If you’re wondering how to make your YouTube Shorts go viral, the answer lies in effective hashtag usage. Hashtags are a great tool for organizing and promoting your content and making it easier for viewers to find. They are critical for amplifying your reach, as your content may not reach its target audience without them.
Wide-reaching hashtags ensure the view is more extensive, while precise ones attract people who care about your niche. This means that your hashtag strategy should include general tags, like #Shorts or #Trending, as well as specific tags that are known to be related to your content, such as #CookingShorts or #FitnessTips.
Localization can also be important. Utilizing regional or geographical-targeted hashtags can help you gain traffic in your local market. This is especially beneficial for personal branding as you can create custom, branded hashtags that serve as IDs for your channel and help dedicated viewers find and share your content easily.
In this blog post, we will discuss why you need hashtags for Shorts on YouTube, how to find the best hashtags to use for your content, and how to properly implement them. Whether you’re a YouTube pro or a Shorts novice, these tried-and-tested tactics will help you get more reach and engagement.
Hashtags are not a myth, nor are they just a way to make captions look cool, they have a function. Hashtags in YouTube Shorts work like markers that help users search for relevant topics or themes.
Hashtagging your Shorts can make the difference between your Shorts, disappearing in the chaos and reaching a wider audience to see your product. Hashtags also inform the YouTube algorithm what your video covers, helping your videos rank higher in searches and suggested videos.
How Hashtags Improve Shorts Discoverability
Hashtags are vital navigational tools on the vast YouTube platform, allowing creators to tag their content to reach a larger and more specific audience. Hashtags in your Shorts act as clickable tags that place your content in a category, so if someone is interested in that niche, they can click your hashtags and bypass YouTube discoverability altogether because you’ve created a direct path for them to your content.
This lets people who are actively searching for specific subjects find your videos easier, which leads to more views, and therefore more engagement.
As an example, if you make recipe videos, you can add tags like #FoodieLife or #QuickRecipes that will put your content in front of people who like to cook dishes so that people can discover your Shorts as they scroll through food topics.
Using relevant hashtags will also help your videos get discovered and allow you to connect with people interested in your niche.
Research the best performing and trending hashtags in your niche and you will get the most out of your Shorts as your content will match with what people are discussing right now.
How YouTube’s Algorithm Uses Hashtags
Hashtags are another tool in the toolkit of YouTube’s algorithm to help the algorithm learn about your content and serve it to the right audience. Relevant and specific hashtags give YouTube contextual and topical signals.
This helps the algorithm classify your material and suggest it in various locations, including search results, topic-specific hashtag pages, and even the Shorts feed. Using relevant hashtags strategically can exponentially increase the discovery of your video.
The right hashtags also help get your content through other profiles and connect you with a custom-tailored audience relevant to your niche.
For example, if you are making videos around DIY crafts, use tags such as #DIYProjects or #HomemadeCrafts which will show your content on pages that DIY lovers frequently visit.
By using broad or unrelated hashtags, you risk losing your video’s reach altogether, and it could cut off potential views from the correct audience. Hashtags are one such tool that can help you gain visibility on the platform, so be sure to do your research on popular hashtags.
Adding a mixture of niche-specific hashtags along with other trending topics can level up your video’s competitive advantage. For example, by combining a popular event-based hashtag, such as #HolidayDecor, with a more focused hashtag, like #DIYOrnaments, you can attract the interest of those looking to see content that matches up with both descriptors.
Do not overdo the hashtags in your video description. Deploy a balanced strategy that employs a combination of relevance, specificity, and popularity.
Why the Right Hashtags Increase Chances of Going Viral
Well-picked hashtags not only enhance discoverability, but they’re also key to converting viewers into engaged followers and loyal subscribers.
Using hashtags that are closely tied to your content, creates a sense of authenticity and relevance that viewers are more likely to interact with, comment on, or share.
For example, a new fitness creator can diffuse a hashtag like #WorkoutTips alongside something more specific like #StrengthTraining101, targeting casual viewers as well as fitness junkies looking for detailed knowledge.
An equally important aspect to ensure is continuity in your hashtag usage. Using too many irrelevant hashtags in a video description can ultimately backfire, diluting your message.
The perfect method for continuous growth is taking a strategic approach that mixes the appropriate amount of trending, evergreen, and niche-specific tags. Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok favor content from creators who take this level of intentional action by promoting their content higher up the chain in search results, helping to expand the reach and drive targeted traffic.
Did you know?
Unlike Instagram or TikTok, YouTube privileges a more even-handed approach. Using too many hashtags in your description (more than 15) will delete them altogether and the platform will not show any of them.
How to Find the Best Hashtags for YouTube Shorts
Since we know how critical hashtags are to deliver your content toward visibility & engagement, let us head to the same short content most important with the index, how to discover your Shorts perfect hashtags!
