Best Hashtags for YouTube Shorts: Updated July 2025

YouTube Shorts are short, snappy, and powerful. But even if your content is amazing, it won’t get far without visibility. That’s where Hashtags for YouTube Shorts come in.

Hashtags for YouTube Shorts help YouTube understand your video’s topic and guide users toward videos they’re more likely to enjoy. So what are the best hashtags for YouTube Shorts and how do you use them effectively?

Let’s break it down.

What Are Hashtags and How Hashtags Work on YouTube

Hashtags are simple. Just a keyword with a “#” in front.

But their function is much bigger.

When placed in your video’s title or description, hashtags:

• Help categorize your content
  
• Make your Shorts searchable
  
• Give YouTube’s algorithm important signals

Example: If you post a 15-second makeup tutorial, using hashtags like #MakeupShorts or #BeautyTips tells YouTube exactly what your video is about.

Now, do hashtags really matter for YouTube Shorts algorithm?

Yes, they do.

YouTube hashtags help the platform identify your niche. This determines who sees your video. In fact, according to Zebracat, Social media videos that include captions (like hashtags) experience 38% more engagement than those without. 

Think of it this way:

• Hashtags = discoverability tools
  
• Skipping them = missed opportunities

Even amazing Shorts won’t go far without the right metadata.

How to Find Trending Hashtags for YouTube Shorts?

Curious how creators know which hashtags actually work?

Many use a YouTube hashtag generator to uncover trending tags specific to their niche and video type.

Here’s how to uncover viral Hashtags for YouTube Shorts:

1. Browse the Shorts tab

Watch what tags show up under trending content in your niche.

2. Use YouTube autocomplete

Type your topic into YouTube’s search bar. You’ll see popular YouTube tags and phrases that are currently trending.

3. Watch competitors and influencers

Successful creators often lead trends. Their hashtag choices are rarely random.

4. Try specialized tools

Use platforms like:

• TubeBuddy
  
• VidIQ
  
• Hashtagify

• or a reliable YouTube hashtag generator to streamline your tagging process and boost discoverability.

These help you track performance and compare hashtag effectiveness—especially useful when using a hashtag generator that suggests data-backed options.

A hashtag generator simplifies this by offering real-time suggestions based on keyword input and current trends.

5. Check cross-platform trends

A hashtag going viral on TikTok or Instagram? There’s a good chance it’s doing well on YouTube too.

Hashtags for YouTube Shorts that align with larger social trends or popular YouTube tags tend to get more traction across the platform.

How Many Hashtags Should You Add?

This question comes up a lot, and opinions differ.

Most experts, agree on the basics:

• Use 1–3 highly relevant hashtags
  
• Avoid throwing in 10+ generic tags
  
• Make sure each tag adds value

Some Reddit creators report success with 4–6 well-targeted tags, especially in niche communities.

Either way, don’t overdo it.

Focus on relevance. The right tags matter more than the number of tags.

Title vs. Video Description: Where to Add Hashtags?

Placement matters more than you’d expect.

Split hashtags between your title and description.

In the Title:

• Use #Shorts and 1 niche tag, like #FitnessTips or #StudyRoutine, to improve discoverability in your target category.

In the Description:

• Add 2–3 specific hashtags for context
  
• Example: #StudentLife #FocusTips #StudyRoutine

And don’t forget YouTube Studio’s tags section—it still helps the algorithm understand your video, even if less than before.

If you’re wondering how to use hashtags for YouTube Shorts properly—this combination of title + description is the sweet spot.

Best Hashtags for YouTube Shorts by Niche

So, you know how to use hashtags—but which ones actually work for Shorts?

If you’re serious about growing on YouTube Shorts, you need a smart strategy around Hashtags for YouTube Shorts. This isn’t just about throwing in random tags. It’s about targeting your niche, boosting YouTube Shorts discoverability, and guiding the algorithm with the right tags.

Number of Recommended Hashtags per Niche

This chart visually compares the number of top hashtags recommended for each major content niche, helping readers understand which categories have the most suggested tags.

