TikTok Hashtags Are A Trending Topic Right Now!
Just like most social media platforms, TikTok relies on hashtags to organize content, so fans can find the kind of material they’re looking for fast. The right #hashtag on TikTok is a powerful way to make sure you’re reaching your target audience – but it has a lot of other benefits too.
Aside from helping you hack the TikTok algorithm, hashtags also give you a way to engage with your audience through things like trending topics and challenges. The question is, how do you choose the hashtags poised to have the biggest impact?
Should you be using trending tags, #ForYou page hashtags, or something else entirely? Let’s find out.
Why Use Hashtags For TikTok?
TikTok hashtags are still a bit of a mystery for most businesses.
We don’t have a lot of insights into how the TikTok algorithm works, so it’s tough to say which tags will earn you the most attention. However, what we do know is that hashtags will drive more eyes to your content.
Ask anyone what TikTok’s all about, and they’ll likely mention #hashtag challenges and trends. Tags are a fundamental part of the TikTok experience. Just look at the #EyesLipsFace challenge.
Hashtags on TikTok work similarly to the ones on Instagram. If you have a public TikTok account and add a hashtag to a post, then your content is categorized with that tag.
Hashtags are also the way that TikTok decides how to populate each customer’s “For You” page. The algorithm tries to list content it thinks each user will be interested in based on the posts they’ve engaged with before. If you’re ranking for the same hashtags that your customers are already following, you’ll gain more attention.
TOP 10 TikTok Hashtags That Went Viral In 2020
TikTok hashtags are all about connecting with your audience and getting more eyes on your content. Every month, there seems to be a new set of tags to check out. Here are some of the top trending tags that went viral during 2020:
1. #Macarenachallenge
Dance along to a classic song in TikTok style. This hashtag pulled people together to dance their cares away to a tune that everyone knows.
2. #RandomThings
This hashtag trend became popular thanks to user @her.atlas on TikTok, who wanted to show off some of the random things in her home. The video series encouraged other people to show off things in their own living space.
3. #Duet
Probably one of the most famous hashtags on TikTok, #Duet draws attention to one of the most popular features of the social media platform. Use this tag when you want to promote a duet with another content creator.
4. #Walkchallenge
Probably one of the easiest TikTok hashtags for any company or individual to get involved with. The #WalkChallenge asks you to show off how you strut with your friends.
5. #TrashorTrend
This fun challenge is for people who love sharing their opinions. One of the more recent hashtags on TikTok, #Trashortrend means that you choose whether a movie, song, or something else is good or not.
6. #MedievalTikTok
Yes, it’s a little weird, but this TikTok hashtag trend was a must-have in 2020. It asked users to show themselves in a medieval setting for the ultimate contrast between the past and the present. Make sure you dance along to the right song too.
7. #IamLost
A lot of TikTok hashtag trends start with a specific song. The #Iamlost trend is based around a song called “In This Shirt” by the Irresponsibles. The hashtag challenge is all about showing items and lost objects with feelings of existential uncertainty.
8. #Dontleaveme
The #Dontleaveme hashtag is all about making puns – usually, it’s about a person running away and the followers shouting “don’t leave me” after them. This pun-based humor has earned a lot of attention over 2020 on TikTok.
9. #Hurtmyfeelings
Reviving one of the top songs of the decade, #Hurtmyfeelings is a tag based around the Bulletproof La Roux song from 2010. The hashtag usually involves people sharing past hardships that have made them stronger today.
10. #Blindinglights
Set to the “Blinding Lights” song from The Weeknd, this hashtag challenge is all about bringing groups together in the name of dance. It’s a fantastic hashtag for friends and families.
How To Find The Right Hashtags For 2021
Now you know about some of the best hashtags from 2020, it’s time to think about how you can track down the ideal hashtags for this year. Most of the trending challenges and hashtags on TikTok change pretty quickly, so you’ll need to keep your finger on the pulse.
If you’re not sure where to get started, here are some quick ways to start searching for the best tags.
Learn From The Influencers
Most of us are still figuring out how to make the most of TikTok, but influencers have this platform all figured out. You can follow in their footsteps to make sure that you’re creating relevant and trending content. Search for influencers in the industry that’s closest to your company using an online tool like Influence Grid. You can sort through each influencer by their number of followers and their engagement levels too.
