An ever-evolving entity such as social media cannot be easily controlled by creators and businesses. So they are compelled to look for effective ways to make use of all relevant marketing tools to have an edge.
One of the best ways and approaches to do this is through the use of hashtags. Since they are thousands of options, it is more often than not a challenge to figure out which of them will help your marketing efforts.
This particular blog will concentrate on the aspects of the importance of hashtags in social media, how to select effective hashtags for your content pieces, and some other things to improve their use.
What are Hashtags and Why are They Important?
Hashtags form a very core and critical pillar in the operation of social media. They control the algorithms in the video space as well as the targeted audience for all places where these videos can be posted. Video-sharing platforms such as TikTok and Instagram enable users to search for relevant videos by using specific hashtags about the videos that they may wish to view in the long term.
Similarly, adding the right hashtags supports the chances for one’s content to be featured on the "TikTok For You” page (FYP) or Instagram feed. Having a video display on the FYP is the same as getting a crucial boost in views, interactions, and subscribers.
Hashtags are beneficial for not only assisting users in locating your videos but also enhancing searchability. Every time a user puts a hashtag in the search tab, every single video linked to that hashtag can easily be accessed. Therefore, it is safer for videos to target more specific hashtags since that will give them a better chance of reaching the intended audience.
Hashtags are also crucial for promoting your brand. You can use hashtags to promote your business on Instagram.
How to Do Hashtags in 2025
Here are the best practices for hashtags in 2025:
Identify Hot TikTok Hashtags
Using hashtags that are in trend or that are very popular will help in making your post visible, but one should know that these hashtags can really be hard to rank for. For example, searching the hashtag #tiktok or #foryou would lead to millions of videos which makes it hard for your videos to be visible as well.
But looking for popular hashtags on Instagram is much easier since you can just go to the explore page that shows what’s in trend. The Explore page is continuously updated so that the users may capitalize on hashtags that are related to hot niches, songs, or challenges that are going around. For example, when a trending fitness challenge is active, the hashtag associated with the dance can be included in the post for more reach.
Use the Benefits of Niche Hashtags
Aim for audiences that matter instead of selecting broad hashtags that don’t convert to sales. Make a list of niche hashtags relevant to your audience and work with them.
If you're a fitness creator, you can include other fitness hashtags along the lines of #homeworkouts, #fitnessjourney, #fitfam, but not just #fitness. Using these hashtags will direct you to the areas of fitness content that concern you.
In the same way, beauty influencers can use hashtags including #skincarecommunity or #makeuptransformation aimed exclusively towards viewers interested in those subjects.
Mix Broad and Niche Hashtags
Combining trending hashtags with niche ones is an example of a balanced strategy on hashtags.
Broad hashtags enable greater reach and visibility since the content created will have the potential to be seen by a larger audience. Then niche hashtags focus on the audience that has the highest chances of viewing the video.
If you are a small business trying to market your new product, you could use more general hashtags like #shoplocal or #newproduct, but then other hashtags like #handmadewithlove or #ecoproducts. This way, you will have a wider net while still trying to reach the targeted audience that would be interested in what the brand stands for.
Explore Varying Hashtags
It can sometimes be quite a challenge to know beforehand what hashtags will work for your post. This explains the need to vary the hashtags used and see how they perform over time.
First, use proven hashtags for your niche and random hashtags that could work, to check how your videos are doing. Are videos with niche hashtags performing better or do random ones bring in more engagement? Some social media accounts can perform analytics to check the performance of the content, determining which hashtags are use-worthy. These tools do this by tracking views, likes, shares, and even comments.
Employ Hashtags for Focused Campaigns
Hashtags can be used for organic discovery and targeting your social media marketing campaigns. If you are promoting a TikTok ad using hashtags that are specific to the campaign, you can increase your engagement and visibility. You could also buy likes to boost your campaign.
Creating a video with a few hashtags related to your campaign will immediately draw attention to the particular video. This method works when there is a new product launch, a limited-time offer, or a hashtag challenge.
For instance, if you are organizing a competition where participants make videos focused on a certain concept, come up with a hashtag that will promote the campaign. Using a special hashtag such as #YourBrandChallenge or #Brand[Name]Contest helps in monitoring participation and increasing user-related content about the brand.
Be Consistent and Relevant
Content on social media is never perfect on the first attempt and thus, it has to be reposted several times. Be sure to employ a few relevant hashtags that you always use in your posts to promote your brand. Ensure they are still closely related to the posts and that they aren't too broad.
If you use hashtags that do not correspond to your published content, there is the potential of losing faith in your audience which will affect your engagement level in the long run.
Know How Your Hashtags Are Working Out
An effective way to take your social media marketing strategy to the next level is by monitoring your hashtags consistently. Instagram or TikTok, for instance, offer their analytical tools for checking hashtag performance across individual videos. You will be able to refine your strategy and know immediately what hashtags you should include and which ones you shouldn’t.
Observe if there are any trends when it comes to your hashtags. For example, do some hashtags make your post get saved more times? Understanding this information enables you to develop hashtags strategically and alter them as trends shift.
Conclusion
The hassle of choosing appropriate hashtags can be overcome through creativity, experience, and trial and error. Learn to use both broad and niche hashtags in moderation. Also, use different hashtags and assess their worth until you get the best-performing ones. Follow these tips and boost your audience with cool hashtags!