TikTok Hashtags: How to Find Trending Tags and Get More Views
Do TikTok hashtags actually matter? Yes — but not in the way most people use them. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how to find the right tags for your niche.
You've probably seen TikTok videos with 30 hashtags crammed into the caption — a wall of #fyp #viral #foryoupage #trending #foryou #explore and so on. Does that actually work? Sort of. But there's a smarter way to use hashtags that most people skip entirely.
Do TikTok hashtags actually matter?
Yes, but their role is more nuanced than on Instagram. TikTok's algorithm is primarily driven by content signals — watch time, replays, shares, and comments — not hashtags. However, hashtags do two things:
- Category signals: They tell TikTok what your video is about so it can surface it to users who engage with that type of content.
- Searchability: TikTok's search is growing. Users increasingly search for specific topics and hashtags directly.
So hashtags matter for discovery, especially for new accounts without an established audience.
The right hashtag mix
Most TikTok creators use a three-tier approach:
1–2 broad hashtags (#fyp, #foryoupage, #viral) — These are very competitive but signal to TikTok that you want broad distribution. Don't rely on them alone.
2–3 niche hashtags (#fitnessmotivation, #homecooking, #travelthailand) — These are specific to your content category. Lower competition, higher relevance. This is where you'll find your real audience.
1 branded or campaign hashtag — If you're part of a trend or challenge, include the trending challenge tag.
What hashtags are trending right now?
TikTok trends change fast — sometimes daily. The best place to find currently trending hashtags is TikTok's own Discover page. Look at what's showing up in the trending section and check whether your video topic connects to any current moment.
For consistently popular hashtags by niche, use Toolozo's TikTok Hashtag Generator. Type your topic and get a curated mix of broad and niche hashtags you can copy directly into your caption.
Popular TikTok hashtags to copy and paste
General reach: #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #viral #trending #tiktok
Food: #foodtok #recipe #cooking #homecooking #foodie #easyrecipe #dinnerideas
Fitness: #fitness #workout #gym #fitnessmotivation #homeworkout #fitfam #exercise
Travel: #travel #traveltok #wanderlust #explore #adventure #traveling #travelgram
Fashion: #fashion #ootd #style #outfitinspo #fashiontok #aesthetic #outfitoftheday
Tech: #tech #techtok #technology #gadgets #programming #coding #developer
How many hashtags should you use?
TikTok allows up to 30 hashtags in a caption. But more isn't better. Research and creator experience suggest 3–8 targeted hashtags outperforms 20+ generic ones. Quality beats quantity — a few precise, relevant tags will get your video in front of the right audience more effectively than a wall of broad tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best TikTok hashtags to go viral?
#fyp and #foryoupage signal broad reach, but viral success comes from the algorithm's content signals (watch time, shares, replays) — not just hashtags. Combine 1-2 broad tags with 3-4 niche-specific ones relevant to your content.
Do TikTok hashtags actually work?
Yes, hashtags help TikTok categorize your content and surface it to relevant users, and they make your videos searchable. They're more effective for niche topics than for competing with millions of videos under #fyp.
How many hashtags should I use on TikTok?
3–8 relevant hashtags is optimal. Using 20-30 generic hashtags doesn't significantly increase reach and can make your caption look spammy. Focus on hashtags that accurately describe your video's topic.
Where can I find trending TikTok hashtags?
Check TikTok's built-in Discover page for real-time trends. Use Toolozo's TikTok Hashtag Generator for consistently popular hashtags by niche. Also look at what top creators in your niche are using.