4 Ways to Use Hashtags on TikTok

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TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps at present. One of the most useful tools in the app for both users and creators are hashtags. On TikTok, hashtags are used to search for content users are interested in. Hashtags are a huge part of social media as a whole, but it seems that TikTok has made them even more useful.

The majority of hashtags on TikTok are used in those video captions. But what makes TikTok hashtags stand out among other social media platforms is the number of ways you can utilize them.

From searching to following topics, here are a few ways you can use hashtags on TikTok...

How Hashtags Work on TikTok

Before getting into the fun part, it’s important to know what hashtags are and their function in the world of social media.

In simple terms, a hashtag is a form of metadata that can label or tag content. In the age of social media, hashtags have become extremely useful. Hashtags are used to make it easier for users to access specific subject matters, especially on apps like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.

For a deeper dive, see our explanation of hashtags.

But TikTok hashtags have a few extra features compared to some other apps. Here's a look at the ways you can use them on the platform...

Ways to Use Hashtags on TikTok

There are four major ways you can use TikTok hashtags: searching content, adding to your favorites, sharing, and tagging your uploads.

1. Searching for Content

The most common way to use hashtags is as a content filter. You can search the hashtag to bring up content where the tag is included.

  • To find a hashtag you want on TikTok, you first need to either tap the search bar at the top of the homepage.
  • Or, tap the Friends Tab at the bottom of the screen (we've explained how to use the TikTok Friends tab for more guidance) and use the search field at the top of the app.
  • Type in your desired topic, for example #fyp. TikTok will list topics and hashtags, usually from most to least popular.
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    2. Adding Hashtags to Favorites

    Another thing TikTok allows users to do is favorite and follow hashtags, so they can save them for the future.

  • Once you've typed in the tag you're looking for, there's a bookmark symbol below the hashtag and an Add to Favorites button.
  • Simply add the hashtag to your favorites, and it's saved to your profile.
  • To access anything you've saved, like hashtags, sounds, or effects, go onto your profile and underneath your bio, there is a bookmark icon.
  • Scroll along to Hashtags, and there you’ll find any that you've saved.
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    TikTok likely uses your favorites to inform what other content to suggest to you. So saving hashtags may improve your video recommendations.

    3. Sharing a Hashtag

    TikTok also allows you to share hashtags, whether it’s just to your friends on the app or sharing a hashtag's list of content to another platform.

  • When you are on the hashtag results page, there will be an arrow in the top right corner, the share button.
  • Tap the share button and select how you want to share the tag.
  • You also have the option to select QR code, which generates a code for that hashtag, making the sharing process easier.
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    4. Tagging Your Own Content

    If you’re making content on TikTok and wanting to extend it beyond your followers, then you can add hashtags to your own videos.

  • When you are captioning your TikTok, there is a Hashtags feature below the caption box.
  • Enter the hashtag you want to use. TikTok also suggests a number of popular related tags.
  • Select the hashtag or hashtags you want to use based on the contents of the video.
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    Tips for Using Hashtags on TikTok

    Once you become acquainted with the different ways to use hashtags on the platform, you can utilize them to your liking. If you want to search for content, no matter how specific, it is highly unlikely you won't get the results you're looking for.

    For example, if you were to look for a book recommendation of a specific genre, just searching #bookrecommendation will generate too many results. Whereas narrowing down what you're looking for, like a mystery book, you'd search #mysterybookrecommendation or #mysterybookrec.

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    Instead of scrolling through tons of content, to save time, be more specific in your hashtags. The more specific you are, the better the results.

    If you want tailored, specific results, there are popular hashtags that should be avoided:

    • #fyp
    • #tiktok
    • #viral
    • #trending
    • #comedy

    These are some of the most popular hashtags on TikTok and they become saturated with very generalized content and an overflow of results.

    Keep hashtag searches and favorites specific and you'll find the content you're looking for.

    Hashtags are a crucial feature for content creators and users across social media platforms, TikTok seems to be making the most use of them. Searching, saving, or sharing for hashtags you're interested in, makes the content more suited to each individual.

    But while you're exploring tags, it’s important for users and creators to know how they can limit TikTok screen time.

    For the most part, especially in the case of searching for something specific, TikTok can be quite beneficial. It's about finding a balance.

    Hashtags Make Navigating TikTok Easier

    If you're a beginner to TikTok, it can be quite daunting dealing with all of its various features at first, but once you've navigated around the app it's easy. Hashtags can be a perfect way to explore the app for new users and can inform the algorithm of your interests.

    Overall, Hashtags on TikTok have numerous ways of usage on the app, whether searching, saving, or sharing a certain hashtag. Exploring the different hashtags is meant to be fun, so enjoy your time on it.

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