YouTube hashtags: The complete guide for marketers

You’ve used hashtags on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. But have you considered using hashtags on YouTube?

Fair warning: YouTube SEO is a beast. Finding the best keywords, optimizing all parts of your video and finding the right hashtags for your videos is part of creating a cohesive YouTube content optimization strategy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what YouTube hashtags are, why they’re important and how to properly use them to increase video views.

What are YouTube hashtags?

YouTube hashtags are words or phrases preceded by the “#” symbol that categorizes and labels video content on the platform. YouTube hashtags help users discover videos related to their interests when searching or browsing YouTube. When a user clicks on a hashtag, they are shown a results page with a collection of videos that use the same hashtag. Hashtags can be added in video titles, descriptions, and comments.

Why use YouTube hashtags?

Similar to hashtags on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, YouTube hashtags are valuable tools for increasing video visibility and reach. By strategically incorporating relevant and trending hashtags, marketers can expand the audience for their content beyond their subscriber base. Let’s dive into a few reasons to use hashtags on YouTube:

Hashtags help YouTube understand what your video is about

When you use relevant keywords as video hashtags, you’re giving YouTube more context about your video’s content. This helps YouTube categorize your video accurately and recommend it to users who are searching for similar topics or who have shown interest in related content. Essentially, hashtags act as signals that help YouTube place your video in the right search results and suggested video feeds, increasing the chances of it being discovered by the right audience.

Hashtags help expand your user reach

Hashtags act as bridges connecting your video to a wider audience on YouTube. When you include relevant hashtags in your video’s title and description, you’re essentially categorizing your content and making it easier for YouTube’s search and discovery algorithms to surface your video to users who are actively looking for or interested in those specific topics. Think of it as casting a wider net to catch the attention of potential viewers who might not have otherwise stumbled upon your content. This increased visibility can lead to more views, engagement and subscribers.

Hashtags help you categorize your videos

Hashtags can act as internal organizers for your video content. By using consistent hashtags for specific themes or series within your channel, you create a simple way for viewers to navigate and explore similar content. This can encourage viewers to watch more of your videos, increasing overall engagement and watch time. Think of it as creating a personalized content library within your channel, making it easier for viewers to find the content they’re most interested in.

How to find the best YouTube hashtags for your videos

You don’t want to use hashtags that spammy or irrelevant videos are using. Always do a quick search to see what pops up when you’re considering a hashtag to ensure that the content that appears relates to your own video.

Here are some ways to find the best hashtags for your videos:

1. Check relevant trending videos

Search for the main theme of your video. For example, we searched for “Internet of Things” to see what hashtags the top-ranked video was using. While you wouldn’t want to use the branded hashtag, you would want to use the two other hashtags in use (this video has over 2 million views!).

2. Research top-performing competitor videos

Take a look at the hashtags your top competitors are using, along with the number of views per video. These hashtags can give you an idea of both the hashtags you should be using and topic ideas for future videos. Click through to related videos to search for yet additional hashtags.

3. Check YouTube autosuggest

Just as the Google search bar anticipates what you’re searching for, YouTube will show you hashtag suggestions once you type the hashtag symbol. Even if you search topics broadly without hashtags, you’ll drum up some ideas for future topics or relevant hashtags to incorporate into your YouTube descriptions.

If the top hashtags aren’t relevant for your video, add a word or phrase that will produce more relevant results.

4. Try a YouTube hashtag generator

Need to find hashtags in a hurry? YouTube hashtag generators are helpful tools for discovering relevant and effective hashtags to boost video visibility. Try Ahrefs, Aux Mode or Kparser — all of these platforms can generate loads of hashtags instantly, based on the term you input. Some generators provide data on hashtag performance, such as search volume and competition, helping creators choose hashtags that can maximize their reach.

But, if you use an all-in-one social media management platform with a social listening solution, you can uncover relevant YouTube hashtags beyond tracking or using a generator. Sprout tracks conversations across social and allows marketers to see which hashtags are gaining momentum and resonating with their audience. Beyond just identifying hashtags, Sprout analyzes the sentiment around those conversations, which helps you tailor your hashtag strategy for more positive engagement.

How to add hashtags to YouTube videos

There are two different areas where you can add hashtags to your YouTube videos. The first is in your video’s title, and the second is at the bottom of your video’s description.

How to add hashtags to your YouTube video title

Before you use hashtags in your video’s title, do some keyword research. A relevant title, preferably with keywords, can be just as important as hashtags in helping users find your content.

Take a look at this video from Sprout Social’s YouTube channel. All videos in the #SproutChat series start with the same hashtag in the title followed by a short, relevant search phrase or description.

There are several #SproutChat videos on Sprout’s YouTube channel, all of which appear when users perform a search query for #SproutChat.

If you include the hashtag in your title, it will always be clickable from your video page. In search results, clicking on the hashtag will take users directly to your video.

How to add hashtags to your YouTube video description

The other place you can add YouTube hashtags is at the end of your video description. Once you optimize your video and include your YouTube keywords, video summary, links and sources, add a handful of hashtags to the bottom of your video’s description, as this brand did:

Video descriptions give you a place to add hashtags that might otherwise seem out of place in your video title. YouTube ensures that your hashtags are always visible above your video titles, so users can click them to find other videos that use those hashtags.

Take a look at what a video looks like when you add hashtags to your description—YouTube adds the first three right above your video title:

YouTube hashtags: 6 best practices

So now that you know how and where to add YouTube hashtags to your videos, it’s time to cover how to strategically implement this practice.

Follow these best practices to help you promote your YouTube channel with hashtags:

1. Use 3-5 hashtags per video

YouTube allows you to place up to 15 hashtags in your description. YouTube has stated that if you use more than 15 hashtags on your video, it’ll ignore all hashtags. So make sure you don’t overdo it.

We recommend using 1-2 hashtags in your video title (and remember that only the first three hashtags in your description will appear above your video title).

2. Create your own branded hashtags

While YouTube encourages searching through hashtags by placing them in prominent areas on your video, this can also mean that viewers will click on those hashtags and end up leaving your YouTube channel.

This is why you might want to create your own branded hashtags as we saw with #SproutChat. If a user clicks to see more videos, they’ll only see more of your own channel’s content.

3. Add location-based hashtags to local videos

If you’re trying to expand your reach in a geographic area, use location-based hashtags. Make sure your hashtags are specific. For example, the hashtag “#Springfield” could apply to a number of US cities; if you’re referring to the capital of Illinois, consider using “#SpringfieldIL.”

4. Follow YouTube hashtag policy guidelines

YouTube monitors hashtags for compliance with its hashtag policies. YouTube may remove any videos with hashtags it deems misleading or vulgar. Stick to the 15-hashtag limit and ensure your hashtags are relevant to avoid running afoul of YouTube hashtag rules.

5. Monitor video views from your hashtags

After you start using hashtags, you can view your YouTube analytics to see which hashtags are drawing users to your content.

6. Track industry and competitor hashtags

Not sure what hashtags to use? Take a look at what your competitors are doing. At Sprout, we call that social listening, and it’s a great way to spot trending hashtags, learn what content appeals to your target audience and see other valuable metrics.

Here’s a look at what social media listening can show you when using Sprout’s dashboard:

Start including hashtags in your YouTube strategy

Excited to start including hashtags in your YouTube strategy? Make sure you’re using them strategically by incorporating relevant hashtags and using branded hashtags that help your audience find more of your content.

Now that you’re ready to level up your YouTube hashtags, check out our YouTube marketing guide for more tips to update your strategy.