YouTube Shorts, the platform’s answer to the short-form video craze, offers creators an incredible opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience. But in a sea of captivating content, how do you make your Shorts stand out and propel them towards virality? The answer lies in a well-crafted hashtag strategy.

Here’s what you’ll get from this guide:

  • A clear grasp of how hashtags influence the visibility of your Shorts.
  • Tools and strategies to identify the hottest trending hashtags.
  • The importance of balancing popular hashtags with targeted, niche-specific keywords.
  • Tips and tricks for using hashtags effectively to maximize your reach.

So, are you ready to unlock the full potential of YouTube Shorts and propel your content to new heights? Let’s dive in!

101+ Best, Trending, and Viral Hashtags

Let’s break down this list into popular categories for easier navigation. Remember, the most popular hashtags change over time, so consider the timeframe you’re reading this article in!

CategoryHashtags
General Trending#shorts, #youtubeshorts, #viral, #trending, #subscribe, #foryou, #foryoupage, #fyp, #explorepage, #discover, #viralvideo, #tiktok, #instagram, #youtube, #reels
Entertainment#funny, #comedy, #memes, #pranks, #humor, #lol, #laugh, #entertainment, #funnyvideos, #comedian, #standupcomedy, #sketchcomedy, #parody, #fail, #challenge
DIY & How-To#diy, #howto, #tutorial, #crafts, #lifehacks, #tipsandtricks, #homeimprovement, #doityourself, #maker, #homemade, #upcycle, #repurpose, #diygifts, #diyhomedecor, #diyfashion
Beauty & Fashion#beauty, #makeup, #fashion, #skincare, #ootd, #style, #makeuptutorial, #beautytips, #fashionblogger, #fashionista, #streetstyle, #styleinspiration, #outfitoftheday, #lookoftheday, #haircare
Travel#travel, #explore, #wanderlust, #adventure, #vacation, #beautifuldestinations, #instatravel, #travelgram, #travelphotography, #travelblogger, #traveltheworld, #travelholic, #traveldiary, #traveladdict, #travellife
Food & Cooking#food, #foodie, #instafood, #yummy, #delicious, #foodphotography, #foodblogger, #healthyfood, #homecooking, #recipe, #cooking, #cheflife, #foodlover, #foodporn, #foodstagram
Fitness & Health#fitness, #workout, #gym, #fitnessmotivation, #health, #healthylifestyle, #fitfam, #training, #fitlife, #nutrition, #bodybuilding, #weightloss

t 93. #gym 94. #fitnessmotivation 95. #health 96. #healthylifestyle 97. #fitfam 98. #training 99. #fitlife 100. #nutrition 101. #bodybuilding 102. #weightloss

Challenge-Specific Hashtags:

Do your research! Find out what challenges are currently trending on YouTube Shorts and use the associated hashtags in relevant videos.

Important Note: This is just a starting point! Always mix in niche hashtags specific to your video, and research what’s trending at the moment for maximum impact.

Seasonal and Event-Based Hashtags

Tap into the buzz surrounding holidays, major events, and viral trends to boost the visibility of your timely Shorts content. Here’s how:

  • Holidays: Think Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc. Create Shorts related to these holidays and use relevant hashtags like #christmasdecor, #halloweencostume, or #valentinesgift.
  • Major Events: Stay up-to-date on events like the Superbowl, the Olympics, or popular award shows. Use hashtags surrounding these events to join the larger conversation.
  • Viral Challenges and Trends: Watch for trending challenges on YouTube Shorts. Create Shorts that participate in these trends and use the associated hashtags for a chance to go viral.

Examples:

  • Holiday: #thanksgivingrecipes, #halloweenmakeup, #newyearseve
  • Event-based: #worldcup2026, #oscars2024, #metgala
  • Trends/Challenges: (These change frequently, so research what’s hot at the time!)

Evergreen Hashtags

These hashtags remain relevant year-round and provide consistent visibility for your Shorts. Here are some categories to consider:

  • Motivational Hashtags: #motivation, #inspiration, #mindset, #positivity, #goals
  • Lifestyle Hashtags: #travel, #foodie, #fitness, #wellness, #selfcare, #mindfulness
  • Interest or Hobby Hashtags #photography, #gaming, #art, #music, #reading, #plants
  • Content Type Hashtags: #vlog, #travelvlog, #recipe, #workout, #dayinmylife

Important: Even using evergreen hashtags, always mix these with more specific, niche hashtags related to your video’s exact content.

