🎯 Lesson Goal:
To help creators understand the real function of hashtags on TikTok — how they signal relevance to the algorithm, connect your content to specific audiences, and influence who sees your videos on the For You Page.
Forget Everything You’ve Heard About Hashtags
Let’s clear something up right away:
Hashtags on TikTok don’t make you go viral by themselves.
They don’t “hack” the algorithm or instantly push your video to millions.
What they do is help TikTok understand your content — so it can show it to the right people, at the right time.
Hashtags are the language you use to talk to the algorithm.
When used correctly, they help TikTok categorise your video and connect it with audiences who already engage with similar topics.
💡 Hashtags don’t create virality — they create clarity.
Step 1️⃣ – TikTok’s Goal: Deliver Relevant Content
TikTok’s algorithm isn’t just trying to show people popular videos — it’s trying to show them relevant ones.
When you post a video, TikTok analyses everything:
- Your visuals (objects, text on screen, even colour schemes).
- Your captions and sounds.
- Your hashtags.
Hashtags help the system interpret context quickly.
For example:
- A video tagged with #MealPrep, #HealthyEating, and #HighProtein tells TikTok it’s for a health-conscious audience.
- A video tagged with #EntrepreneurMindset and #SmallBusinessTips gets pushed toward a business-minded audience.
💡 Your hashtags teach TikTok where your video belongs.
Step 2️⃣ – Hashtags Connect You to “Topic Communities”
Every niche on TikTok has a network of viewers and creators who share common hashtags.
When you use those tags consistently, TikTok groups your content into that community stream.
Example:
If you often post under #MumLife, #ParentHacks, or #MumTok, the algorithm starts to associate your account with that world — so even new videos get shown to users who interact with similar posts.
That’s how creators build long-term niche authority.
💡 The more consistent your hashtags, the more recognisable your niche.
Step 3️⃣ – How Hashtags Influence Distribution
When you post, TikTok shows your video to a test group of users.
Their reactions determine how widely the video spreads.
Your hashtags help TikTok choose who that first test group is.
So if your tags are accurate and relevant, you’ll reach people most likely to engage — giving you a stronger start.
Accurate hashtags → Relevant audience → Higher engagement → Wider reach.
💡 It’s not about more hashtags — it’s about better alignment.
Step 4️⃣ – The Myth of “More Hashtags = More Views”
Many creators overload their videos with 10–20 hashtags thinking it increases exposure.
But in reality, this often confuses the algorithm.
TikTok performs best when it can clearly categorise a video.
Too many mixed or unrelated tags make your content less focused.
✅ Ideal range: 3–6 highly relevant hashtags per video.
That’s enough for clarity without clutter.
💡 Specificity beats quantity — always.
Step 5️⃣ – The Role of Branded and Challenge Hashtags
TikTok also uses hashtags for campaigns and discovery events, like #BookTok, #FitTok, or #LearnOnTikTok.
You can leverage these “category hashtags” to join wider conversations — but only if they’re truly relevant to your content.
For brands and creators building long-term identity, a branded hashtag can strengthen recognition (e.g. #NLTMCommunity or #GrowWithMeSeries).
💡 Join trends when they fit — but stay loyal to your niche.
Step 6️⃣ – The Hidden Layer: Search Intent
In 2025, TikTok’s search engine has become more powerful than ever.
Users search the platform just like Google or YouTube — typing phrases like “how to lose belly fat” or “easy dinner recipes.”
When your hashtags include natural search phrases (like #HowToEditVideos or #MealPrepIdeas), TikTok links your post to that search result page.
💡 Smart hashtags double as searchable keywords.
Step 7️⃣ – Use Hashtags to Support, Not Replace, Captions
Hashtags should complement your caption — not overwhelm it.
Example:
❌ Caption: “#Motivation #Hustle #WorkHard #DreamBig #Success #Goals”
✅ Caption: “It’s not about working harder — it’s about staying consistent.
#Mindset #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurTok”
Your caption tells the story; your hashtags tell the algorithm the category.
💡 Your caption speaks to humans. Your hashtags speak to TikTok.
Step 8️⃣ – Avoid “Empty” or Overused Hashtags
Generic tags like #FYP, #Viral, or #ForYouPage used to be popular, but they no longer influence discoverability.
TikTok’s algorithm recognises that these tags provide no context.
Instead, focus on relevance and audience language.
Example:
Instead of #ViralVideo — use #VideoEditingTips or #ContentCreatorLife.
💡 The more specific your hashtags, the stronger your reach.
Step 9️⃣ – Group Hashtags by Intent
Think of your hashtags in three tiers:
| Tier | Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Broad | #TikTokTips #Motivation | Connect with larger topics |
| 2️⃣ | Niche | #MindsetCoach #CreatorGrowth | Target specific audiences |
| 3️⃣ | Personal / Branded | #NLTM #CoachAlexCommunity | Build recognition & community |
Use 1 from each tier for a balanced, discoverable video.
💡 Balance reach with relevance.
Step 🔟 – Review and Refine Using Analytics
TikTok analytics show which hashtags drive views and engagement.
Regularly review:
✅ Which tags lead to the most traffic?
✅ Which bring repeat viewers?
✅ Which correlate with saves and shares?
Keep a “Hashtag Tracker” — a short list of 10–15 proven performers you can rotate through future posts.
💡 Data turns guessing into growth.
The Takeaway
Hashtags aren’t about chasing trends — they’re about communicating clearly.
When you use them with purpose, they tell TikTok exactly who your content is for, improve your video’s discoverability, and align your posts with communities that drive lasting engagement.
💡 Hashtags don’t push your video further — they help it land exactly where it belongs.
Now that you know how hashtags really work, it’s time to learn how to choose the right ones.
In the next lesson, we’ll explore 11.2 – The Difference Between Niche Hashtags and Trending Ones, where we’ll break down how to combine focused, long-term visibility with short-term viral reach — so your content hits both your community and the wider TikTok world.