Putting relevant hashtags in your YouTube Shorts titles and descriptions can be a great way to increase views and engagement. However, there are some best practices you should follow when using hashtags to ensure you get the most benefit. Here are some quick answers to key questions about using hashtags on YouTube Shorts:
Do hashtags work for YouTube Shorts?
Yes, using relevant hashtags in Shorts can help them be discovered in YouTube search and recommendations. YouTube indexes hashtags just like text in titles/descriptions.
How many hashtags should I use?
3-5 hashtags in the title/description is ideal. Using 1-2 highly specific hashtags is better than stuffing in 10+ generic ones. Prioritize quality over quantity.
Where should I put hashtags on Shorts?
Put most hashtags in the Shorts description. You can also include 1-2 key hashtags in the title. Avoid hashtag spam in titles.
What types of hashtags work best?
Use a mix of broader and more niche hashtags. For example, #dogs #cute #puppy #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok. Include popular/viral hashtags but also more specific ones relevant to your content.
Should you use hashtags in YouTube Shorts titles?
You can include 1-2 relevant hashtags in Shorts titles, but you want to avoid going overboard. Stuffing titles with multiple hashtags looks spammy and may turn off viewers.
Here are some best practices for using hashtags in YouTube Shorts titles:
- Limit hashtags in titles to 1-2 max.
- Prioritize more specific, niche hashtags over generic ones.
- Only include hashtags that are highly relevant to the specific video.
- Put hashtags at the end of the title for a cleaner look.
For example, a good Shorts title with hashtags might be:
Funny Dog Chasing Its Tail Fail #dogs #funnydogs
Avoid spammy looking titles like:
#dogs #funny #fail #funnydogs #shorts #youtube #viral
In general, focus on an attractive title that grabs attention first, then subtly add 1-2 key hashtags.
Should you use hashtags in YouTube Shorts descriptions?
Yes, the Shorts description box is the best place to include relevant hashtags. You can add 3-5+ hashtags in the description without it looking spammy.
Some tips for Shorts description hashtags:
- Put hashtags near the top of the description.
- Use a mix of broader and more specific/niche hashtags.
- Separate hashtags with commas for neatness.
- Reuse 1-2 title hashtags in the description for reinforcement.
Example Shorts description with hashtags:
Look at this cute puppy trying to chase its tail and completely failing! #puppy #dogs #cute #funny #fail #goldenretriever #puppies #pet #animal
Remember, hashtags should complement the descriptive text, not replace it. The description should still engage viewers and provide context.
What types of hashtags work best for YouTube Shorts?
Here are some hashtag best practices for YouTube Shorts:
Mix broader and more specific hashtags
Use a combination of broader hashtags like #dogs as well as longer-tail ones like #goldenretrieverpuppy. This helps you appeal to a wider audience while also targeting niche communities.
Leverage trending/viral hashtags
Include relevant trending hashtags in your niche to tap into what’s popular. But don’t just blindly copy trending tags unrelated to your content.
Use hashtag variations/spellings
Try hashtag variations like #puppy and #puppies or singular/plural forms to cover all search possibilities.
Create original hashtags
Come up with a unique hashtag tailored to your brand or content style. This can help with branding and community building.
Research competitor hashtags
Study what types of hashtags similar top channels in your niche use. Reusing effective hashtags can boost discoverability.
Should you reuse the same hashtags on all your Shorts?
It’s fine to reuse some of your core hashtags across multiple Shorts, but you don’t want to duplicate the full hashtag list on every video.
Best practices for reusing Shorts hashtags:
- Identify 3-5 of your core channel hashtags and reuse them.
- Customize at least half the hashtags to each specific video.
- Avoid copying and pasting the same hashtag list to all Shorts.
- Switch up which core hashtags you reuse each time.
Reusing some key hashtags can help establish branding and channel authority. But customizing others based on each Short keeps things targeted and optimization focused.
How often should you add/update Shorts hashtags?
You don’t need to update Shorts hashtags daily, but doing so on occasion can help. Here are some best practices:
- Update hashtags 1-2 times per week to incorporate trending tags.
- Rotate which older/less effective hashtags you swap out.
- Replace generic hashtags with longer-tail niche ones.
- Refine hashtags as you identify which perform best.
Routinely refreshing your Shorts hashtag strategy based on performance data and audience feedback will ensure maximum reach and engagement over time.
What are the best hashtag sources for YouTube Shorts?
Here are some great places to find top-performing YouTube Shorts hashtags:
- YouTube Search: Type in your niche and sort by latest videos. See hashtags others are using.
- Ubersuggest: Hashtag research tool to see hashtag popularity and usage.
- VidIQ: Chrome extension providing hashtag and competitor research.
- Trending hashtags sites: Aggregate real-time trending hashtags like Trendsmap and RiteTag.
- Competitor analysis: Check hashtags used by top channels in your niche.
Taking the time to research and test hashtag variations will give you data to refine which perform best over time.
What hashtag strategies work best to gain YouTube Shorts views?
Here are some of the top hashtag strategies to boost YouTube Shorts views:
Leverage viral challenges
Use trending challenge hashtags like #PassThePhone to make challenge compilation videos. But give them your unique spin.
Optimize with SEO hashtags
Include keywords people search for like “crocheting for beginners.” Help your videos rank for search.
Target fan communities
Use fandom hashtags like #Swifties or #Army to target fanbases hungry for niche content.
Reuse winning hashtags
Track which hashtags gain traction and reuse them. Hashtag performance evolves over time.
Get feedback from comments
Ask viewers to suggest hashtags. They know the niche and which tags they follow.
Research competitors/leaders
Study hashtags used by top channels in your niche for inspiration.
What are some common YouTube Shorts hashtag mistakes to avoid?
Here are some common hashtag errors people make on YouTube Shorts:
- Using too many hashtags – Keep it to 3-5 max in title/description.
- Irrelevant hashtags – All hashtags must closely relate to your content.
- Spamming just trending tags – Have a mix of trending and niche hashtags.
- Duplicate hashtag lists – Customize hashtags for each specific video.
- Long chains of single-worded hashtags – Break up into logical multi-word phrases.
- Hiding hashtags within description text – Put most at top for visibility.
- Not updating regularly – Consistently refine hashtags based on performance.
Avoiding these mistakes and following best practices outlined will lead to better Shorts discoverability and more channel growth.
Conclusion
Using relevant hashtags in your YouTube Shorts, both in the title and description, can be highly beneficial for views and engagement. But there are right and wrong ways to do it. Follow best practices like mixing broad and niche hashtags, placing them at the top of descriptions, and customizing hashtags per video. Avoid spamming low-value hashtags just for the sake of it. Refine your hashtag strategy over time based on performance data. With a strategic, optimized approach to Shorts hashtags, you can gain significant discoverability and viewership.