YouTube hashtags are an essential tool for content creators looking to increase their video’s discoverability. Whether you’re trying to reach a broader audience, categorize your content, or jump on trending topics, using the right hashtags can make a huge difference.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use YouTube hashtags effectively, the best hashtags for different categories, and how to optimize them for maximum reach and engagement. Plus, we’ll share the top 20 trending YouTube hashtags in each category along with their estimated reach.
What are YouTube Hashtags?
YouTube hashtags are clickable keywords preceded by the “#” symbol that help categorize your content and improve searchability. They appear in video titles, descriptions, and even in comments, making it easier for users to find related content. When viewers click on a hashtag, they’re taken to a dedicated hashtag page that showcases other videos using the same tag.
How Do YouTube Hashtags Work?
- Help users discover content in specific categories
- Improve video SEO and ranking
- Increase visibility by appearing in YouTube search results
- Boost engagement by connecting your video with trending topics
By leveraging the right hashtags, you can increase your video’s exposure and attract a larger audience.
Why YouTube Hashtags Matter for Your Video Strategy?
Hashtags on YouTube offer more than just a way of joining social conversations; they are strategic tools that categorize your content and expose it to interested audiences. Think of hashtags as beacons that guide viewers towards your videos when they search for topics that align with your content. By correctly employing hashtags, you can tap into niche markets, bolster video discovery, and increase the chances of gaining organic views.
Not to mention, the right hashtags can lift your content on the tide of trending topics, allowing your work to be viewed by a massive audience beyond your current subscribers. Pairing engaging hashtags with an eye-catching YouTube thumbnail further enhances visibility, drawing users in with both relevance and visual appeal. Whether a user stumbles upon your video through a direct search or as part of a larger conversation, these elements work in tandem to hook viewers with relevant interests.
Importance of YouTube Hashtags
Using relevant and trending hashtags helps YouTube’s algorithm understand your content better, which can boost your video’s ranking in search results. Hashtags also allow your content to be grouped with similar videos, increasing chances of discovery.
How Hashtags Improve Video Discoverability
- Boosts visibility in search results
- Connects videos to relevant topics
- Helps YouTube categorize content accurately
- Increases engagement through hashtag-driven traffic
YouTube Hashtags vs. YouTube Keywords
While keywords help videos rank in search results, hashtags help categorize content and drive engagement from trending topics. The best strategy? Use both strategically!
How to Add Hashtags on YouTube
Adding hashtags to your YouTube video is simple, but placement matters. Here’s how you can do it correctly:
A. Adding Hashtags in Video Titles & Descriptions
- Include a Primary Hashtag in the Title
- If relevant, add a hashtag directly in the video title to boost discoverability. Example: “Best YouTube Growth Tips #YouTubeGrowth”.
- Keep it natural and readable—forcing a hashtag in an awkward place can hurt engagement.
- Use 3-5 Relevant Hashtags in the Description
- Hashtags in descriptions improve searchability and help YouTube categorize your content.
- Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags (e.g., #YouTubeTips, #ContentStrategy, #SEOForYouTube).
- Avoid spammy or irrelevant hashtags, as this could reduce visibility instead of improving it.
- YouTube Automatically Highlights Hashtags
- The first three hashtags in your description appear above your title as clickable links.
- Prioritize the most relevant and high-performing hashtags in the first three slots.
B. Adding Hashtags in Comments & Community Posts
- Pin a Comment with Hashtags
- Commenting on your own video with hashtags can help reinforce your content’s category.
- Example: “Thanks for watching! Let’s talk about YouTube SEO tips in the comments! #YouTubeGrowth #SEOForYouTube #ContentStrategy”.
- Pin the comment so viewers see it first!
- Use Hashtags in YouTube Community Posts
- If you have the Community Tab, hashtags in your posts can increase reach beyond your subscribers.
- Example: “New video just dropped! 🚀 Learn the best growth strategies here → [Video Link] #YouTubeSEO #YouTuberTips”.
