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How do you research hashtags on TikTok?
Researching hashtags on TikTok is an essential part of creating content that is discoverable and engaging. By using the right hashtags, you can increase your chances of reaching your target audience and potentially going viral. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to research hashtags effectively on TikTok:
1. Explore the “Discover” Page
- How it helps: The “Discover” page on TikTok shows trending hashtags and challenges. By browsing this page, you can identify the most popular and relevant hashtags that are gaining traction in real-time.
- How to use it: Tap on the “Discover” icon (the magnifying glass) at the bottom of your TikTok screen to see trending hashtags, challenges, and topics. These are often the hashtags people are currently engaging with, so it’s a great way to spot popular content.
2. Use the Search Function
- How it helps: TikTok’s search bar is a powerful tool for finding trending and niche hashtags. When you type in keywords or phrases, TikTok will auto-suggest relevant hashtags that are commonly used in relation to those topics.
- How to use it:
- Type a word or phrase related to your content in the search bar.
- Tap on “Hashtags” to see a list of related hashtags.
- Check the number of views or usage for each hashtag to gauge its popularity.
3. Analyze Competitors or Similar Accounts
- How it helps: Looking at what hashtags your competitors or accounts in your niche are using can give you a good idea of what works. Popular creators often use a combination of trending and niche-specific hashtags to reach a wider audience.
- How to use it: Browse through videos from creators or brands in your niche and see which hashtags they use frequently. Pay attention to the hashtags on their most popular videos, as these are likely the ones helping them reach a larger audience.
4. Check Hashtag Performance with TikTok Analytics
- How it helps: TikTok provides analytics for your account and videos, where you can track the performance of the hashtags you use. This can help you understand which hashtags lead to more views and engagement.
- How to use it:
- Go to your TikTok profile and tap the three dots in the top right corner to access “Creator Tools.”
- Under “Analytics,” go to the “Content” tab to see which videos performed best and which hashtags were associated with those videos.
- Adjust your future hashtag strategy based on what works best for your audience.
5. Use Hashtag Generator Tools
- How it helps: There are third-party tools and apps that generate hashtag suggestions based on your content, keywords, or current trends. These tools can provide a list of relevant hashtags based on popular usage or engagement metrics.
- How to use it: Some popular tools include:
- Hashtagify: A tool that generates hashtag suggestions based on keyword research and trends.
- TikTok Hashtag Generator: Various online tools specifically designed to suggest trending TikTok hashtags based on your input.
6. Monitor TikTok Trends and Challenges
- How it helps: Participating in trending challenges is a great way to boost your visibility on TikTok. Hashtags associated with popular challenges often go viral, and users actively search for these tags to engage with the content.
- How to use it: Keep an eye on TikTok’s viral challenges and trends by checking the Discover page or following trending creators. You can then use the hashtags related to these challenges to jump on the trend and get noticed.
7. Check Hashtag Volume and Relevance
- How it helps: Not all popular hashtags will work for your brand or content. Some hashtags might be overly saturated with content, making it harder for your video to stand out. It’s important to use a mix of broad and niche hashtags for better discoverability.
- How to use it:
- Popular hashtags (e.g., #fyp, #viral) have a high volume of posts, but competition is fierce.
- Niche hashtags (e.g., #handmadejewelry, #dogsofinstagram) are more specific and less crowded, increasing the likelihood of engagement from a targeted audience.
- Balance between popular and niche hashtags to increase both reach and engagement.
8. Create Custom Hashtags
- How it helps: Creating your own branded hashtags can help increase engagement with your audience and make it easier to track UGC (user-generated content) related to your brand.
- How to use it: Create unique hashtags that represent your brand, campaigns, or challenges. For example, if you’re running a TikTok challenge, encourage users to post content under a branded hashtag. Monitor its use and build a community around it.
9. Evaluate Hashtags Using Engagement Metrics
- How it helps: Hashtags that have a high volume of views but low engagement might not be as effective for your video’s success. Look at both the number of views and the level of engagement (likes, shares, comments) on content that uses specific hashtags.
- How to use it: Before adding a hashtag to your video, check the recent videos that have used it. If they have low engagement, consider choosing a different hashtag that has better engagement metrics.
10. Follow Industry Influencers and Trending Creators
- How it helps: Industry influencers and popular TikTok creators often set trends and can help you discover new and relevant hashtags for your niche.
- How to use it: Follow top creators in your field and pay attention to the hashtags they use. Engage with the trending content they post and adapt your hashtag strategy accordingly.
Best Practices for Hashtag Research:
- Mix Popular and Niche Hashtags: Popular hashtags help your content reach a wider audience, while niche hashtags target more specific users who are more likely to engage.
- Use Hashtags Relevant to Your Content: Don’t use trending hashtags just for the sake of it. Ensure they are relevant to your video and brand to maintain authenticity.
- Keep Track of Performance: Regularly monitor which hashtags are working best for you and adjust your strategy based on performance data.
- Limit the Number of Hashtags: While TikTok allows up to 100 characters in a caption, it’s best to stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags for each video. Overloading your video with hashtags can reduce its impact and make it look cluttered.
Conclusion:
Hashtag research on TikTok is essential for maximizing your content’s reach and engagement. By using the right mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags, you can ensure your videos are seen by the right audience. Make sure to stay updated on trends, monitor your performance, and keep experimenting to find the best hashtags for your content.
