Hashtags on TikTok don't directly increase views, but they help the algorithm understand the video's topic and identify the right audience for it during the initial testing phase. Real distribution depends on video performance — retention rate, engagement, and complete watch percentage — not on hashtags. Hashtags are a classification and targeting tool, not a distribution guarantee.

When Do Hashtags Fail to Increase Views?

  • Using overly generic hashtags like #foryou or #viral without specific context
  • Not relating to video content — misleading the algorithm lowers performance
  • Relying on them as a substitute for video quality — hashtags don't fix weak videos
  • Stuffing too many — more than 7-8 hashtags weakens targeting

How Do Hashtags Work Inside the TikTok Algorithm?

Content Classification

When you post a TikTok video, the algorithm reads the hashtags to determine the video's topic. If you use #digitalmarketing, the algorithm understands the content relates to marketing and starts showing it to people interested in this field.

Initial Targeting

Hashtags help with initial reach — the first 200-500 views. The platform uses them to determine who will see the video in the first testing phase. If targeting is precise, the video will reach a genuinely interested audience, which increases engagement likelihood.

Performance Determines Distribution

After initial reach, hashtags lose their influence almost entirely. The algorithm monitors performance: Are viewers completing the video? Are they commenting or sharing? If the TikTok retention rate is high, distribution continues regardless of hashtags. If it drops, distribution stops even with the best hashtags.

When Do Hashtags Actually Help?

New Account

New accounts don't have a clear performance history, so the algorithm relies more heavily on hashtags to determine the initial audience. Using specific hashtags helps reach the right audience from the start.

Specific Niche

If content targets a narrow field — such as interior design, programming, or vegan cooking — specific hashtags help reach the right audience instead of a generic, uninterested one.

Educational or Searchable Content

Educational videos that users search for (How-to, tutorials, tips) benefit from descriptive hashtags. Example: #learnprogramming, #marketingtips, #exceltutorial. These hashtags help appear to searchers for this content.

Video with Strong Performance

If the video achieves high retention and a strong opening, hashtags help expand reach faster. Strong performance + correct targeting = faster distribution.

When Don't Hashtags Help?

Video Without Retention

If the video loses viewers in the first seconds, no hashtag helps. The algorithm will stop distribution after initial testing, even with perfect hashtags.

Weak Opening

Videos that don't grab attention in the first two seconds fail regardless of hashtags. Using strong TikTok hooks at the beginning is far more important than choosing hashtags.

Unclear Idea

If the video is confusing or tries to say more than one thing, the audience won't engage even if it reaches them. Clarity and focusing on one point is more important than hashtags.

Hashtag Stuffing

Using 10-15 generic hashtags weakens targeting. The algorithm tries to please all these categories and fails to effectively reach any of them. Better to focus on 3-5 specific hashtags.

The Ideal Number of Hashtags

Best performance comes from just 3-5 hashtags, divided as follows:

2-3 specific niche hashtags: Like #contentmarketing, #instagramtips, #logodesign. These target a precise and genuinely interested audience.

1 descriptive hashtag: Directly describes the video, like #quicktutorial or #dailytip. Helps the algorithm classify content type.

1 generic hashtag (optional): Like #foryou or #viral. Its impact is weak but harmless if used with specific hashtags.

Avoid only generic hashtags (#fyp, #viral, #foryoupage) because they don't provide precise targeting, and competition on them is extremely high.

Real Example: Same Content Video

An 18-second educational video about Facebook ads, posted twice:

First version: Without hashtags — achieved 800 views in the first 12 hours, then spread to 45,000 views after 48 hours based on performance.

Second version: With 4 specific hashtags (#digitalmarketing #facebookads #marketingtips #socialmedia) — achieved 2,400 views in the first 12 hours, then spread to 52,000 views.

The difference: Hashtags helped with faster initial reach and better targeting, but final distribution depended on ideal video length and retention rate, not on the hashtags themselves.

Fatal Mistakes in Using Hashtags

Using only #fyp. This hashtag provides no targeting. The algorithm doesn't know who your audience is, so it shows the video randomly, which lowers engagement likelihood.

Copying unrelated trend hashtags. If the trend is about dancing and your video is about marketing, the audience that reaches you isn't interested and will skip the video immediately. This lowers retention rate and stops distribution. Read more about why TikTok views don't increase to understand the impact of wrong targeting.

Using 15 hashtags. Stuffing weakens targeting and confuses the algorithm. Better to focus on a few specific ones.

Not testing results. Try different hashtags and monitor analytics. See which brings a more engaged audience, then focus on them.

Quick Questions

Do hashtags guarantee distribution?
No. Hashtags only help with initial targeting. Real distribution depends on retention rate, engagement, and performance.

Is using #fyp helpful?
Its impact is very weak. You can use it with specific hashtags, but don't rely on it alone.

How many hashtags should I use?
3-5 specific hashtags are better than 10-15 generic ones. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Do hashtags in other languages work?
Yes, especially if your audience speaks that language. Use hashtags in the language(s) your target audience uses.

Conclusion

TikTok hashtags are a classification and initial targeting tool, not a distribution tool. They help reach the right audience in the initial testing phase, but real distribution depends on retention rate, engagement, and content quality. Use 3-5 specific hashtags, avoid stuffing, and focus on building a strong video from the start. Hashtags help, but they guarantee nothing without strong performance.