YouTube Hashtags & SEO: Optimizing for Rankings
Using hashtags strategically can boost your video’s discoverability and improve SEO rankings on YouTube. However, simply adding random hashtags isn’t enough—you need a well-thought-out approach. Follow these best practices to make the most of YouTube hashtags:
1. Use Specific & Targeted Hashtags
- Instead of using generic hashtags like #Marketing, go for more targeted ones like #DigitalMarketingTips or #SocialMediaGrowth.
- Specific hashtags help YouTube categorize your content more accurately, improving its chances of ranking for relevant searches.
2. Avoid Overstuffing – Keep It Between 3-5 Hashtags
- YouTube recommends using only a few highly relevant hashtags—adding too many can make your content look spammy.
- The ideal range is 3-5 hashtags per video, balancing visibility without overwhelming the algorithm.
- If you exceed 15 hashtags, YouTube may ignore all of them, reducing their effectiveness.
3. Research & Use Trending Hashtags
- Staying updated with trending hashtags can help you tap into viral topics. Use tools like:
- TubeBuddy – Offers hashtag suggestions and performance analytics.
- vidIQ – Shows which hashtags competitors are using and how well they perform.
- Ahrefs YouTube Tool – Helps identify trending search queries and related hashtags.
- Tip: Check YouTube’s auto-suggest feature by typing # in the search bar to see what’s trending in your niche.
4. Combine Broad & Niche-Specific Hashtags for Maximum Reach
- Broad hashtags like #YouTubeShorts or #ViralVideos can attract general audiences but may also have high competition.
- Niche-specific hashtags like #TravelVlogTips or #TechUnboxing help target a more engaged audience that’s specifically interested in your content.
- Best strategy? Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags to maximize exposure while staying relevant.
Best Practices for Using YouTube Hashtags
Navigating the use of YouTube hashtags adeptly involves a balance of discernment and strategy. Below are some best practices to help optimize your video’s reach:
- Stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags – Less is more when it comes to YouTube hashtags. Stick to about 3 to 5 relevant hashtags to keep your content focused. This helps your video gain traction without getting diluted in the algorithm.
- Use trending hashtags wisely – Delve into keywords that are performing well in your niche. Use hashtags that resonate with the content of your video to ensure they cater to an interested audience. Irrelevant tags may lead viewers away due to mismatched expectations.
- Research hashtag performance – Use tools like TubeBuddy & vidIQ.
- Experiment and track performance – Test different hashtags and see what works best.
- Compliance with Guidelines – YouTube has a clear set of rules regarding hashtag use. Ensure your tags are in line with these guidelines to avoid content strikes or removal.
Remember, a well-thought-out hashtag strategy not only improves your video’s visibility but also contributes to building a cohesive brand narrative on your YouTube channel.
How to Find the Best Hashtags for YouTube
Using the right youtube hashtags can help your videos rank higher, reach more viewers, and increase engagement. But how do you find the best ones? Here are some effective ways to discover the most relevant and trending hashtags for your content:
1. Use YouTube’s Auto-Suggest Feature
- YouTube’s search bar is a powerful tool for finding popular hashtags.
- Simply type “#” followed by a keyword (e.g., #Travel) and YouTube will auto-suggest trending hashtags.
- Why it works: The suggested hashtags are based on real-time search trends, helping you target what viewers are actively looking for.
2. Analyze Competitors’ Hashtags
- Study top-performing videos in your niche to see which hashtags they use.
- Look at video titles, descriptions, and pinned comments for hashtag inspiration.
- Pro Tip: Use tools like vidIQ or TubeBuddy to check which hashtags drive the most traffic to competitor videos.
3. Leverage Third-Party Hashtag Tools
Several YouTube optimization tools can help you find high-performing hashtags:
- TubeBuddy – Offers real-time hashtag suggestions and shows their competition level.
- vidIQ – Provides hashtag analytics to track which tags bring in the most traffic.
