🎯 Lesson Goal:
To teach creators how to strategically balance niche and trending hashtags to grow their TikTok presence — reaching both loyal followers and new audiences without confusing the algorithm.
Why This Lesson Matters
Using hashtags isn’t about adding random words after your caption — it’s about targeting your audience precisely.
If you only use trending hashtags, you’ll drown in a sea of competition.
If you only use niche hashtags, you’ll stay hidden from new audiences.
True TikTok growth happens when you learn to mix the two — strategically, intentionally, and in harmony.
💡 Trending hashtags get attention. Niche hashtags build community.
Step 1️⃣ – What Are “Niche Hashtags”?
Niche hashtags are targeted, community-based tags that represent a specific audience, topic, or identity.
They describe what you do and who you do it for.
These are often smaller in volume (10K–2M uses) but higher in relevance.
Examples:
- #MumTok
- #MindsetCoach
- #FitnessOver40
- #PlantBasedRecipes
- #DigitalMarketingTips
Niche hashtags attract your ideal followers — the ones who are genuinely interested in your content and more likely to engage repeatedly.
💡 Niche hashtags bring the right people, not just more people.
Step 2️⃣ – What Are “Trending Hashtags”?
Trending hashtags are time-sensitive tags that are currently gaining rapid attention across the platform.
They usually tie into viral sounds, formats, or cultural moments.
These tags often have millions (sometimes billions) of views — and can deliver short bursts of reach if used correctly.
Examples:
- #StoryTime
- #DidYouKnow
- #LifeHacks
- #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt
- #InMyEra
Trending hashtags expose your content to new audiences fast — but engagement is often broad and shallow.
💡 Trending hashtags create discovery. Niche hashtags create loyalty.
Step 3️⃣ – The Algorithm’s View: Relevance vs. Popularity
TikTok doesn’t just reward popularity — it rewards alignment.
If your video’s content doesn’t match the meaning or energy of a trending hashtag, the algorithm recognises the mismatch and won’t push it far.
✅ Relevant + Engaging = Reach
❌ Random + Irrelevant = Missed Opportunity
💡 Never chase trends — align with them.
Step 4️⃣ – How to Mix Niche and Trending Hashtags Effectively
The most powerful hashtag strategies blend both types — keeping your content discoverable yet targeted.
A simple, proven ratio:
👉 70% niche hashtags + 30% trending hashtags
That balance ensures you’re grounded in your community while riding current waves of visibility.
Example (for a fitness creator):
🏋️ Video: “How to stay motivated to work out on low-energy days”
➡️ Hashtags: #GymTok #FitnessMotivation #HealthTips #WellnessJourney #HowToStayMotivated #InMyRoutine
💡 Stay rooted in your niche, but dip your toes in the trend.
Step 5️⃣ – How to Identify Your Niche Hashtags
You can find niche hashtags by:
✅ Searching your main keyword (e.g., “fitness”) and checking related tags under the search bar.
✅ Studying competitors or creators in your space.
✅ Looking at the hashtags your ideal audience already uses.
Save 10–15 strong niche hashtags and rotate them throughout your videos to strengthen your identity.
💡 Consistency builds category authority.
Step 6️⃣ – How to Spot Trending Hashtags
Trending hashtags can be found by:
✅ Going to TikTok’s “Trending” section on the Discover page.
✅ Watching your For You Page for recurring tag patterns.
✅ Using the search bar — trending tags are auto-suggested.
✅ Checking platforms like Tokboard, TrendTok App, or TikTok Creative Center.
But always verify relevance — if it doesn’t suit your content, skip it.
💡 Not every trend is your trend.
Step 7️⃣ – Adapting a Trend to Fit Your Niche
You can use a trending hashtag without abandoning your niche.
The trick? Frame the trend through your own lens.
Example:
- A fitness creator joining #LifeHacks could post “3 fitness hacks to stay consistent.”
- A business creator using #InMyEra could post “In my consistency era — no shortcuts, just effort.”
You’re participating in the trend, but still speaking to your core audience.
💡 Trends are doors — your niche decides what’s inside.
Step 8️⃣ – The Hashtag Layer System
Structure your hashtags in layers to balance discoverability and identity:
| Layer | Type | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Niche | #FitnessMotivation #HealthTips | Target your ideal audience |
| 2️⃣ | Trending | #LifeHacks #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt | Broaden reach to new viewers |
| 3️⃣ | Personal / Branded | #NLTM #CoachAlex | Build brand recognition |
💡 Layering hashtags gives you both precision and exposure.
Step 9️⃣ – The Lifecycle of a Trend
Trends move fast.
Most trending hashtags peak for 3–7 days, then fade.
So when you join a trend:
✅ Post quickly (speed > perfection).
✅ Stay authentic to your brand.
✅ Move on before it becomes stale.
💡 Ride the wave — don’t build your house on it.
Step 🔟 – When to Go All-In on Niche Hashtags
If you’re:
- Building authority in a professional or educational space,
- Speaking to a well-defined audience,
- Or creating evergreen content that stays relevant for months…
Then go niche-heavy.
That’s how you build depth — an engaged community that keeps coming back.
💡 Niche-first is long-term growth. Trend-first is short-term exposure.
The Takeaway
Trending hashtags give you visibility.
Niche hashtags give you identity.
When you balance both, your content becomes scalable and sustainable.
You’ll reach new audiences through trends, while nurturing a loyal base through niche alignment.
💡 Trends attract. Niche retains.
Now that you know the difference between niche and trending hashtags, it’s time to build your personal hashtag strategy — one that fits your exact audience, goals, and posting rhythm.
In the next lesson, we’ll dive into 11.3 – Building a Hashtag Strategy Specific to Your Audience, where you’ll create a customised system you can repeat every time you post.