Location-Based Hashtags

Adding location-based hashtags to your Shorts strategy is especially valuable if your content focuses on local events, businesses, and attractions or if you have a strong local audience.  Here’s how to use them:

  • Cities and Countries: Include hashtags featuring your city, state, or country. For example: #sorsogon, #bicol, #philippines.
  • Local Landmarks: Use hashtags for well-known spots within your region, like #mayonvolcano and #bulusanlake.
  • Neighborhoods and Districts: If your content is hyper-local, target neighborhoods or districts with specific hashtags.
  • Local Events: Are there festivals, concerts, or sporting events happening in your area? Use related hashtags to tap into viewers interested in those events.

Tips:

  • Don’t Overdo It: Include 1-2 relevant location-based hashtags for the best results.
  • Specificity Matters: The more specific the location hashtag, the more likely you are to reach the right audience. Think #sorosgoncity instead of just #philippines.

When Location-Based Hashtags are Most Valuable:

  • Travel Vloggers: Highlight destinations and hidden gems within a specific location.
  • Foodies: Share reviews of local restaurants, cafés, and food markets.
  • Businesses: Attract customers in your local area.
  • Community Creators: Connect with people who share an interest in your town or city.

Understanding YouTube Shorts Hashtags

What are YouTube Shorts hashtags, and why do they matter?

Hashtags on YouTube Shorts are essentially clickable keywords or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol. Think of them as labels that categorize your content, making it easier for people interested in your niche to discover your Shorts. When a user searches for a hashtag or clicks on one, they’ll see a collection of Shorts using that same hashtag.

Why are hashtags crucial for your success? Here’s the breakdown:

  • Increased Visibility: Hashtags help YouTube’s algorithm understand your video’s topic and show it to the right audience – both in search results and the “For You” feed.
  • Reach Beyond Subscribers: Your Shorts can appear for anyone interested in the hashtags you use, expanding your reach far beyond your existing subscriber base.
  • Community Building: Hashtags connect you with like-minded viewers passionate about the same topics, fostering a sense of community around your content.

The Anatomy of a Successful Hashtag

Not all hashtags are created equal. So, what makes a hashtag likely to drive engagement and boost your Short’s visibility? Here’s what to look for:

  • Relevance: The hashtag should be directly related to your video’s content. Don’t try to trick the algorithm with irrelevant hashtags – it will likely backfire.
  • Specificity: While some broad hashtags are useful, niche hashtags help you reach your target audience more precisely. For example, #travel is broad, while #budgettravel or #vanlife are more niche.
  • Trending: Tap into the power of trending hashtags to ride the wave of current conversations and popular topics.
  • Memorability: Catchy, easy-to-remember hashtags have better chances of sticking in people’s minds.

Examples of Effective Hashtags:

  • DIY niche: #homedecor, #upcycledfurniture, #woodworkingproject
  • Beauty niche: #makeuptutorial, #skincareroutine, #grwm
  • Gaming niche: #fortniteclips, #callofduty, #newgamerelease

Finding Trending Hashtags

Discovering the hashtags currently buzzing on YouTube Shorts is essential for maximizing your content’s reach. Here are the best tools and strategies to help you identify what’s hot:

1. YouTube’s Autocomplete

Start by typing the # symbol into the YouTube search bar, followed by a keyword related to your niche. YouTube will automatically suggest popular hashtags based on your search term. This gives you a quick overview of what people are searching for and using.

2. Explore Related Hashtags

When you watch a YouTube Short, check the hashtags used in the description. Clicking on one of those hashtags will bring you to a feed of other videos using the same tag. Pay attention to related hashtags displayed below the search bar  – these can lead you to similar, potentially trending options.

3.  Dedicated Hashtag Research Tools

Several online tools specifically designed for hashtag research can help you uncover trending terms and analyze their popularity. Some popular options include:

  • TubeBuddy: A browser extension offering various YouTube optimization tools, including hashtag suggestions and analytics. (https://www.tubebuddy.com/)
  • VidIQ: Another powerful tool with features like keyword research, trending video analysis, and hashtag tracking. (https://vidiq.com/)
  • Hashtagify: A platform for finding hashtags across social media. It can help identify relevant hashtags on YouTube and analyze their reach.

4. Keep an Eye on Challenges and Trends

YouTube Shorts are often associated with viral challenges, dances, and music trends. Participate in these trends and use relevant hashtags to boost your visibility within those trending topics.

