A while back, I used to pack every post with hashtags and sometimes it helped… but sometimes, not at all. I feel like the TikTok algorithm in 2025 has gotten smarter and now looks more at the content itself, like watch time, comments, and saves, rather than a bunch of tags.
Still, I see big creators using them, so I’m confused. What do you guys think?
My Hashtag Experiments (Real Talk)
So this year I decided to test things out myself. I posted similar TikToks, same format, same vibe, but one with hashtags and one without.
Here’s what I noticed:
- The one with hashtags got picked up quicker in the first few hours.
- The one without hashtags still caught up after a day or two.
- Comments and shares made a bigger difference than tags.
I still use them, but I’m not stressing over them like before. I keep it simple now, maybe 3–5 max. Stuff like #smallcreator #tiktokgrowth #2025trends.
Anyone else testing hashtags this year? What’s your vibe on it?
YouTube Shorts Hashtags — Still Worth It?
Shorts are tricky. When I first started posting on YouTube Shorts, I treated it like TikTok, loaded it with #shorts #viral #foryou and all that. Didn’t really help.
Then I started putting hashtags in the description instead of the title, and weirdly, it performed better. I think YouTube’s algorithm still reads them, but it’s more about context.
For example, if you make cooking content, using tags like #easyrecipes #homecooking actually helps YouTube know what niche your video fits in. But spamming random trending hashtags doesn’t do anything anymore.
Do you guys still bother adding hashtags to your Shorts? Or do you just focus on title and thumbnail now?
What I Learned About TikTok Hashtags in 2025
The best thing I did was stop copying other creators’ hashtag lists. TikTok is way too smart for that now. It personalizes reach based on content type and audience behavior.
So if you’re doing gaming, fashion, or tutorials — use hashtags that actually describe your clip. I tried that and noticed my reach was more consistent.
Example:
- #tiktokgrowthtips
- #creatorspotlight
- #howtogrowontiktok2025
- #foryoupage2025
Another thing: I’ve seen creators without any hashtags still go viral. So it’s not mandatory, it’s just one more signal the algorithm uses.
Anyone else notice that niche-specific hashtags perform better than trending ones?
Real Opinions from Small Creators
I’ve chatted with a few creators in DMs and honestly, everyone’s got a different experience. One of my friends, who does daily vlog-style content, swears hashtags still matter a ton. She gets picked up on #dayinmylife and #morningroutine every week.
But another guy I know posts mini comedy skits with zero hashtags, and his stuff still racks up 50k+ views easily.
I guess the TikTok SEO system in 2025 is more like YouTube now, it reads what you say in the video, the captions, and what users engage with. So hashtags might not be dying, but they’re definitely not the main thing anymore.
What’s the one hashtag that still works for you every time?
How to Use Hashtags the Smart Way (Not Spammy)
Here’s what’s working for me now:
- 3–5 targeted hashtags max
- Mix trending + niche hashtags
- Keep them short and readable
- Always match them with what’s in your video
- Update them every few months (TikTok trends change fast)
If you want to find good hashtags, try checking what creators in your niche are using right now. Not last year, not 2022, right now.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, to answer the question — do hashtags still matter on TikTok and Shorts in 2025?
Yes, but only a little.
They still help with early reach and discovery, but they’re not as powerful as they once were. The algorithm’s focus has shifted more toward watch time, engagement, and relevance.
If your content is strong, hashtags just give it a small push. But if it’s weak, they won’t save it.
What’s everyone’s current hashtag strategy? Still using them or skipping altogether? Let’s share and figure out what actually works this year