Hashtags have been part of TikTok since the beginning. 

From viral challenges to niche communities, they’ve helped videos get seen and content get organized. But with all the changes to the TikTok algorithm, creators are starting to wonder if hashtags still matter.

If you’ve asked yourself whether using hashtags on TikTok is worth it in 2025, you’re not alone. Some creators swear by them. 

Others post without a single tag and still go viral. You’ll find some of those viral creators among the most followed TikTok accounts, many of whom barely rely on hashtags anymore.

So, should you use hashtags on TikTok? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to use hashtags the smart way.

Do Hashtags Help on TikTok?

Yes, but maybe not in the way you think. 

Hashtags aren’t a shortcut to going viral, but they still play a role in how your content gets discovered, especially when used with intention.

When used well, hashtags can:

• Help TikTok understand the topic of your video
• Make your post show up in relevant search results
• Increase visibility among niche or interest-based communities
• Give you a chance to appear in curated hashtag feeds or trend pages
• Signal to the algorithm who your content might be for

While these effects can lead to more views, they won’t guarantee them. TikTok’s algorithm favors engagement. 

Videos with strong watch time, replays, comments, and shares are what really drive distribution. 

To make the most of those signals, it helps to understand how TikTok’s monetization system rewards performance and how creators can get paid based on views and engagement. 

If you’re unsure what counts as meaningful engagement, knowing exactly what qualifies as a view on TikTok can clear up a lot of confusion.

Hashtags vs Captions: Which Matters More?

Some creators focus only on hashtags and overlook the caption entirely. That’s a mistake.

TikTok now treats captions almost like search engine content. 

If your caption includes relevant keywords, it can help your video appear in search even without hashtags. This is especially true for evergreen topics like tutorials, reviews, or how-to content.

Strong keyword usage has become a major part of TikTok SEO, which is more important than ever for long-term visibility.

For example, a video titled “3 Quick Meals Under 10 Minutes” with a caption that repeats those keywords will likely rank higher than a post with the same video but a vague caption like “Dinner ideas 😋 #foryou.”

Hashtags still help, but combining them with a clear, keyword-rich caption gives you the best chance at being seen.

Benefits of Using Hashtags

Hashtags aren’t the main driver of success on TikTok, but they’re still worth using. 

When added with intention, they can make your content easier to find, help you reach the right people, and keep your ideas flowing. 

Here’s how:

🔍 Better Search Visibility

More users are turning to TikTok instead of Google when looking for quick info or inspiration. 

Hashtags like #MealPrep, #SkincareRoutine, or #ApartmentDecor act as keywords that help your video show up in search results.

You can also improve discoverability by optimizing your profile with a link in your TikTok bio, which gives people a reason to click beyond your content.

This kind of visibility can bring in a steady stream of views over time, especially for evergreen topics like how-tos, tips, or reviews. 

If you include hashtags that match what people are actually searching for, you give your video a better shot at long-term reach.

🤝 Reaching the Right Communities

TikTok is made up of highly active micro-communities. 

Hashtags like #BookTok, #PlantTok, or #SmallBusinessTok help you land in the feeds of people who are already invested in your niche. 

These viewers are more likely to watch all the way through, follow your account, and engage with your future posts.

Creators who choose strong content categories from the start often see better results, especially if they’ve taken time to explore some of the top-performing TikTok niches with built-in audiences. 

This is especially true for creators selling products. Pairing niche hashtags with tools like TikTok Shopping features or direct links makes it easier to turn views into sales.

📈 Staying Current With Trends

Hashtags give you a simple way to join ongoing conversations or viral trends. 

For example, if a sound is trending and tied to a tag like #ThatGirlMorning or #PhotoDump, using that hashtag helps group your video with others following the same trend.

It’s not a guarantee of visibility, but TikTok may show your video alongside similar trending content. 

Using the right trending hashtag alongside a popular sound, especially one found through TikTok’s trending sound tools, can help increase your chances of being featured.

🧭 Helping TikTok Understand Your Video

The TikTok algorithm uses many signals to decide where your content belongs. 

Hashtags add another layer of context that helps the platform recommend your video to the right audience.

For newer creators, this can be especially helpful. 

If TikTok doesn’t have a lot of data about your content yet, hashtags can offer an extra hint about who might be interested in what you’re posting. 

This works even better when your strategy aligns with how the TikTok algorithm distributes content to the right viewers.

💡 Inspiring Content Ideas

Sometimes hashtags aren’t just for posting, they’re for research. 

Browsing popular tags in your niche can give you fresh ideas for what to create next.