Crafting Your Hashtag Strategy

The Importance of Niche Hashtags

While trending hashtags are important for broadening your reach, niche-specific hashtags are the hidden gems that can truly connect you with your ideal audience.

Here’s why niche hashtags matter:

  • Less Competition: Smaller hashtag pools mean your Shorts have a better chance of standing out and being discovered by viewers who are genuinely interested in your topic.
  • Targeted Audience: Niche hashtags attract people who are truly passionate about your content area, potentially increasing engagement such as likes, comments, and shares.
  • Establishes You as a Specialist Using niche hashtags consistently can help establish your authority and expertise within your chosen field.

Examples of Niche Hashtags:

  • Cooking niche: #veganrecipes, #glutenfreebaking, #easyweeknightmeals
  • Travel niche: #solofemaletravel, #europetraveltips, #vanlifediaries
  • Fitness niche: #athomeworkouts, #yogaflow, #runningmotivation

Finding Your Niche Hashtags:

  • Explore Communities: Join online communities or forums related to your niche and check what hashtags are commonly used.
  • Analyze Influencers: Look at the hashtags used by successful creators in your niche, especially those with a medium-sized audience (these will provide more realistic targets).

Broad Hashtags for Maximum Exposure

Think of broad hashtags as the big avenues that lead people to your content. They might not be as targeted as niche hashtags, but they have a much wider reach potential.

Here’s when to use broader hashtags:

  • At the Beginning: Use a couple of broad, general hashtags related to your video’s main theme to increase its chances of being discovered by a wider audience.
  • Content with Crossover Appeal: If your Short has potential interest across various niches, use relevant broad hashtags to tap into those different audiences.
  • To Reach New Audiences: Broad hashtags can help introduce your content to people who have yet to discover your niche.

Examples of Broad Hashtags:

  • #shorts, #youtubeshorts, #viral, #trending, #funny, #comedy, #music, #dance, #challenge

Important Note: Don’t go overboard with broad hashtags. Too many generic keywords can make your content look spammy. The key lies in balance! That brings us to our next section…

Maximizing Reach: Tips for Effective Hashtag Use

Now that you understand the different types of hashtags, let’s focus on optimizing their use:

  • Optimal Number of Hashtags: YouTube allows up to 15 hashtags, but you should use only some of them. A good rule of thumb is to start with a mix of 3-5 broad hashtags, 5-10 niche hashtags, and a few trending ones (if relevant).
  • Placement Matters: While you can include hashtags in your Short description, placing some in the first comment can make your description cleaner and less cluttered.
  • Research Before You Use: Before including a hashtag in your video, it’s a good idea to search for it on YouTube to see the kind of content associated with it.
  • Avoid Banned Hashtags: YouTube occasionally bans certain hashtags due to misuse or association with inappropriate content. Research to ensure you’re not using hashtags that might get your Shorts hidden.
  • Rotate and Experiment: Don’t use the same hashtags every time. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your specific content and audience.
  • Track Your Analytics: Pay attention to which hashtags are driving the most engagement and views for your Shorts. This helps you refine your hashtag strategy over time.

Additional Tips:

  • Create Your Branded Hashtag: If you have a unique brand name or slogan, turn it into a hashtag to encourage community building and track user-generated content.
  • Participate in Hashtag Challenges: Challenges are often associated with specific hashtags. Joining in can give your Shorts a visibility boost.

Beyond Hashtags: Optimizing Your Shorts for Success

The Power of Engaging Content

Even the best hashtag strategy will only matter if your Shorts are captivating enough to hold viewers’ attention. Here are essential elements to consider:

  • The Hook: Grab viewers within the first few seconds with a compelling opening. This could be a surprising question, a bold statement, a stunning visual, or a funny moment.
  • Keep it Short and Sweet: Short videos are designed for quick consumption. Aim for video lengths under 60 seconds and get straight to the point.
  • Value Your Audience’s Time: Deliver valuable information, entertainment, or inspiration in every Short. Ask yourself, “What’s in it for the viewer?”
  • Use Storytelling: Even in a short format, a simple story with a beginning, conflict, and resolution can be incredibly engaging.
  • Trending Music and Sounds: Integrate trending audio to give your Shorts a familiar and current feel. Be sure to discover what’s popular on YouTube’s audio library and other licensed music platforms.
  • Clear Calls to Action: Be bold and ask viewers to like, comment, share, or subscribe. This encourages engagement and signals to the YouTube algorithm that your content is valuable.
  • Eye-Catching Visuals: Prioritize high-quality video and audio. Use dynamic editing, transitions, and text overlays to keep things visually interesting.

