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TikTok Hashtags Strategy for Viral Growth (2024)

Introduction

TikTok has become a powerful platform for brands looking to gain exposure and engage with audiences. While there is no guaranteed formula for going viral, utilizing effective hashtags can significantly enhance your visibility and increase your chances for success. In this article, we'll explore five actionable strategies to help your content rank high and attract the right audience using hashtags.

1. Find the Right Hashtags for Your Brand

Creating top-quality TikTok content is not enough if no one watches it. Hashtags play a vital role in improving your video's chances of being seen. Start by identifying hashtags relevant to your industry and the products or services you offer.

For example, let's say you own a fictional home-based bakery called Cookie Hub, specializing in assorted cookies. To find appropriate hashtags, open the TikTok app, click the search icon, and type in "cookies." Select the "hashtags" tab to view related options. Notice that #cookies has 21.9 billion views—making it a substantial choice for visibility.

Conduct competitor analysis to pick effective hashtags as well. Explore what hashtags other online cookie bakeries are using and consider adding popular ones, like #baking, to your roster.

Balance is crucial when selecting hashtags. Popular hashtags command larger audiences and tend to be broader, while niche hashtags target smaller groups of engaged viewers who are highly interested in specific aspects of your content.

For Cookie Hub, using a popular hashtag like #cookies is beneficial. But it's equally essential to incorporate niche hashtags that reflect your content more accurately. For example, if you were promoting a holiday collection, #holidaycookies (91 million views) would be fitting. Furthermore, for a video focusing on a sugar cookie recipe, consider using #sugarcookierecipe (22.4 million views).

Utilizing both types of hashtags will optimize your search potential and enhance engagement.

3. Position Your Hashtags for Optimal Visibility

The placement of hashtags in your TikTok captions matters. The best practice is to include them at the end of your caption after your description. Although you can add hashtags in the comment section, research indicates they aren't prioritized by TikTok's algorithm as much as those in the caption.

For instance, a caption for Cookie Hub might look like this: “Make these delicious Cookie Hub sugar cookies at home to get into the holiday spirit! #cookies #holidaycookies #sugarcookierecipe.” This positioning improves discoverability and boosts your chances for engagement.

4. Don’t Overdo the Hashtags

While the thrill of hashtag discovery is exciting, oversaturating your posts with too many hashtags can appear spammy and inauthentic. Research indicates that posts with fewer relevant hashtags are often prioritized by social media algorithms.

Aim to use 3 to 5 hashtags per post. This approach allows you to maintain a fun and descriptive caption while prioritizing quality over quantity.

5. Track Your TikTok Performance

Once you've established your hashtag strategy, closely monitor how your posts perform. TikTok’s built-in analytics tool is valuable for tracking views, likes, comments, shares, and new followers.

To access TikTok analytics, open your profile, click on the three vertical lines, select "Creator tools," and then "Analytics." Here, you'll find crucial metrics to evaluate the success of your hashtags. An increase in views could indicate broad reach, while increased likes or followers might suggest you’re effectively connecting with your target audience.

In addition to TikTok's analytics, consider using external tools like HootSuite or Sprout Social to track your brand's performance across platforms. These tools often offer free trials and affordable plans, making them accessible for businesses of all sizes.


By following these strategies to effectively use hashtags, your brand could be one step closer to becoming the next trending topic on TikTok. Keep in mind that hashtags are just one aspect of a successful TikTok marketing strategy.

To further enhance your skills, explore marketing guides to TikTok for business, which provide valuable insights to help you meet your goals.

Remember, it’s not just about creating content; it's about crafting the right strategy to ensure that your content shines.


Keyword

  • TikTok
  • Hashtags
  • Viral Growth
  • Brand Strategy
  • Popular Hashtags
  • Niche Hashtags
  • Competitor Analysis
  • Content Engagement
  • TikTok Analytics
  • Marketing Strategy

FAQ

Q: How many hashtags should I use in my TikTok posts?
A: It is recommended to use 3 to 5 hashtags per post for optimal engagement without appearing spammy.

Q: What is the difference between popular and niche hashtags?
A: Popular hashtags attract a large audience and are broader, while niche hashtags target smaller, highly engaged groups with specific interests.

Q: Where is the best place to position hashtags in my TikTok post?
A: Hashtags should be placed at the end of your caption for better discoverability, rather than in the comment section.

Q: How can I track my TikTok performance?
A: You can use TikTok’s built-in analytics tool, accessible through your profile, or external tools like HootSuite or Sprout Social.

Q: Should I conduct competitor analysis for my hashtags?
A: Yes, analyzing the hashtags used by competitors in your industry can provide inspiration and help refine your hashtag strategy.