If you’re serious about growing your YouTube channel, you’re probably always looking for little tweaks and strategies to get your videos more exposure.
One of the simplest — yet often overlooked — tools at your disposal?
YouTube hashtags.

Hashtags aren’t just for Instagram and TikTok anymore.
Used correctly, they can help your videos get discovered, categorized, and ranked more effectively on YouTube too.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What YouTube hashtags are
• Why they matter in 2025
• How to use them strategically
• Common mistakes to avoid

Let’s dive in!

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What Are YouTube Hashtags?

A hashtag is a keyword or phrase preceded by the “#” symbol (like #DIYProjects or #FitnessTips).

On YouTube, hashtags can:

• Appear in your video title
• Appear in your video description
• Be clickable, leading viewers to a page with other videos using the same hashtag

Essentially, hashtags help group related content together.
When viewers click a hashtag, they see a collection of videos that share the same tag — even from creators they don’t subscribe to.

In other words:
Hashtags give your video another chance to be discovered.

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Why Do Hashtags Matter on YouTube?

While hashtags aren’t the primary way YouTube ranks videos, they offer real benefits:

1. Increased Discoverability

When viewers click or search a hashtag, your video can show up in the results — especially if your content is high-quality and relevant.

2. Extra SEO Power

Hashtags add another layer of context for YouTube’s algorithm to understand your content.
They can reinforce your keywords and topics.

3. Organized Content

If you use branded hashtags (like #MyChannelName), you can group your own videos together, making it easier for fans to binge your content.

4. Stay Relevant With Trends

Jumping on trending hashtags (carefully!) can connect your content to viral conversations and increase your chances of being seen.

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Where Should You Put Hashtags on YouTube?

You can add hashtags in two main places:

1. In Your Video Title

• You can include a hashtag directly in your title.
• It makes the hashtag highly visible.

Example:
“5-Minute Makeup Tutorial #Shorts”

2. In Your Video Description

• You can place hashtags anywhere in the description.
• YouTube will display up to three hashtags above your video title automatically.

Important:
If you add hashtags to both your title and description, YouTube will prioritize the hashtags in the title.

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Best Practices for Using Hashtags on YouTube

Want your hashtags to work for you instead of against you?
Follow these simple strategies:

1. Be Relevant

Only use hashtags that genuinely relate to your video content.
Misleading hashtags can hurt your credibility — and violate YouTube’s policies.

2. Choose Specific Over Broad

Broad hashtags like #Food or #Travel are extremely competitive.
More specific hashtags like #VeganMealPrep or #SoloTravelTips will help you reach a more targeted audience.

3. Limit How Many You Use

YouTube recommends not using too many hashtags.
If you add more than 15 hashtags, YouTube may ignore all of them — or even penalize your video for spammy behavior.

Tip:
Stick to 3 to 5 relevant hashtags per video.

4. Create Branded Hashtags

If you want viewers to explore more of your content, create a unique hashtag tied to your channel or series.

Examples:

• #SarahCooksRecipes
• #AlexVlogs2025

Encourage your viewers to use your hashtag when sharing or commenting too!

5. Monitor Trending Hashtags (Carefully)

Sometimes you can capitalize on trending hashtags — but only if your video is genuinely relevant.

If your video doesn’t match the trend, you could hurt your reputation or face penalties.

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How to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Videos

Not sure which hashtags to use? Here’s a quick system:

Step 1: Use YouTube Search

• Type a relevant keyword into the YouTube search bar.
• Look at the hashtags used by top-ranking videos.

Step 2: Use YouTube’s Explore Page

• YouTube occasionally highlights trending hashtags on the Explore page.
• Great for spotting timely topics.

Step 3: Try Keyword Research Tools

• Tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ offer hashtag suggestions based on your video topic.
• They can also show competition levels for different hashtags.

Step 4: Brainstorm Community Tags

• Think about what your niche audience would search for.
• Create hashtags that speak directly to their interests.

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Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make sure your hashtag strategy helps, not hurts:

❌ Using Misleading Hashtags

Example: Adding #SuperBowl2025 to your baking tutorial video just to get attention.
YouTube can flag this as spammy behavior.

❌ Overloading with Hashtags

More isn’t better. 3–5 carefully chosen hashtags outperform 20 random ones every time.

❌ Ignoring Your Niche

Don’t chase trending hashtags that have nothing to do with your brand.
Stay focused on serving your specific audience.

❌ Copy-Pasting Others’ Hashtags Blindly

Just because a top creator uses certain hashtags doesn’t mean they fit your video.
Customize your tags based on your content.

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Example: Smart Hashtag Strategy for a Video

Video:
“Easy 10-Minute Yoga Flow for Beginners”

Smart hashtags:

• #YogaForBeginners
• #10MinuteWorkout
• #HomeYoga
• #QuickWorkouts
• #WellnessJourney

Notice how they’re specific, relevant, and likely to match actual search behavior.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Use Hashtags on YouTube?

Absolutely — but smartly.

Hashtags won’t guarantee your video goes viral.
But they do offer an easy, low-effort way to slightly boost your discoverability, strengthen your SEO, and organize your content better.

Here’s your simple hashtag checklist for every video:

• ✅ Add 3–5 relevant hashtags
• ✅ Prioritize specific and niche terms
• ✅ Stay honest and accurate
• ✅ Experiment and adjust over time

Small optimizations add up over time — and using hashtags correctly is one more way to give your videos every chance to succeed.

So the next time you upload a video, don’t skip the hashtags. They might just be your secret edge in 2025!