How to Use TikTok Hashtags in 2024 – Proven Tips to Boost Your Reach
how to use tiktok hashtags, Are you still copying Instagram hashtags into your TikTok posts and expecting magic? Wondering why your views are stuck below a few hundred, while others go viral with just one post? Do you know how TikTok’s algorithm actually reads and responds to hashtags in 2024?
how to use tiktok hashtags, isn’t just about slapping a few trending tags under your video. It’s a strategic decision that can drastically affect whether your content reaches the right viewers or gets buried altogether. Unlike Instagram, TikTok doesn’t reward cluttered hashtags or endless keyword stuffing. It wants smart, clear signals that match content with interest groups. That’s why you need to rethink your approach—entirely.
For example, creators now thrive by pairing well-written hooks with 3–5 niche-relevant hashtags. This method focuses on clarity, not crowding, and aligns with TikTok’s shift towards micro-targeted discovery feeds. One great guide that explains this balance is 15 Proven TikTok Hook Ideas to Skyrocket Views in 2025—a must-read for creators trying to master the hook-hashtag combo.\
Why the Hashtag Game Has Changed
The Cross-Platform Hashtag Myth
Hashtags aren’t universal. A #foryou on Instagram works differently than on TikTok. The platforms have different content discovery goals and user behaviors. Instagram relies heavily on visual identity and follower history. TikTok, on the other hand, prioritizes content type, watch time, and contextual hashtags that match user interests.
User Behavior on Each Platform
Instagram users follow brands. TikTok users follow ideas. On TikTok, hashtags must represent content themes—not just popularity. This key difference means that recycling your Instagram strategy can backfire and confuse TikTok’s algorithm.
How Many Hashtags to Use on TikTok in 2024?
Optimal Range for Maximum Impact
Less is more. In 2024, the recommended number is 3 to 5 hashtags—strategically picked. They should include:
One niche-specific hashtag
One trend-based hashtag (only if relevant)
One branded or community hashtag
how to use tiktok hashtags, Using more can actually hurt visibility. TikTok values signal clarity, and stuffing hashtags can look spammy.
Hashtag Mistakes That Kill Reach
Repeating the same set of tags every time
Using generic tags like #fyp or #viral without context
Including unrelated trending hashtags just to chase views
Niche Hashtags vs. Broad Hashtags: The Better Choice
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Niche Hashtags | Higher engagement, algorithm clarity | Lower search volume |
| Broad Hashtags | Potentially wider reach | Lower relevance, algorithm confusion |
Use niche hashtags when you’re targeting a specific audience or theme. For example, if you post fitness tips for moms, use something like #MomWorkoutTips instead of just #Fitness.
Use broad hashtags sparingly, and only when your content has mass appeal or you’re building authority in a wide niche.
The ForYouPage Hashtag Myth: Does It Work in 2024?
The Truth About #foryou and #fyp
It’s time to debunk this once and for all—hashtags like #foryou, #fyp, and #viral don’t help you get on the For You Page. In fact, they’re ignored by the algorithm unless the video itself already signals relevance and quality.
What works instead is content that aligns tightly with interest clusters. That’s why combining a good hook, caption, and niche-specific hashtags works better than trending tags.
How to Create a Branded Hashtag That Actually Works
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a short, memorable phrase tied to your brand
Make sure it’s not already saturated
Use it consistently in all your posts
Encourage your community to use it
Monitor its use through TikTok analytics
Examples of Successful Campaigns
Brands like Gymshark and Duolingo have used branded hashtags to grow massive followings. Their secret? They turned the hashtag into a community challenge. You can do the same by inviting followers to create and tag content using your unique hashtag.
Tracking Hashtag Performance on TikTok
Analytics Tools You Need to Know
TikTok provides built-in analytics, but third-party platforms offer deeper insights. These tools help you measure:
Hashtag reach
Engagement rates
Audience demographics
One detailed breakdown of how to track hashtag performance can be found here:
How to Analyze TikTok Analytics Effectively in 2025
Adjusting Strategy Based on Data
Use weekly performance checks to see which hashtags perform best. Adjust your usage accordingly—drop underperformers, scale winners.