- Ahrefs YouTube Tool – Helps you find trending search queries and related hashtags.
Using these tools ensures your hashtags are relevant, high-ranking, and optimized for better reach.
4. Explore Trending Topics & Hashtags
- Stay updated with trending topics in your industry by checking:
- YouTube’s Trending Tab
- Google Trends
- Twitter Hashtags
- If a trend aligns with your content, use its relevant hashtags to boost visibility.
5. Create a Balanced Hashtag Strategy
To maximize reach, use a mix of three types of hashtags:
- Broad Hashtags (e.g., #YouTubeShorts, #ViralVideo) – High competition but large audience.
- Niche Hashtags (e.g., #TechUnboxing, #FitnessMotivation) – Less competition but highly targeted.
- Branded Hashtags (e.g., #YourChannelName, #YourSeriesName) – Helps build brand identity and makes your videos easier to find.
Trending YouTube Hashtags (2025)
Here are the top 20 trending YouTube hashtags:
#YouTube – As generic as it sounds, it’s often what people search for when diving into a general video discovery session. It helps your video get noticed in the broader YouTube ecosystem.
#Viral – Everyone wants their video to go viral! This hashtag is widely used for trending content that gains massive engagement in a short period.
#Trending – Perfect for videos that cover hot topics, breaking news, or anything currently popular on YouTube. Using this hashtag can increase your video’s visibility in trending searches.
#Subscribe – This hashtag encourages viewers to subscribe to your channel. Many creators use it in their video descriptions or pinned comments to gain more subscribers.
#YouTuber – A hashtag commonly used by content creators to tag themselves as part of the YouTube community. It can help your video reach audiences looking for content from fellow YouTubers.
#NewVideo – When you upload fresh content, this hashtag lets your subscribers and potential viewers know about your latest upload. It’s widely used in video titles and descriptions.
#Vlog – If you create vlogs about your daily life, travel, or special events, this hashtag is a must. It helps people searching for vloggers and lifestyle content find your videos.
#YouTubeShorts – Designed specifically for YouTube Shorts, this hashtag boosts short-form videos. If your video is under 60 seconds, adding this can enhance its discoverability.
#Motivation – Perfect for videos that inspire and uplift people, such as self-improvement, success stories, fitness journeys, and daily motivational speeches.
#Challenge – If you’re participating in a trending challenge or creating your own, this hashtag can help your video reach challenge-seekers who love fun, engaging content.
#HowTo – This is essential for tutorial-based content, step-by-step guides, and educational videos. It attracts viewers searching for solutions to specific problems.
#Tutorial – Similar to #HowTo, this hashtag works best for instructional content, whether it’s related to technology, makeup, DIY, or any learning-based videos.
#Unboxing – Unboxing videos are hugely popular on YouTube, especially in the tech, beauty, and toy industries. This hashtag helps your content reach those looking for unboxing experiences.
#TechReview – A must-use for tech enthusiasts, reviewers, and gadget lovers. If you review phones, laptops, cameras, or other tech products, this hashtag improves visibility.
#Gaming – If you create gaming content, whether it’s gameplay, walkthroughs, or live streams, this hashtag helps you attract fellow gamers and gaming enthusiasts.
#Comedy – Perfect for funny skits, stand-up performances, reaction videos, and any humor-based content that aims to entertain and amuse audiences.
#DIY – This is ideal for creative projects, home improvement hacks, arts and crafts, and other “Do It Yourself” content that engages hands-on learners.
#Music – If your video features music, whether it’s an original track, cover song, or instrumental piece, this hashtag can help reach a broader audience.
#Shorts – Just like #YouTubeShorts, this hashtag boosts discoverability for short-form videos. Many creators use both for maximum reach.
#LifeHacks – Viewers love quick and clever solutions to everyday problems. If your content shares practical hacks, this hashtag will help draw attention.
