characters long. This means you can use as many hashtags as you like. However, for best results, it’s suggested to use between three and five hashtags that fit your video well.
Finding the right number of hashtags to make your TikTok video go viral is like trying to catch a moving target. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s important to balance how many hashtags you use with how relevant they are.
TikTok’s algorithm and what people like are always changing, so it’s important to try different things. Keep an eye on what hashtags are trending, what your audience likes, and how well your videos are doing.
Simply adding more hashtags to your TikTok video won’t guarantee it will go viral. While hashtags can help increase your video’s visibility and reach more people, other factors like the quality of your content, its relevance to current trends, and engagement from your audience also play significant roles in determining virality.
Therefore, while hashtags are important, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Creating engaging, creative content that resonates with your audience and aligns with TikTok trends is essential for increasing your chances of going viral.
Hashtags on TikTok are great for achieving necessary visibility; however, getting the right tags to use might be a challenge. The wrong hashtag on TikTok can drown your content in the multitude of other content using the same tags.
Therefore, it’s always best to put in a little bit of work if you wish to go viral on TikTok with hashtag usage. To help you find likely viral hashtags on TikTok, here are a few things you can do:
1. Explore the ‘For You’ tab for trending hashtags
The ‘For You’ tab on TikTok is a treasure trove of trending content and hashtags. By regularly exploring this section, you can stay updated on the latest trends and popular hashtags within the TikTok community.
Pay attention to the videos and hashtags featured here, as they often reflect what’s currently trending and gaining traction. Adding these trending hashtags to your content can increase its visibility and engagement, potentially leading to greater exposure and virality.
2. Research competitors
Keep an eye on what your competitors and industry leaders are doing on TikTok. Analyze their content and take note of the hashtags they’re using. This research can provide valuable insights into which hashtags are popular within your niche or industry.
By observing the strategies of successful creators and businesses, you can identify trending hashtags and incorporate them into your content strategy to increase your chances of reaching a wider audience and achieving virality.
3. Explore TikTok Creative Center
TikTok’s Creative Center offers a wealth of resources and insights for content creators. Within this section, you can discover trending effects, sounds, and hashtags that can enhance your videos.
Explore the various categories and collections within the Creative Center to find inspiration and identify trending hashtags relevant to your content. By leveraging these resources, you can create engaging and captivating videos that resonate with TikTok’s audience and increase your chances of going viral.
4. Use the TikTok search bar
The TikTok search bar is a powerful tool for discovering trending hashtags and content. Simply enter keywords related to your niche or interests, and TikTok will display relevant hashtags and videos.
Take note of the hashtags that appear frequently in your search results, as these are likely trending or popular within your niche. Regularly using the search bar to explore trending topics and hashtags can help you stay ahead of the curve and incorporate trending content into your videos to boost their visibility and reach.
5. Leverage AI hashtag generators
Several AI-powered tools and hashtag generators are available to help you discover trending hashtags on TikTok. Tools such as Pushbio Social AI, TikTok hashtags, Sprout Social, Ahrefs TikTok hashtag generator, and others. These tools analyze data from TikTok’s platform to identify trending hashtags relevant to your content.
They often require you to input keywords or themes related to your video and then proceed to help you generate a list of trending hashtags that you can use to increase your video’s visibility and engagement. Experiment with different hashtag combinations and variations to find the ones that resonate most with your audience and align with your content.
6. Create branded hashtags
Branded hashtags are unique to your brand or campaign and can help increase brand visibility and engagement on TikTok. Create a branded hashtag that reflects your brand identity or campaign theme and encourage your audience to use it in their videos.
Branded hashtags can amplify your brand message and increase virality on TikTok by creating a sense of community and encouraging user-generated content. Promote your branded hashtag across your social media channels and encourage participation to maximize its impact and reach.
Getting the right hashtag to accompany your TikTok video is only one step of the journey. Creators must also learn how to effectively and strategically use these tags to get the most out of their usage.
While there are a number of ways to use hashtags to archive virality on TikTok, here are the best methods:
1. Enhance discoverability
Hashtags on TikTok work like signposts, guiding users to content they’re interested in. By including relevant hashtags in your videos, you increase the chances of them being discovered by users searching for or following those hashtags. This expanded visibility can lead to more views and engagement on your content.