Universal / Viral Shorts

These are your go-to viral Hashtags for YouTube Shorts perfect for broad reach across different content types.

• #Shorts
• #YouTubeShorts
• #Viral
• #Trending
• #FYP
• #ViralShorts
• #TrendingNow

Pro Tip: Always include #Shorts either in your title or description to show up in the Shorts feed. 

Entertainment & Comedy

Funny, lighthearted, or meme-based content? These hashtags help you hit the right audience fast.

• #Comedy
• #Meme
• #Skits
• #Laugh
• #Fun

If you’re using Hashtags for YouTube Shorts in the comedy niche, prioritize these 2–3 tags in each upload.

Education & How-To

Educational Shorts are growing quickly. Use hashtags that highlight your value and clarity.

• #Education
• #Learn
• #StudyTips
• #HowTo
• #Tutorial
• #Facts

How hashtags work on YouTube here is simple: they group your content into searchable, educational categories, making them easier to find for learners.

Gaming

Gaming Shorts are some of the most replayed content types in 2025.

• #Gaming
• #GameOn
• #Gamer
• #GamePlay
• #Esports
• #Fortnite

Looking to attract a loyal fanbase? Then you need relevant Hashtags for YouTube Shorts tied to your game or gameplay niche.

Vlogging & Lifestyle

If your Shorts share real-life moments, day-in-the-life vlogs, or travel updates—these tags are your best bet.

• #Vlog
• #DailyVlog
• #Lifestyle
• #Travel
• #LifeInShorts

How to use hashtags for YouTube Shorts in this category? Combine seasonal tags, like #SummerVibes, with niche ones like #TravelShorts.

Beauty & Fashion

Stylish, fast-paced, and transformation-focused videos benefit from these fashion-forward hashtags.

• #fashionstyle
• #makeupvideo
• #beautytips
• #style
• #art
  

Do Hashtags Help YouTube Shorts Go Viral?

Short answer: Yes, but not on their own.

YouTube hashtags increase your visibility and help the algorithm categorize your content, especially when chosen based on niche and trend alignment. But they don’t guarantee reach or views. What does? Quality content, great editing, YouTube Shorts Metadata and high viewer retention.

Hashtags guide YouTube to push your video to new audiences—making them a key part of your YouTube Shorts SEO strategy.
They improve sorting in niche categories.
But content quality still makes the biggest difference.

So next time you ask, “Do hashtags help YouTube Shorts go viral?”, remember—they help, but they’re not magic.

How to Use Hashtags for YouTube Shorts (Implementation Tips)

Want better results? Use hashtags wisely.

Here’s a checklist to maximize your impact with Hashtags for YouTube Shorts:

• Use 3–5 total hashtags (mix general and niche-specific)
  
• Place 1–2 in the title
  
• Add 2–3 in the description
  
• Keep them relevant and clean
  
• Don’t use hashtags that don’t match your content
  
• Monitor results using YouTube Studio

The goal is consistency. If your Shorts all follow the same tag format and theme, YouTube learns what kind of viewers to serve your videos to.

Do Hashtags Really Matter For Youtube Shorts Algorithm?

Yes. They help the platform recognize your video’s category and surface it to the right viewers. Tags like #Gaming, #HowTo, or #MakeupShorts can each signal different audiences.

How many hashtags should You use?

Between 3–5. 

According to Cropink, posts with at least one hashtag receive 12.6% more engagement than those without, while using 9-11 hashtags can increase reach by nearly 79.5%.

Hashtags For Youtube Shorts: Youtube Shorts Growth Tips

You don’t need 50 hashtags to grow on YouTube Shorts.

Here’s what you need for a proper hashtag strategy for YouTube Shorts:

• Smart, relevant hashtags
• A focus on content that hooks viewers in the first 3 seconds
• Good titles and thumbnails (even for Shorts!)
• And regular testing using analytics tools

And don’t forget to watch your analytics closely. It’s the best way to learn what’s working. When used correctly, Hashtags for YouTube Shorts can help push your content out of obscurity—and straight into trending feeds.