Additional Tips:

  • Humor: If it fits your style, make your audience laugh. Humor is a powerful tool for boosting engagement.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give viewers a peek behind the curtain to establish a connection with your audience.

Leveraging YouTube’s Features

Think of your Shorts as a gateway to your broader content on YouTube. Here’s how to strategically use other features to boost your visibility and engagement:

  • Titles and Descriptions: Use intriguing titles for your Shorts that accurately reflect their content and include relevant keywords. Remember to add a concise description and a few strategically chosen hashtags.
  • Thumbnails: Design eye-grabbing thumbnails that make viewers want to click. Use clear text overlays and vibrant visuals to stand out.
  • End Screens and Cards: Add end screens or cards to your Shorts to promote your longer-form videos, playlists, or other Shorts. This is a great way to keep viewers engaged and drive them to your other content.
  • Collaborations: Partner with other creators in your niche for cross-promotion and reach broader audiences. You can collaborate on Shorts or traditional YouTube videos.
  • Cross-Promote on Other Platforms: Share your Shorts on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter to reach a wider audience and direct traffic back to your YouTube channel.

Tips:

  • Analyze Your Data: Pay attention to which Shorts are performing well and tailor your strategy based on those insights. YouTube Analytics provides valuable information about viewership, watch time, and engagement.
  • Repurpose Content: To maximize the value of your existing content, turn clips from your longer videos into shorts or vice versa. However, ensure that you tailor your Shorts to fit the format.

Consistency is Key

To build a loyal following and make the most of the YouTube algorithm, it’s vital to post Shorts regularly.  Here’s why consistency matters:

  • Favorable Algorithm Treatment: YouTube favors channels that consistently post new content. Regular uploads signal to the algorithm that your channel is active and valuable to viewers.
  • Audience Expectations: Set a posting schedule and stick to it. Your viewers will start to anticipate your new Shorts and return for more.
  • Skill Development: The more Shorts you create, the better you’ll become at crafting engaging short-form content, including effective use of hashtags.
  • Increased Visibility: Consistent posting increases your chances of individual Shorts going viral as your content gains more exposure overall.

Tips:

  • Start Small: Refrain from posting every day initially. Begin with a manageable frequency, such as 2-3 times per week, and gradually increase as you build momentum.
  • Batch Creation Consider filming and editing multiple Shorts at once to streamline your workflow and stay ahead of your posting schedule.

Important: Prioritize quality over quantity.  Rushing out low-quality Shorts will be counterproductive.

Boosting Your Results on Elementor

Why Elementor Website Builder and Hosting are Ideal for Creators

While YouTube Shorts are fantastic for short-form content, having your own website offers valuable benefits that can boost your overall success and reach:

  • Build a Central Hub: A website acts as a digital home for your content, where you can showcase your Shorts alongside longer videos, blog posts, portfolios, and exclusive content.
  • Drive Traffic from Shorts: Create dedicated landing pages on your Elementor website to promote specific Shorts campaigns, challenges, or collaborations. This allows more in-depth engagement with interested viewers.
  • Own Your Audience: Unlike social platforms, you have full control over your website and its audience data, allowing for deeper connection and long-term growth.
  • Monetization Opportunities: A website unlocks potential revenue streams beyond YouTube ads, such as merchandise, courses, affiliate marketing, or offering exclusive content for paid members.
  • Stand Out as a Professional: A well-designed website elevates your credibility, attracts brand partnerships, and establishes you as a serious creator.

Elementor’s Advantages:

  • Seamless Design and Customization: Elementor’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface empowers you to build stunning websites without needing coding skills. This is fantastic for creating eye-catching thumbnails, end screens, and landing pages specifically promoting your Shorts.
  • Optimized for Performance: Elementor websites built with Elementor Hosting are designed for speed and high performance. This ensures a positive user experience, which is crucial for SEO and keeps visitors engaged with your Shorts and other content.
  • Elementor Image Optimizer: Compress and optimize your images to improve your YouTube Shorts thumbnails, landing pages, and overall site speed.

Conclusion

YouTube Shorts offer an incredible opportunity to reach a massive audience with bite-sized content. By mastering the art of hashtags, creating engaging Shorts, and leveraging the power of YouTube’s other features, you can propel your content to new heights.  Remember, consistency and a strategic mindset are crucial for long-term success.