2. Join trend conversations
Trending hashtags reflect what’s popular and engaging on TikTok at any given time. Adding these trending hashtags to your videos positions your content within ongoing conversations and trends. This makes it more likely to be seen and shared by a wider audience, significantly boosting your video’s chances of going viral.
3. Drive engagement
Hashtags encourage interaction by allowing users to easily find and explore content related to their interests. When users discover your video through hashtags, they’re more likely to engage with it by liking, commenting, or sharing it with others. This increased engagement signals TikTok’s algorithm that your content is valuable, potentially leading to further promotion and virality.
4. Target specific audiences
Using niche or specialized hashtags enables you to target specific groups or communities within the TikTok ecosystem. Tailoring your hashtags to appeal to these audiences increases the likelihood of your content resonating with them and gaining traction within their circles. This targeted approach can result in higher engagement and increased chances of virality among your desired audience segments.
5. Amplify your brand
For businesses and creators alike, hashtags serve as powerful tools for brand visibility and recognition. Consistently using branded hashtags in your content can reinforce your brand identity and make it easier for users to find and engage with your content. This continuous exposure can lead to greater brand awareness, loyalty, and, ultimately, increased virality for your TikTok videos.
6. Drive user-generated content
Creating and promoting branded hashtags encourages user-generated content, where users contribute their videos or interpretations related to your brand or campaign. By encouraging participation through hashtags, you not only generate a stream of user-generated content but also foster a sense of ownership and community among your audience. This user-generated content can amplify your brand message and increase virality as users share their contributions with their networks.
1. Keep it relevant
Ensure that the hashtags you use are directly related to the content of your video. Using irrelevant hashtags can confuse viewers and may result in your content being flagged as spam by TikTok’s algorithm. Choose hashtags that accurately reflect the theme, topic, or mood of your video to attract the right audience.
2. Mix popular and niche hashtags
Balance your use of popular, trending hashtags with niche hashtags specific to your content. While popular hashtags can help increase visibility, niche hashtags allow you to target a more engaged audience interested in your specific niche or topic. Experiment with a mix of both types of hashtags to maximize reach and engagement.
3. Stay current with trends
Regularly monitor TikTok trends and incorporate relevant hashtags into your content. Trends on TikTok can change rapidly, so staying up-to-date is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your hashtags. Participating in trending challenges or using trending hashtags can help boost your video’s visibility and engagement.
4. Use hashtags sparingly
Avoid overloading your video with too many hashtags, as this can come across as spammy and may detract from the viewer’s experience. Instead, focus on using a select few hashtags that are most relevant to your content. Quality over quantity is key when it comes to using hashtags effectively on TikTok.
5. Test and analyze
Experiment with different combinations of hashtags and track their performance using TikTok’s analytics tools. Pay attention to metrics such as views, likes, comments, and shares to gauge the effectiveness of your hashtag strategy. Analyzing the data can help you refine your approach and identify which hashtags resonate most with your audience.
Yes, using too many hashtags on TikTok can potentially hurt your content’s performance rather than help it.
While hashtags are important for increasing discoverability and reach, excessive use of hashtags can come across as spammy and fraudulent and may negatively impact viewer experience.
Instead, focus on selecting a few relevant hashtags that accurately describe the content of your video and resonate with your target audience. Here are a few reasons why using too many hashtags can be detrimental:
1. Algorithm disfavor
TikTok’s algorithm may penalize content that appears spammy or overly promotional. Using an excessive number of hashtags can trigger this perception and result in your content being shown to fewer users.
2. Audience perception
Viewers may perceive videos with too many hashtags as low-quality or desperate for attention. This can lead to decreased engagement, with users scrolling past your content rather than interacting with it.
3. Dilution of message
When you use a large number of hashtags, your message may become diluted, making it harder for viewers to understand the main focus of your video. This can lead to confusion and disinterest among your audience.
4. Competitive disadvantage
In some cases, using too many hashtags can actually reduce the effectiveness of individual hashtags. When your content is competing with numerous other videos for visibility under the same hashtags, it may struggle to stand out.
To Summarize
Effectively using hashtags on TikTok is essential for maximizing your video’s reach and engagement. While hashtags are an important tool for increasing visibility on TikTok, they are just one aspect of a successful content strategy. Authenticity, creativity, and resonance with your audience remain crucial factors in driving virality. Therefore, while optimizing your hashtag usage, remember to prioritize creating compelling content that captivates and connects with your audience.