Top YouTube Hashtags for More Views
Using the right hashtags can increase your video views by making your content easier to find. Here are the best hashtags to increase YouTube views:
#ViralVideo
#MustWatch
#BestContent
#Recommended
#WatchNow
#ClickToWatch
#MustSee
#TrendingNow
#TopVideo
#Engaging
#SubscriberBoost
#PopularVideo
#InstantHit
#HighEngagement
#WatchMe
#MustShare
#HotContent
#TopViral
#VideoOfTheDay
#ShareNow
10. Gaming Hashtags for YouTube
Gaming content is massive on YouTube. Here are the best hashtags for gaming videos:
#Gaming
#GamerLife
#GameOn
#PlayNow
#GameStreamer
#GamingSetup
#LiveGaming
#Esports
#PCGaming
#ConsoleGaming
#MobileGaming
#GamingShorts
#EpicGameplay
#GamingMoment
#GameWalkthrough
#TopGaming
#GamerCommunity
#NewGame
#GameReview
#LetsPlay
Fashion & Beauty Hashtags for YouTube
Boost your fashion & beauty content with these trending hashtags:
#Fashion
#Beauty
#MakeupTutorial
#StyleTips
#OOTD (Outfit of the Day)
#MakeupLover
#FashionBlogger
#BeautyHacks
#SkincareRoutine
#HairCare
#GlamUp
#LuxuryFashion
#StreetStyle
#SelfCare
#NailArt
#GetReadyWithMe
#MakeupAddict
#Cosmetics
#BeautyVlogger
#TrendyLook
Tech Hashtags for YouTube
For tech enthusiasts, product reviewers, and gadget lovers:
#TechReview
#Gadgets
#Smartphones
#TechUnboxing
#LatestTech
#TechTrends
#Innovation
#AI
#TechVlog
#TechHacks
#GamingPC
#5GTechnology
#FutureTech
#Coding
#TechYouTube
#CyberSecurity
#MobileReview
#TechGeek
#SoftwareUpdate
#AIRevolution
Food Hashtags for YouTube
Perfect for food bloggers, cooking tutorials, and recipe videos:
#Foodie
#Cooking
#HomeCooking
#RecipeOfTheDay
#FoodVlog
#Delicious
#HealthyEating
#FoodLover
#VeganFood
#StreetFood
#Baking
#Yummy
#Foodstagram
#TastyRecipes
#QuickMeals
#MealPrep
#DessertLover
#CookingTips
#ASMRFood
#EatHealthy
Travel Hashtags for YouTube
For travel vloggers, adventure seekers, and explorers:
#TravelVlog
#Wanderlust
#Adventure
#RoadTrip
#Backpacking
#NatureLover
#ExploreTheWorld
#BeachLife
#MountainView
#Cityscape
#TravelGuide
#HiddenGems
#NomadLife
#VacationMode
#TravelBlogger
#LuxuryTravel
#Globetrotter
#SoloTravel
#WorldExplorer
#BucketList
Fitness & Gym Hashtags for YouTube
For workout tutorials, gym motivation, and fitness influencers:
#FitnessJourney
#WorkoutMotivation
#GymLife
#HealthyLifestyle
#WeightLossJourney
#StrengthTraining
#CardioWorkout
#MuscleGain
#HIITWorkout
#PersonalTrainer
#HomeWorkout
#Bodybuilding
#Calisthenics
#YogaLife
#FitnessCoach
#MindsetMatters
#FlexFriday
#StayFit
#SelfDiscipline
#NoPainNoGain
Comedy Hashtags for YouTube
For funny content creators, stand-up comedians, and meme pages:
#ComedyVideo
#FunnyMoments
#MemeLife
#LaughOutLoud
#RelatableHumor
#FunnyShorts
#StandUpComedy
#ComedyVlog
#PrankVideos
#SketchComedy
#Hilarious
#RoastSession
#LOL
#WittyHumor
#ComedianLife
#Sarcasm
#ViralComedy
#Slapstick
#Parody
#FunnyFails
Education Hashtags for YouTube
For educators, online tutors, and knowledge-sharing channels:
#LearnWithMe
#EducationalVideos
#StudyTips
#OnlineLearning
