What Are TikTok Discover Tags (Hashtags)? Which TikTok Tags Should We Use? 🔍📱
If you’ve spent time on TikTok, you’ve seen them everywhere — those little hashtags (#fyp, #viral, #xyzbca) that creators and brands sprinkle into captions. On TikTok, these are often called Discover Tags because they help your content surface in TikTok’s Discover and For You Page (FYP) feeds. But do they really matter? And if so, which hashtags should you use to grow?
This guide explains what TikTok hashtags are, how they work within the platform’s algorithm, and practical strategies for choosing the right ones to maximize visibility. 🚀
What Are TikTok Discover Tags?
TikTok hashtags are keywords prefixed with “#” (like #fashiontips or #funnyvideos) that help categorize your content. On the Discover page, TikTok shows trending tags, giving users a way to explore content in specific niches.
Hashtags on TikTok serve three purposes:
- Content Categorization đź“‚
- Helps TikTok’s algorithm understand what your video is about.
- Audience Discovery 🌍
- Connects your video with users searching for or engaging with those hashtags.
- Trend Participation 🔥
- Jumping on trending hashtags increases your chance of landing on FYP.
Types of TikTok Hashtags
- Trending Hashtags
- Found on TikTok’s Discover page or Creative Center.
- Change daily and often tied to challenges, memes, or sounds.
- Niche Hashtags
- Specific to your industry, e.g., #BookTok, #FitnessMotivation, #Foodie.
- Build authority and connect with targeted audiences.
- Community Hashtags
- Group-based tags like #MomTok, #SmallBusiness, #PetTok.
- Great for tapping into dedicated sub-communities.
- Branded Hashtags
- Created by companies for campaigns, e.g., #GuacDance by Chipotle.
- Boost participation in brand-specific challenges.
- Generic Hashtags
- Universal ones like #fyp, #viral, #xyzbca.
- Commonly used but highly saturated.
Which TikTok Hashtags Should You Use? 🧪
| Hashtag Type | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trending | To join current platform-wide conversations | #CapCutTemplate, #InMyMood |
| Niche | To target your exact audience | #BookTok, #MakeupTutorial |
| Community | To build loyalty with specific groups | #SmallBusinessCheck, #PetTok |
| Branded | For campaigns or collaborations | #GuacDance, #NikeFitCheck |
| Generic | As supporting tags (not main focus) | #fyp, #viral |
Best Practice: Mix 2–3 niche hashtags with 1–2 trending/community hashtags. Use generic tags sparingly.
Step-by-Step Hashtag Strategy 🛠️
1. Research Daily 🔍
- Check Discover page and TikTok’s Creative Center for live trending hashtags.
- Save the ones that fit your content style.
2. Match Relevance Over Popularity âś…
- Don’t just chase viral tags. If irrelevant, users swipe away, which hurts your algorithm signals.
- Choose hashtags that accurately describe your video.
3. Localize Your Tags 🌍
- Add region-specific hashtags if targeting local audiences (e.g., #NYCFoodie, #LondonStyle).
4. Test & Track đź“Š
- Use TikTok Analytics → “Video Views by Hashtag” to see which tags actually drive traffic.
- Refine based on performance.
5. Combine Smartly ⚖️
- Example for a fitness creator:
- Niche: #FitnessMotivation #HomeWorkout
- Trending: #DayInMyLife
- Community: #GymTok
- Generic: #fyp
Example Story 🎥
A small bakery used only #fyp and #viral on posts with minimal results. When they switched to a mix of trending (#CapCutTemplate), niche (#BakingTok), and community (#SmallBusinessCheck) hashtags, one video showcasing cupcake designs hit 250K views in a week.
Hashtag Use Diagram 🧩
Content ready → Research Discover/Creative Center → Select 2–3 niche tags
↓
Add 1–2 trending/community tags → Optional 1 generic tag
↓
Publish → Track analytics → Refine next batch
Pro Tips 🌟
- Keep hashtags short and easy to read.
- Avoid stuffing captions with 10+ hashtags — it looks spammy. Stick to 3–5 strong ones.
- Refresh your hashtags weekly to stay aligned with trends.
- Create your own branded hashtag if running a campaign.
- Combine hashtags with strong captions and hooks for best results.
Conclusion ✨
TikTok hashtags (Discover tags) aren’t magic tricks — but they signal to the algorithm where your content belongs. The right mix of trending, niche, and community hashtags can dramatically boost your FYP chances, while generic ones alone won’t get you far. The smartest creators balance relevance with timeliness, consistently testing and adapting their hashtag strategy.
FAQs âť“
1. Do hashtags really matter on TikTok?
Yes, they help with categorization, trends, and discovery.
2. How many hashtags should I use?
3–5 per video is the sweet spot.
3. Do #fyp or #viral guarantee reach?
No, they’re oversaturated. Focus on niche + trending tags.
4. Where do I find trending hashtags?
On TikTok’s Discover page or Creative Center.
5. Should I always use trending hashtags?
Only if relevant to your video; forced use can hurt retention.
6. Can I make my own hashtag trend?
Yes, especially with branded challenges or community-driven content.
7. Do hashtags affect the algorithm directly?
They help TikTok categorize your video but engagement signals matter more.
8. Should I reuse the same hashtags every post?
No, rotate based on content and trends.
9. Do local hashtags help?
Yes, if you’re targeting a specific city/region.
10. Can I hide hashtags in comments instead of captions?
Yes, but they’re less effective — captions are prioritized by TikTok.