Advanced Strategies to Pair Hashtags with Hooks
The Power Combo: Hook + Caption + Hashtag
Your first line (the hook), your caption, and your hashtags must work together. A clear message aligned across all three elements increases discoverability and watch time.
Repurposing Content Smartly Across Platforms
When repurposing for Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, adjust your hashtag strategy accordingly. TikTok tags won’t always work elsewhere. To master this process, check out
this repurposing strategy guide
Hashtag Optimization + Hook = Viral Growth
Creator @sarah_in_style used 3 targeted hashtags tied to “Midlife Style Tips” with a strong hook (“Dressing like you’re 25 in your 40s? Try this.”). Within 4 hours, the video had 200K views.
Why it worked:
Hook grabbed attention
Hashtags were niche-specific
Caption aligned with audience interests
Explore more hook examples and tactics in this guide before the next section:
15 Proven TikTok Hook Ideas to Skyrocket Views in 2025
How Did TikTok’s Algorithm Change in 2025? Here’s What You Must Know About Hashtags:
how to use tiktok hashtags, tiktok,s latest updates made its algorithm more selective—precision now matters more than ever when using hashtags.
New features like “Manage Topics” and “Keyword Filters” made content recommendations highly personalized.
Using vague or general hashtags reduces the chance of showing up on the For You Page.
The algorithm favors content with hashtags that directly align with user interests.
Too many unrelated hashtags can dilute your video’s performance instead of enhancing it.
Do You Really Need Hashtag Analytics Tools? Here’s Why Creators Swear By Them:
To compete in 2025, creators rely on analytics tools to make informed, data-driven hashtag decisions.
These tools provide insights on reach, impressions, and engagement for each hashtag.
Sentiment analysis reveals how audiences emotionally respond to different tags.
Weekly performance tracking allows you to refine hashtag strategies in real-time.
Strategic use of data leads to consistent improvement in visibility and retention.
Do Niche and Broad Hashtags Perform the Same? A Simple Test Reveals the Truth:
Some creators are running side-by-side tests using niche vs. broad hashtags—and the findings are clear.
One week is dedicated to niche hashtags, the next to broad ones.
Engagement metrics like watch duration and replays are carefully tracked.
Niche hashtags consistently deliver stronger interaction and better audience targeting.
Broad hashtags often bring more views, but with weaker engagement.
Can You Use the Same Hashtags on TikTok and Instagram? Here’s What Happens When You Do:
Repurposing content across platforms requires more than copy-pasting hashtags—platform behavior matters.
TikTok thrives on hyper-specific, interest-based hashtag strategies.
Instagram favors lifestyle-oriented or trend-focused tags.
Using identical hashtags across both leads to reduced platform-specific relevance.
Adapting hashtags to each platform’s audience behavior improves overall results.
How Can You Tell If Your Hashtags Are Working? Here’s a Long-Term Approach That Works:
Tracking hashtag success over time uncovers deeper insights beyond individual video performance.
Monitor each hashtag’s impact over a 30-day+ period for reliable patterns.
Identify seasonal or recurring spikes in engagement.
Use findings to build a refined, evergreen hashtag library.
This long-term analysis helps scale what works—and retire what doesn’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Should I still use #fyp on TikTok?
A: No. TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t prioritize generic tags like #fyp. Focus on niche hashtags that reflect your content’s topic.
Q2: Can I use the same hashtags for every post?
A: Avoid it. Repetitive use of identical hashtags signals spam. Rotate relevant ones based on each video.
Q3: Is there a tool to find trending TikTok hashtags?
A: Yes. Tools like TrendTok and TikBuddy help you track trending hashtags. See also this guide:
Find Trending Sounds Before They Peak
Q4: What’s better—broad or niche hashtags?
A: Niche. They offer better engagement and algorithm relevance, especially for targeted audiences.
Q5: How do I create a branded hashtag?
A: Choose something unique, simple, and memorable. Then encourage your followers to use it with user-generated content.
Final Thoughts
If you want to grow on TikTok in 2024, you must treat hashtags as tools for algorithm alignment, not popularity contests. Ditch the outdated strategies you used on Instagram and start building a hashtag approach rooted in niche clarity, smart branding, and measurable performance. The algorithm favors focused messaging. So should you.
