Stop Stuffing Hashtags, TikTok Hates This

Let’s break down the most common mistakes creators, brands, and even agencies still make in 2026.

Mistake #1 – Using Too Many Hashtags

This is the most common one.

People still ask: how many hashtags on TikTok should I use?

The short answer: 3 to 5 is the sweet spot.

Using 15–30 hashtags creates noise. TikTok doesn’t know which ones matter, so it trusts none of them strongly.

Why overusing hashtags on TikTok hurts reach

• Dilutes topical clarity

• Triggers spam-like behavior

• Lowers confidence in content relevance

What to do instead

Use:

• 1 main topic hashtag

• 1 niche or audience hashtag

• 1 contextual or format hashtag

• Optional 1 branded or intent-based hashtag

Quality beats quantity every time.

Mistake #2 – Chasing Viral or Trending Hashtags

Hashtags like #fyp, #viral, or #trending feel safe. They are not.

These are broad, overcrowded hashtags with zero intent.

TikTok does not rank content higher just because you used #fyp. It ranks content higher because people engage.

Why this causes TikTok hashtags not working

• Millions of videos compete instantly

• Wrong audience sees your content

• Engagement rate crashes early

Fix

Use descriptive hashtags, not hopeful ones.

Bad example:
#fyp #viral #tiktok

Good example:
#tiktokgrowthtips #smallcreator #contentstrategy

Mistake #3 – Copy-Pasting the Same Hashtags on Every Video

This one hurts more than people realize.

When TikTok sees the same hashtag block repeatedly, it reduces trust. It looks automated.

This is close to hashtag spam TikTok behavior, even if your content is original.

Signs this mistake is hurting you

• Views slowly decline over weeks

• Videos stop hitting For You at all

• Analytics show limited audience testing

Fix

Create 3–4 hashtag sets and rotate them.

Each set should:

• Match the specific video topic

• Slightly change audience focus

• Avoid repeated exact combinations

Mistake #4 – Using Irrelevant Hashtags for Reach

Some creators tag popular niches they don’t belong to just to get views.

Example:
Posting marketing content with #relationshipadvice.

TikTok might test it there. People scroll past. The system learns your content doesn’t perform.

Result

• TikTok reach drop from hashtags

• Poor audience signals

• Long-term suppression

Fix

Ask one question before adding a hashtag:
“Would someone searching this hashtag actually want this video?”

If the answer is no, remove it.

Mistake #5 – Ignoring Niche-Level Hashtags

Many creators either go too broad or too random.

They skip mid-size niche hashtags, which are often the best performers.

Example

Instead of:

• #marketing (too broad)

Use:

• #contentmarketingtips

• #socialmediagrowth

• #creatorstrategy

These hashtags have:

• Clear intent

• Engaged audiences

• Better early traction

This is core to a strong TikTok hashtag strategy.

Here’s what most people miss.

TikTok does not rely on hashtags alone.

It cross-checks:

• Caption text

• On-screen text

• Voice (speech recognition)

• Watch time and rewatches

• Engagement quality

Hashtags should support the content, not define it alone.

If your video talks about TikTok growth but hashtags say fashion, the system gets confused.

Confusion equals suppression.