How to use it
- 1Choose a platform
Each platform treats hashtags differently, so the set is sized to it.
- 2Choose a niche and topic
The niche sets the core tags; the topic adds one specific tag for this video.
- 3Copy and rotate
Copy the recommended set. Swap in the extras across uploads to see what your audience responds to.
Do hashtags still matter on short-form?
Less than they used to. Recommendation feeds lean on what viewers watch, not tags. But hashtags still help platforms understand a new video, appear in hashtag search, and on YouTube the first three show above your title. A few accurate tags beat a wall of popular ones.
Platform rules at a glance
YouTube Shorts: the first three hashtags in the title or description show above the title, and if a video has more than 60 hashtags YouTube ignores all of them. TikTok: no strict count, but tags share the 2,200-character video caption limit, so keep them short and relevant. Instagram Reels: a maximum of five hashtags per post.
FAQ
Should I use #shorts on YouTube Shorts?
It is optional. YouTube classifies vertical videos up to three minutes as Shorts automatically, but #shorts does no harm as one of your three visible tags.
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram Reels?
Five at most. Instagram limited posts and Reels to five hashtags in December 2025.
Does #fyp help on TikTok?
There is no evidence it boosts reach on its own. Use it if you like, but put specific niche tags first.