#ScienceFacts
#HistoryMatters
#TechEducation
#MathHelp
#HowToLearn
#KnowledgeIsPower
#StudyMotivation
#StudentLife
#MindBlown
#SelfImprovement
#TeacherLife
#ExamPreparation
#SkillDevelopment
#EnglishLearning
#SmartStudy
#STEMEducation
Music Hashtags for YouTube
For musicians, singers, cover artists, and music lovers:
#Music
#NewMusic
#ViralMusic
#MusicVideo
#LivePerformance
#AcousticCover
#HipHopBeats
#EDM
#PopMusic
#RnB
#RapMusic
#CountryMusic
#IndieMusic
#RockAndRoll
#Instrumental
#DJMix
#MusicLover
#CoverSong
#VocalPerformance
#SingingChallenge
Motivation & Self-Improvement Hashtags for YouTube
For self-help, mindset, and personal growth content:
#Motivation
#SelfImprovement
#MindsetMatters
#SuccessMindset
#MorningRoutine
#PersonalGrowth
#MotivationalSpeech
#LifeHacks
#DailyMotivation
#NoExcuses
#SelfDiscipline
#PositiveVibes
#EntrepreneurMindset
#Manifestation
#LeadershipSkills
#MentalHealthAwareness
#ProductivityTips
#SelfHelp
#GoalSetting
#GrowthMindset
DIY & Life Hacks Hashtags for YouTube
For creative hacks, DIY projects, and problem-solving tips:
#LifeHacks
#DIYProjects
#CraftIdeas
#HomeDecorDIY
#EasyDIY
#DoItYourself
#HandmadeCrafts
#BudgetFriendlyDIY
#CreativeIdeas
#HomeOrganization
#Upcycling
#FixItYourself
#EcoFriendlyDIY
#DIYLifeHacks
#ArtAndCrafts
#GeniusHacks
#HomemadeSolutions
#DIYForBeginners
#SimpleTricks
#HackYourLife
ASMR Hashtags for YouTube
For ASMR creators who make relaxing and satisfying content:
#ASMR
#ASMRCommunity
#SleepSounds
#Relaxation
#WhisperingASMR
#TappingSounds
#OddlySatisfying
#CalmMind
#SoothingSounds
#EarTingles
#HeadphonesRecommended
#SleepBetter
#ASMRTriggers
#SoftSpoken
#NoTalkingASMR
#CrinkleSounds
#SatisfyingVideos
#GentleWhispering
#UnintentionalASMR
#Mindfulness
Cars & Automobiles Hashtags for YouTube
For car enthusiasts, auto reviews, and test drive content:
#SuperCars
#CarReviews
#CarMods
#LuxuryCars
#ElectricCars
#JDM
#CarVlog
#FastCars
#CarMeet
#MuscleCars
#ClassicCars
#CarRestoration
#OffRoading
#BikeVsCar
#DrivingExperience
#CarCollection
#StreetRacing
#TurboPower
#VehicleTechnology
#DreamCar
Finance & Investing Hashtags for YouTube
For finance enthusiasts, investors, and money-saving tips:
#InvestingTips
#PassiveIncome
#StockMarket
#MakeMoneyOnline
#FinancialFreedom
#SideHustle
#CryptoNews
#BitcoinTrading
#WealthBuilding
#RetirementPlanning
#StockAnalysis
#BudgetingTips
#PersonalFinance
#FinancialEducation
#MillionaireMindset
#MoneyMatters
#HowToInvest
#SmartMoneyMoves
#FinanceYouTube
#CryptoInvesting
How to Analyze Hashtag Performance with Data Tools
Harnessing the power of data tools is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of insights for your YouTube channel. Platforms like Mentionlytics exemplify how these analytics can shape your hashtag strategy for enhanced performance. To make data work for you, follow these steps:
- Start a Free Trial: Initialize by diving into a platform such as Mentionlytics with a free trial, using a targeted keyword tied to your brand or content.