Hashtags are another useful tool that helps group your content and allows users to search for it. By using the right hashtags, you can get your content in front of the right people, increase discoverability, and ultimately do better on the platform.
By leveraging a mix of trending hashtags, niche-oriented hashtags, and branded hashtags, you’ll ultimately maximize the probability that your Shorts are seen by the right people who can appreciate your work, which will ultimately facilitate your success, and your growth over time.
Using a Hashtag Generator (Fast & Easy Method)
The process of finding the perfect hashtags for your Shorts doesn’t have to be time-consuming. TubePilot’s YouTube Shorts Hashtag Generator uses AI to analyze your content and suggest the most relevant, high-performing hashtags for maximum reach.
How to Use TubePilot’s YouTube Shorts Hashtag Generator:
- Enter a short description or keywords related to your Short.
- Instantly get a list of trending and niche-specific hashtag suggestions.
- Copy and paste the best hashtags to optimize your Shorts for visibility.
With TubePilot, you save time while ensuring your hashtags stay aligned with the latest trends and industry data, helping your Shorts reach the right audience effortlessly.
Extracting Hashtags from Viral Videos (Proven Strategy)
The other method is competitor research and inspiration from your top awesome content. If you see a competitor of your niche going viral, you can extract the same tags he’s using and can use them in your video.
If they worked for your competitor, they can work for you too, increasing your visibility and driving you more traffic, views, and engagement.
Why This Works:
A quick look at the hashtags in your viral niche videos is a road map to victory. If a certain tag proved effective for companies in your industry, it means it will most probably work for you too.
How to Extract Hashtags with TubePilot’s Tag Extractor:
- Copy the URL you wish to analyze in the tool for a trending or high-performing video.
- Get All the hashtags in that video.
- Mix and match them to your strategy.
Interesting Fact!
Using regional language-specific or regional trends-specific hashtags bolsters the targeted audience in specific geographical regions which adds to your channel growth.
How to Add Hashtags to YouTube Shorts Properly
In the process of allotting hashtags to your Shorts, you can face a dilemma like what keywords to use and what benefit are you going to get. Hashtags help users search for and categorize videos so viewers can find your videos easily.
If you have the most suitable hashtags, it is time to use them properly. A hashtag can be simply a keyword (or a string of keywords without space), prefixed with a ‘hash’ symbol (#) to attract the appropriate audience.
Do not use too many hashtags, only stick to 2-3 hashtags per Shorts video. As part of placing your hashtags in concise captions, another handy tip is to sprinkle them inside your captions throughout the post. They may come at the start or at the finish which seems more natural and beautiful to you.
Don’t use off-topic or spammy hashtags because this practice will hurt your discoverability and your credibility on the platform.
By carefully and strategically utilizing the right hashtags relevant to your content, you can greatly increase the reach of your video and get an interested set of audience.
Adding Hashtags in the Video Title
Adding Hashtags in your video title is the easiest and most effective way to increase your video rank and the ability for your video to be shown.
A properly hashtagged title means that your content will also be on the first page for these relevant hashtag feeds and will be more easily discovered. It also strictly states that you should include your most critical hashtag towards the end of the title so that it looks clean and professional to the viewer.
It is recommended to use only 1 or 2 hashtags and maintain a polished appearance. A title such as “Easy DIY Home Decor Ideas #HomemadeStyle” is short and engaging, and far better than a crowded one.
Using targeted hashtags in your title not only resonates with your audience but connects you with subject matter and viral pursuits, increasing the reach of your video.
Adding Hashtags in the Video Description
The description is an additional asset where you should include as many hashtags as possible to help get your video in front of more people. YouTube allows 15 hashtags to be included in a description, but it’s best practice to use 3–5 hashtags strategically.
Putting many hashtags in your description will seem like spam and reduce readability, so the choice should be made with caution.
Use your description to tell what makes you different from others, quality and relevancy are everything. Use hashtags that are relevant to whatever you post on your content.
Equally vital is the right placement of hashtags. To make it more readable, put these hashtags towards the end of your description in a way they do not hinder or overtake the natural flow of information.
This will keep your audience engaged in the reading experience without any unwanted tension, while still exposing them to the targeted hashtags. You might want to add 1 or 2 hashtags to remind viewers about the main theme or topic covered in your video.
Feel free to tap into trending or high-traffic hashtags if they’re still relevant to your video. It helps place your video with the crowd, making it more discoverable.
Adding Hashtags in the Comments Section
You can also pin a comment on your Shorts that has lots of hashtags to boost engagement and the video’s visibility even further. By smartly putting together a comment that has all of the relevant and trending hashtags, you have another opportunity for your audience to engage with.
It makes them more likely to follow the hashtags as well as dive deeper into related content, increasing the chances of being seen.
Pinned comments are prime assets in your comment section. UUtilizethis approach to the best of your ability to maximise engagement and your Shorts potential.