Once you’ve found the right influencers, study the kind of hashtags they use most. You might even want to follow some influencers in your area so you can stay up to date with their latest posts. Remember, even if you don’t want to use a hashtag straight away, storing it away for later could be a good idea. You never know when you might run out of inspiration.
Use The Discovery Tool
The discovery tool on TikTok is basically the search function. It’s a great way to get an insight into the kind of hashtags that are currently trending, too. To get a quick insight, go to the Discovery page by tapping the little magnifying glass on the bottom-left of the account page.
The first thing you’re going to see is a list of hashtags, with the most popular videos linked to that hashtag placed underneath each one. You can see exactly how many times people have used each tag, so you can easily see what’s trending.
Remember, not every trending hashtag will necessarily be right for your brand. Look for something that actually fits with your company’s personality.
Find Related Hashtags
You can also build your hashtag lists out a little on TikTok by checking out related hashtags. Leave the hashtag out of your search and begin looking for a trend in the TikTok search bar.
TikTok’s algorithm should automatically suggest some similar tags that start with the same letters or words. You can click on each tag to find out how many shares it has. Don’t forget to see which tags influencers and competitors are using alongside the trending hashtags too.
Top Trending TikTok Hashtags For 2021
Here are a few examples of the TikTok challenges and hashtags trending right now to guide your next TikTok marketing campaign.
#Bussitchallenge
One of the biggest challenges to start in 2021, the #BussItChallenge combines Erica Bank’s rap song “Buss It”, with Nelly’s song “Hot in Here”. The idea behind this hashtag challenge is to start the video looking less than perfect in PJs. When the music switches, you change your outfit into something spectacular, and start dancing:
#SavageChallenge
The #SavageChallenge TikTok challenge is all about learning and showcasing the choreography to the popular song “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallions. Like many hashtags on TikTok, this trend is all about the music, and the dance.
#FlipTheSwitch
One of the most hilarious challenges on TikTok for anyone with a sense of humor, the #FliptheSwitch challenge involves dancing to Drake’s song, Non-Stop, with another person. You flip the light off on the room, and when it turns back on, you’re in the reverse positions, and in each other’s outfits.
#YouHaveTo
Starting in 2020, the #YouHaveTo challenge is all about telling people what they “have to” stop doing or start doing. Whether it’s adding new things to your routine, or just start treating yourself better. This is a great hashtag for showing what you’re passionate about.
#RealLifeatHome
Since lockdowns and quarantines are still a thing in early 2021, it makes sense that hashtags like #reallifeathome would continue to be popular. This hashtag is all about having fun when you’re at home and showing off your routine.
#BehindtheScenes
Similar to #Reallifeathome, the #BehindtheScenes TikTok hashtag looks at the raw stuff that happens behind the scenes in videos. The biggest bonus of this challenge is that it’s a good chance to be authentic with your target audience and show them what you’re really all about.
#WeirdPets
It doesn’t matter what social media channel you’re in, the internet will always love animals. #WeirdPets is a great hashtag to try out if you want to show off your love of some furry friends. The best videos are funny, and a little bizarre.
#CantTouchThis
Set to the popular song “Can’t Touch This”, the #CantTouchThis challenge is all about trying out some classic dance moves in a range of unique environments. Add the macarena movements to any trending song to spice things up.
#LevelUp
This is a challenge that’s perfect for people with pets. The #LevelUp challenge asks you to place a ball or something similar in a doorway and see how high your pet can jump.
#JuneBugChallenge
This is a seriously challenging hashtag to use in your TikTok campaign – but it might be worth it. The TikTok challenge asks you to do the June bug walk in a variety of locations, then edit all the clips together to create a unique effect.
Try Out Your TikTok Hashtags
TikTok hashtags are more than just an awesome way to make your content more visible. If you’re trying to connect with the younger people on TikTok, you’ll need hashtags and their associated challenges to show you can relate to the Gen Z crowd. Failing to use hashtags correctly could mean that you miss out on the benefits of TikTok.
Want more? Check out our other TikTok articles here: https://socialmediarevolver.com/category/extra-bullets/tiktok/
[Main Photo by Tom Leishman from Pexels; Hashtag example images from various TikTok accounts]
Samantha is a Marketing coordinator at Kicksta with an expertise in all things Instagram and social media marketing. Our passion is to help companies grow their presence online and kill it in social media!