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YouTube Shorts have exploded in popularity, offering creators a golden opportunity to reach new audiences with quick, punchy content. But as the platform becomes more competitive, one question looms large: how do you get your Shorts noticed?
Enter hashtags. Used strategically, hashtags can amplify your reach, drive more engagement, and help your videos surface in the feeds of the right viewers. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to choose and use hashtags that can take your Shorts to the next level.
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed for quick consumption. They get pushed by YouTube’s algorithm to users who may have never seen your channel before. That means smart tagging can help the algorithm understand who should see your content.
Hashtags serve two powerful roles:
When someone clicks a hashtag like #fitnessjourney, they see a curated feed of Shorts under that tag—including yours.
On YouTube, hashtags added in your title or description become clickable links. Clicking one leads to a results page showing other Shorts using that same tag.
This means if you’re posting a travel Short with the hashtag #IcelandTrip, viewers exploring that tag will see your video alongside others in that category. It’s a powerful discovery feature—but only if you use it well.
Misusing hashtags can hurt your visibility or even get your video flagged. Here’s what to avoid:
If you want real growth, your hashtag game needs to be intentional. Try these smart strategies:
Matching hashtags to content is key. Here’s how that looks across different niches:
Each tag is not only relevant—it helps the right audience find the content they care about.
Hashtag strategy isn’t “set it and forget it.” Use YouTube Analytics to monitor which hashtags are driving traffic. Look under “Traffic Sources” to spot patterns—are certain tags consistently bringing in more views or engagement?
Test, tweak, and improve. Try new tags, drop ineffective ones, and let the data guide your content decisions.
Hashtags can do more than boost views—they attract people already interested in your niche. If a viewer finds you via #skincarehacks, they’re more likely to stick around, subscribe, and engage. Over time, this turns random views into loyal followers.
Hashtags are one of the most underutilized tools for YouTube Shorts growth. Used strategically, they help you reach your ideal audience, improve video discoverability, and even foster a loyal community. By avoiding common mistakes and using smart hashtag strategies, you give your content a better chance to shine.
So the next time you post a Short, think beyond the visuals, optimize the hashtags, and you might just watch your views soar.
Sam is the Product Manager at reap, and a master of turning ideas into reality. He’s a problem-solver, tech enthusiast, coffee aficionado, and a bit of a daydreamer. He thrives on discovering new perspectives through brainstorming, tinkering with gadgets, and late-night strategy sessions. Most of the time, you can find him either sipping an espresso in a cozy café or pacing around with a fresh brew in hand, plotting his next big move.