Example: “Love this workout? Watch more videos in our #FitnessChallenge series!” This comment is to bring awareness and promote a community.
Interesting Fact!
Adding hashtags to your Shorts essentially lets YouTube know what your video is about and can help to ensure it gets recommended to the right audience.
Tips to Go Viral with YouTube Shorts Hashtags
Ensure content visibility and appeal with viral YouTube Shorts hashtags. Research trending hashtags in your niche (as these can help your Shorts reach relevant audiences).
Use niche-specific tags to reach audiences that are more likely to engage with your material, as well as that will create a relevant reach.
Continuing to participate in current trends, responding to comments, and asking viewers to like/share your videos can help to increase engagement in the Shorts community.
Use a Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags
The key benefits of using broad and niche-specific hashtags include a wide range of audiences and more discoverability. This technique will push your video to the front page of search engines increasing the viewer count and visibility.
- Using a broader hashtag such as #Shorts or #Viral will help make sure your content gets in front of a wider and more general audience.
- Niche hashtags such as #SkincareRoutine or #TravelTips are aimed at building a community of like-minded people who want to consume content related to that category.
- A combination of broad and niche hashtags allows you to find a balance that enables you to be seen in a variety of viewer demographics while connecting with those who will engage with your content.
This overarching strategy allows your content to perform better overall, whether the reader is a casual scroller or a devoted follower of your brand.
Leverage Trending Hashtags
Keep an eye on what’s trending on YouTube by browsing the trending section, or use tools like TubePilot to have the trending content brought to your attention. Trending hashtags highlight what users are proactively seeking out and engaging with.
The right hashtags on your Shorts don’t just enhance the chances of riding the viral wave but also showcase your content to the right eyes at the right time. By regularly reassessing why and what hashtags you are using, you are ensuring that your channel is always aligned with the most relevant ones to your audience.
Test and Optimize Hashtags for Better Performance
Tracking your results is vital to recognizing which ones work best for your content and enhancing your YouTube Shorts approach.
- Use YouTube Analytics: YouTube Analytics can be a very useful tool to analyze traffic sources to understand which hashtags bring the most views, clicks, and engagements.
- By keeping this data you may find patterns if some hashtags work better on certain content or some for specific demographics.
- Use this information to fine-tune your approach
- Cut out the hashtags that fail to perform
Continuously tracking your strategy will keep your hashtag game strong and in tune with the changing tastes and preferences of your audience.
When leveraged strategically, hashtags are among the most valuable tools you can use to get traffic and even go viral. So challenge yourself to test different hashtags, try new combinations, and monitor your results over time.
Stick with it and use a data-first process and you’ll discover the strategy that works best for your audience and make the most of your content. Experiment with some today and supercharge your Shorts!
Final Thoughts
The key to using hashtags is using them strategically. Instead of flooding your posts with irrelevant or overly generic tags, you should pay attention to hashtags that are specific to your niche and target audience. When it comes to hashtags, quality is always better than quantity.
Hashtags are a good way to increase the discoverability of your content during trending topics or news events. When you jump on a popular or timely hashtag, you can plug into an existing stream of conversation. Exposing yourself this way will not only increase your visibility but will also ensure you still exist in an evolving landscape.
Hashtags are not just a social media tool! They’re a bridge between creators, brands, and their audiences. Hashtags are not just a symbol; they are your passport to take pedestrian videos and make them into viral works.
The next move is yours. Start testing out hashtags today, and see your engagement take off. Need help? Be smarter and more effective with your video hashtags today with TubePilot’s Shorts Hashtag Generator for FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people don`t know how to extract hashtags, how to search for them, or where they can find them. The most frequently asked questions are listed below:
How many hashtags can you use in a short?
You’re allowed to add up to 15 hashtags, but focusing on 2-5 highly relevant hashtags will do much better than the risk of being flagged as spam.
Am I allowed to make my own branded hashtag?
Yes! Using a unique hashtag like #YourChannelName can help you build your brand and make it easier for viewers to find all your content in one place.
Are hashtags a surefire way to go viral?
More than hashtags, however, good content that resonates with the audience is essential to viral content. Incorporate hashtags into an overarching strategy including compelling storytelling and powerful visuals.
Like with all things you will need to experiment and review what performs best for your audience which is what you will be doing by following this guide on the effective hashtag adding process for your YouTube Shorts. If you follow these tips, your odds of going viral have just improved!
Raghav is a talented content writer with a passion to create informative and interesting articles. With a degree in English Literature, Raghav possesses an inquisitive mind and a thirst for learning. Raghav is a fact enthusiast who loves to unearth fascinating facts from a wide range of subjects. He firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey and he is constantly seeking opportunities to increase his knowledge and discover new facts. So make sure to check out Raghav’s work for a wonderful reading.
