Do hashtags work on TikTok? And should you use them for your videos? Like on Instagram and Facebook, hashtags help your desired audience find you and increase your content reach. However, TikTok hashtags have some differences when compared to Instagram hashtags. For instance, TikTok descriptions have a 300-word character limit, so it’ll be impossible to list out hashtags on the platform the way you do on Instagram.
In this post, we will explore how TikTok hashtags work and the best ways to use them.
How do TikTok hashtags work?
When you use a certain hashtag on TikTok, you are basically telling the algorithm to send this piece of content to audiences that have used the same hashtag or interacted with content in that category. So, for example, if you use the hashtag #naturalhair, you’re instructing the TikTok algorithm to show your content to people who have used the hashtag #naturalhair or interacted with it. Also, you are telling the algorithm to send you more content about the hashtag. So, don’t be surprised when all you see on your FYP are videos of people giving natural hair care tips. When choosing hashtags, choose wisely.
This is why you should never use the hashtag ‘FYP’ (For You Page) if you are a business on TikTok. Oftentimes, people feel like this hashtag will bring them more views. This could be possible, but you just told the algorithm to send your video to anybody using or interacting with the hashtag ‘fyp’. This means, you will start receiving a ton of videos from people using the hashtag, which could then mess up your TikTok feed. To avoid this, choose niche hashtags so that your content will be sent to your desired audience.
How to choose Hashtags on TikTok
So, I create TikToks teaching female course creators how to generate more revenue on the platform by generating leads to their email lists. When I create content, I use hashtags like #TikTokforfemalecoaches, #TikTokforfemalebusinessowners, #mompreneur, #shepreneur, #femaleboss, #TikTokforcoaches, #relationshipcoaches, #financialcoaches, #businesscoaches, etc., because I want to reach users interested in these videos. Now, these users will start interacting with my content and I’ll also see their content on my feed. It’s a win-win scenario.
Now, as you create content on TikTok on a regular basis, TikTok will eventually know your account and since the software is so sensitive, your captions, voiceovers and even the text you write in your videos will be sent to the right audience. So you do not have to use hashtags in your videos to have success; but if you’re strategically trying to target a certain person, group of people, city, state, or country with your content, then using hashtags is going to be great for you.
A friend of mine, Rachel Pederson, taught me this and I’ll share it with you. Use hashtags with 2 million views or less on them. This is because if you have billions of billions of views on your chosen hashtag, then your content will get lost in the rubble. You can get better views and traffic by using hashtags that have 2 million views on them or less. Also, remember to use your descriptions wisely as you only get 300 characters on TikTok.
To wrap up, do I recommend that you use hashtags in your video? Yes, I do, because as a business, if your goal is to reach your certain target audience, drive them to the clickable link in your bio so that they can opt-in or purchase your product or service, then you want to ensure you are sending your content to the right people. This is an excellent strategy to start growing your business on TikTok.
Did you hear? The 3-day TikTok for Business challenge kicks on Monday, September 12th at 4pm PST.
If you’re ready to leverage your business using the TikTok platform and reach more of your target customers before the year ends, be sure to save your seat HERE!