- Custom Dashboard Views: Make your virtual dashboard a control center by setting filters that highlight YouTube hashtag performance, ensuring you’re only seeing the most relevant data.
- Keyword Cloud for Trend Analysis: Check out the ‘Keyword Cloud’ in Mentionlytics to see trending hashtags within your industry. This simple yet effective visualization can pinpoint what’s hot and what’s not.
- Engage with Engagement Metrics: Filter hashtags by engagement to determine which ones resonate with audiences. This metric often correlates directly to the degree of interaction your content will inspire.
- Analyze Reach: Sometimes a hashtag broad in reach may not score as high in engagement. By comparing both lists, you can choose hashtags that offer both breadth and depth of audience interaction.
With these data tools at your fingertips, you’ll be equipped to refine your YouTube strategy, tailoring your hashtag use for maximum engagement and growth over time.
Advanced Hashtag Tips to Boost Your YouTube SEO
To truly master YouTube SEO with your hashtag game, you need to evolve beyond the basics. Here are advanced tips that you can use:
- Integrate Hashtags with Video Keywords: Align your video’s keywords with your hashtags. This synchronized approach strengthens your SEO as it presents a clear thematic thread to both viewers and algorithms.
- Dabble in Branded Hashtags: Create unique branded hashtags that set your content apart and enhance brand recognition. They can track campaigns and consolidate your content under a searchable banner.
- Leverage Long-Tail Hashtags: While competitive, broad hashtags have their place, long-tail hashtags – those that hone in on specific topics – often boast higher engagement rates and less competition.
- Explore Seasonal and Event-based Hashtags: Timely hashtags linked to events, holidays, or seasons can temporarily boost visibility as they relate to current happenings and trending searches.
- Monitor Hashtag Performance: Regularly review your hashtag strategy’s impact on video performance. YouTube Studio analytics will reveal whether your tagged content is drawing views from hashtag searches.
By incorporating these advanced techniques into your YouTube SEO strategy, you can expand your content’s reach, connect with niche audiences, and ultimately, drive more views to your channel.
Related Posts to Enhance Your YouTube Growth
Accompanying your deep dive into YouTube hashtags, there’s a spectrum of related strategies that can synergistically work towards escalating your channel’s growth. Consider exploring these valuable resources:
- Enhancing YouTube SEO: Discover how to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and metadata to complement your hashtag strategy and improve search rankings.
- Video Engagement Tactics: Learn how to increase the time viewers spend on your videos with engagement tactics such as compelling calls-to-action and interactive end screens.
- Subscriber Conversion Strategies: Uncover methods to convert casual viewers into loyal subscribers, cementing the foundations for a thriving YouTube community.
- Content Collaboration Insights: Find out how partnering with fellow creators can cross-pollinate your audiences and amplify your reach.
- Social Media Cross-Promotion: Get tips on how to effectively share your YouTube content across different social media platforms to harness a diverse range of viewers.
Fusing these approaches with a solid hashtag strategy can not only bloom your view counts but also reproduce a robust, interconnected network of growth mechanisms for your YouTube channel.
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FAQs
Do hashtags work on YouTube?
Yes! Hashtags help categorize videos, improve searchability, and increase engagement by connecting similar content.
Do YouTube hashtags increase views?
Yes, the right hashtags can make your video more discoverable, leading to increased views and engagement.
Should I put #shorts in the title?
Yes, adding #Shorts in the title helps YouTube recognize it as a Shorts video, boosting its chances of appearing in Shorts recommendations.
Conclusion
Using YouTube hashtags effectively can boost discoverability, improve engagement, and help you reach a larger audience. Make sure to use relevant, trending, and niche-specific hashtags to maximize your content’s impact!
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