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TikTok Hashtag Strategy to Go VIRAL (Even with ZERO followers!)

Education

Introduction

Are you about to post your TikTok video and find yourself randomly selecting hashtags without a clear strategy? If you've ever wondered if hashtags truly make a difference in growing your TikTok account, the answer is a resounding yes! Hashtags are crucial for helping your TikTok videos rank higher and reach a broader audience.

In this article, I’ll share the strategies I’ve learned for effectively using hashtags to boost your video views. By the end of this guide, you will understand four key tactics:

  1. The true purpose of hashtags and how to use them effectively.
  2. How to select the right hashtags for your TikTok videos.
  3. The best way to position your hashtags to increase visibility.
  4. How to create your own branded hashtags to establish authority on TikTok.

The Purpose of Hashtags

Understanding the purpose of hashtags is vital. Hashtags were invented in 2007 by Chris Messina, who aimed to categorize topics on Twitter. Now, they are utilized across almost all social media platforms.

On TikTok, hashtags serve two main purposes:

  1. Categorization: Hashtags help categorize your video content. TikTok’s search functionality allows users to find topics easily, meaning that if your video aligns with what they're searching for, it has a better chance of showing up in their results.

  2. Algorithm Targeting: Properly used, hashtags inform TikTok’s algorithm about your video. The algorithm then shows your video to users who are most likely to engage with your content based on their preferences.

Imagine if your video ranked among the top results for popular searches! This not only drives organic views but significantly boosts your growth on the platform.

Selecting Hashtags

A common mistake TikTok users make is opting for overly competitive hashtags, making it difficult for their videos to be seen. To best position your videos, aim for a balanced mix of competitive and less competitive hashtags.

To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open TikTok: Use the app's search feature.
  2. Search Terms: Look for relevant keywords related to your content. For example, searching for "vegetarian recipes" will show various hashtags and their view counts.
  • Competitive Hashtag: "vegetarian" with 4.8 billion views.
  • Less Competitive Hashtag: "vegetarian foodies" with only 16.3 thousand views.

Choose four to six hashtags that span this range. This method ensures that even if one hashtag is competitive, others may give your video a better chance of ranking.

Choosing the Right Hashtags

When selecting hashtags, consider three key factors:

  1. Relevance to Your Video: Always choose hashtags that relate directly to your content. This is crucial for targeting your audience effectively.
  2. Target Audience: Consider the type of content your audience is looking for. Use hashtags that they might search for.
  3. Industry Relevance: Include hashtags relevant to your field to capture broader interest.

As an example, if your video is about TikTok hashtags, use tags like #TikTokHashtags, #HowToUseHashtags, #ContentCreators, and #TikTokMarketing. This precise mix covers various bases and maximizes visibility.

Positioning Your Hashtags

Think of positioning your hashtags like a triangle:

  • Top of the Triangle: Start with the most relevant hashtag to your video.
  • Middle of the Triangle: Follow up with hashtags more aligned with your target audience's search habits.
  • Base of the Triangle: Finally, use general industry-related hashtags.

Additionally, create a branded hashtag for yourself or your business. A branded hashtag establishes authority and helps make your content more discoverable. By continuously using a unique hashtag, you can build a following around your brand identity.

Conclusion

By understanding and implementing these hashtag strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of going viral on TikTok, even if you're starting from zero followers.

If you want to dive deeper into optimizing your TikTok experience, don’t forget to check other resources, such as tutorials on TikTok's algorithm!

Keyword

  • TikTok
  • Hashtags
  • Viral
  • Strategy
  • Search Functionality
  • Algorithm
  • Competitive Hashtags
  • Target Audience
  • Branded Hashtag
  • Organic Views

FAQ

Q1: Do hashtags really affect video visibility on TikTok?
Yes, using the right hashtags can help your video categorize properly and increase its visibility in search results.

Q2: How do I choose the right hashtags for my TikTok videos?
Select a mix of competitive and less competitive hashtags, ensure they are relevant to your content and audience, and check their view counts.

Q3: What is a branded hashtag, and why should I create one?
A branded hashtag is a unique tag associated with you or your brand. It helps build authority and makes your videos more discoverable by creating a recognizable identity.

Q4: How many hashtags should I use in a single TikTok video?
Aim for four to six hashtags to ensure a balance between profitability and ease of ranking.

Q5: How should I position my hashtags in the video?
Use a top-down approach: the most relevant hashtag first, followed by audience-related hashtags, and finish with industry-related tags.