Do Hashtags Work On TikTok And How To Use Them Effectively? [2025]

In the rapidly changing environment of TikTok, where trends emerge and fade in the blink of an eye, creators are constantly seeking the secret formula for gaining visibility and earning engagement. 

One question that frequently surfaces is: Do hashtags work on TikTok? Should you add those # symbols to your captions? The short answer is yes! But using a random set of hashtags won’t promise adequate results. To fully utilize those hashtags to reach more viewers, you need a strategic approach. 

The following guide explains why hashtags are crucial on TikTok and how to maximize their effectiveness in 2025.

What Is A Hashtag? The History of Hashtags

A hashtag is a metadata tag that categorizes content on a platform. It is usually represented by a hash symbol (#), followed by a word or phrase. Sometimes, it can even include numbers, underscore marks, and emojis.

Through hashtags, users can find content on specific topics across different posts more easily.

For example, if you’re interested in delicious recipes, searching for #foodie on platforms like Instagram or TikTok will instantly bring up a collection of posts tagged with that keyword.

The concept of using the hash symbol for tagging online content was first proposed in a tweet in 2007 by American blogger and product consultant Chris Messina. Notably, he did not attempt to patent this idea because he believed that hashtags were born of the internet and not owned by anyone.

Nowadays, hashtags are popularly used on major social media platforms like TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, etc.

Do Hashtags Work On TikTok?

So, do hashtags help on TikTok? Do they actually do anything?

Well, the simple answer is: YES! But let’s discuss it more deeply.

When you add a hashtag to your TikTok caption, it doesn’t mean your video is suddenly going to get millions of views.

However, it does inform TikTok exactly what your video is about. This means TikTok can show your post to the right people who are actually interested in the content of your video. 

Therefore, you will get more likes and engagement on that post, which will then boost it in the algorithm.

This is especially true for new accounts starting from scratch, as TikTok has little to no information about the kind of videos you produce. Relevant hashtags act as crucial signposts, helping the platform categorize your content and show it to the right initial audience.

But once you’ve consistently posted around 10 or more videos on a similar topic, TikTok’s algorithm probably already knows what type of content you make, so the impact of hashtags on your content’s virality might decrease. Yet they might still help in TikTok search.

Do hashtags work on TikTok comments?

Hashtags don’t work much on TikTok comments because they are not clickable in this section. 

But still, it is worth giving it a try with relevant keywords in your replies, especially if you’re trying to contribute to a specific conversation. 

Do hashtags work on TikTok Live?

Honestly, hashtags won’t help much in increasing the visibility of your TikTok Live streams. However, they may help audiences discover you more easily.

Make sure to add a relevant hashtag right in your stream title so that people who search it will be able to find you. 

For example, if you’re doing a live knitting tutorial, you could title your stream: Learn the Basic Stitch #knitting.

This allows users who are searching for knitting to easily discover your live content.

>>> Might you like: List Of Top Popular Hashtags On TikTok 2025

Should I Use Hashtags On TikTok? The Verdict

So, should you use hashtags on TikTok?

Yes, I highly recommend that you add hashtags to your TikTok captions. Just make sure to keep them relevant to the content, and don’t spam.

Here are the potential benefits of using hashtags effectively:

• Relevant hashtags make your videos easier for interested viewers to find.
• People actively searching for specific hashtags are more likely to engage with your content.
• Hashtags help connect your content with audiences genuinely interested in your niche.
• Utilizing popular hashtags can increase your video’s visibility and potential for virality.
• For businesses, relevant hashtags enhance brand visibility and reach potential customers.
• Consistently using a unique branded hashtag can build brand recognition over time.
• Following relevant hashtags can help you discover influencers and creators in your niche.

4 Tips To Use TikTok Hashtags Effectively

To maximize the impact of hashtags on your TikTok videos, follow these best practices:

Tip #1: Add 3-6 relevant hashtags

Aim for an optimal number of 3-6 relevant hashtags per video. This allows you to cover a range of topics without overwhelming your caption.

Tip #2: Combine niche and broader trending hashtags

Strategically combine niche-specific hashtags with broader trending hashtags. 

Niche hashtags help you reach a targeted audience, while trending hashtags can expose your content to a wider pool of users.

>>> Explore more: Hashtag Generator For TikTok: Top 10 FREE Tools

Tip #3: Leave space in TikTok captions for hashtags

Mind the 4,000-character limit of TikTok captions. 

Prioritize your main caption space for engaging text and calls to action, leaving space below for your selected hashtags.

This makes your caption more readable and visually appealing.

Tip #4: Create branded hashtag challenges

Consider creating branded hashtag challenges and encourage your audience to participate by creating content related to your brand and using your unique hashtag.

This is a fantastic way to drive engagement and increase brand awareness.

Wrapping Up

Do hashtags work on TikTok? Yes, TikTok hashtags remain crucial for visibility in 2025 by guiding the algorithm and connecting you with interested viewers. 

By adhering to an optimal number, using a balanced mix of niche and trending tags, strategically placing them in your captions, and leveraging branded hashtags, you can significantly enhance your content’s visibility and engagement. 

For more TikTok growth tips and strategies, subscribe to GDT Agency!

Follow if you find it useful