If you’re stuck on what to film, checking out videos under #TutorialTuesday or #PackWithMe might spark something new. 

Using formats from the most viewed TikToks of all time can also give insight into what consistently performs well across different styles and audiences. 

You can also look into hidden TikTok features like emojis, filters, and tools that creators often use to add personality without saying a word.

Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Hashtags can help your videos reach more people, but only if you use them the right way. 

Here are some of the most common hashtag mistakes creators make and how to fix them.

❌ Using Too Many Hashtags

Adding a long list of hashtags might feel like you’re increasing your chances, but it usually just clutters the caption and dilutes your focus. 

TikTok doesn’t rank content higher just because it has more tags.

How to fix it:
Use 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per video. Focus on keywords that match the topic, mood, or niche. Keep it clean and intentional.

❌ Relying on #FYP or #Viral

Everyone wants to land on the For You Page, but hashtags like #fyp and #viral are too general to make a real impact. 

They don’t tell TikTok anything meaningful about your content.

How to fix it:
Skip the generic tags. Instead, use descriptive hashtags like #SkincareTips, #BookRecommendations, or #MealPrepIdeas that align with what your video is actually about.

❌ Using Irrelevant Hashtags

Tagging your video with whatever is trending might seem like a quick way to get views, but it usually backfires. 

If viewers feel misled, they’ll scroll away fast, which hurts performance. Overusing spammy or misleading hashtags is one of the common reasons creators end up dealing with a TikTok shadowban.

How to fix it:
Only use hashtags that reflect the actual content of your video. If you’re posting a cleaning routine, don’t add #TravelVlog just because it’s trending.

❌ Ignoring Your Caption

Focusing only on hashtags and skipping the caption is a missed opportunity. 

TikTok looks at both for context, especially now that search is becoming more powerful on the platform.

How to fix it:
Write a short, keyword-friendly caption that explains or sets up the video. It helps TikTok understand the content and improves your chances of showing up in relevant searches.

❌ Copy-Pasting the Same Hashtags Every Time

Using the same group of hashtags for every post might feel efficient, but it limits how many audiences you can reach. 

It also signals a lack of variety to TikTok’s system.

How to fix it:
Adjust your hashtags based on the topic of each video. Save a few go-to tags for your niche, but swap others in and out to match the content and test performance.

Planning your hashtag strategy alongside your content calendar also gets easier if you schedule TikTok posts ahead of time.

How to Choose the Right Hashtags

Choosing the right hashtags doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal isn’t to add the most, but to pick the ones that give TikTok context and help the right viewers find your content.

Here’s a simple way to build a solid hashtag strategy:

🎯 Start with Your Niche

Think about what your video is actually about. If it’s a workout routine, hashtags like #HomeWorkout or #LegDay make sense. 

If it’s a daily vlog, try tags like #DayInMyLife or #GRWM.

The more specific your hashtag is to the topic, the better chance it has of reaching people who care.

🔑 Include Keyword-Based Tags

TikTok’s search feature is growing fast. Using hashtags that match common search terms can help your video appear in results. 

For example, tags like #HowToStyle or #EasyLunchIdeas often match what users are typing in.

You can also take a quick look at TikTok’s search bar suggestions for ideas. Start typing a phrase and see what fills in.

👥 Add Community Tags

If your content fits into a known TikTok subculture or trend, include one of those tags. 

Communities like #BookTok, #CleanTok, #SmallBusinessTok, or #ArtTok have loyal followers who scroll those feeds often.

Using these helps your content show up in spaces where people are already interested in what you’re sharing.

📊 Mix Broad and Niche Tags

A good mix can help you reach different types of viewers. 

Use one or two broader hashtags for reach, like #FitnessTips or #BeautyRoutine, and pair them with more niche ones like #PilatesForBeginners or #NaturalSkinCare.

This approach keeps your content relevant while giving it a chance to land in multiple spaces.

🧪 Test and Adjust

There’s no perfect set of hashtags that works for every account. 

Try different combinations over time and check your analytics to see what brings in views, likes, or follows.

If certain hashtags consistently perform well, keep using them. If others don’t bring results, swap them out and test something new.

Final Thoughts

Hashtags might not be the key to overnight success on TikTok, but they still matter.

When used with intention, they help TikTok understand your content, make your videos more searchable, and connect you with the right audience.

The trick is to use them as a support, not a shortcut. 

Focus on creating strong content, write clear captions, and choose hashtags that actually reflect what your video is about.

If you’re building momentum and want to give your profile an early push, buying real TikTok followers can help you boost credibility and get more eyes on your content.