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How to Find Hashtags for Shorts

Hashtags in Shorts are not “magic” — they’re an additional signal. The problem is that many creators add 20–30 tags in a row and the description turns into spam. It’s better to choose 3–5 relevant tags that match the topic and format. Below are 3 ways to find niche hashtags, examples, and a quick “hashtags are ok” checklist.

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3 ways to find tags (topic, competitors, format)

1) By topic: start from a keyword query

Start from the query your video answers. Example: “Shorts have no sound” → tags about sound, editing, export. This keeps you from “shooting in the dark” and helps you pick tags for one concrete pain.

If you build videos from queries, first check the keyword approach: Keywords for Shorts.

2) By competitors: what similar channels use

This is a simple method when you know your niche and can identify channels with similar topics and format. Look not at “the biggest”, but at channels closest to you. The goal is to see which tags repeat in your category.

Important: don’t copy everything. Take ideas, but keep only what matches your exact video.

3) By format: list, breakdown, before/after, checklist

Sometimes videos are united not by topic, but by format. For example: “3 mistakes”, “checklist”, “step‑by‑step”. In this case, part of the tags can reflect the format so the video reads clearer for the audience.

List / mistakes. Tags like “mistakes”, “tips”, “guide”.
Breakdown / education. Tags like “tutorial”, “howto”.
Before/after. Tags like “result”, “improvement”, “beforeafter”.

How many hashtags to use (mix broad + niche)

A practical minimum is 3–5 tags. It’s enough to signal context without turning the description into a “tag wall”.

A good mix:

1 broad tag for platform/format (Shorts/video);
2–3 niche tags for the topic (sound, editing, retention, etc.);
1 format tag (checklist / mistakes / step‑by‑step) — if relevant.

If you’re unsure, use fewer — but more precise.

Hashtag mistakes (too many, irrelevant, “everything at once”)

10–30 tags. Usually looks like spam and doesn’t help retention.
Irrelevant trends. Trending tags but different topic — audience won’t match.
Overly broad tags. They don’t add precision. Better 2 niche tags than 10 broad ones.
Same tags for every video. Then you stop describing the specific topic.

About whether hashtags work at all: Hashtags for Shorts: Do They Work?.

Example sets for different video types

Technical problem. 1 broad + 2–3 topic tags (sound/export/editing).
Retention/structure. 1 broad + 2–3 topic tags (hook/retention/first seconds).
Editing/production. 1 broad + 2–3 topic tags (subtitles/transitions/background/quality).
Growth + analytics. 1 broad + 2–3 topic tags (CTR/analytics/recommendations).

The point isn’t to “guess the perfect tag”, but to pick a set that describes your video the way a viewer would.

“Hashtags are ok” checklist

3–5 tags, no spam.
Tags match the video topic, not “trends in general”.
1–2 niche tags exist, not only broad ones.
The description stays readable and to the point.

Typical hashtag mistakes (and how to do better)

20–30 tags in a row. Looks like spam. Use 3–5 precise tags instead.
Popular tags not related to the topic. If a tag doesn’t describe the video, it doesn’t help — and can bring the wrong audience.
One set for all videos. Keep 1–2 broad tags, but change 2–3 niche tags per topic.
Duplicating the same meaning with synonyms. Better add a format tag (“mistakes/checklist”) or a tag for the concrete pain.
Long phrase tags. Tags should be simple and recognizable. Put long phrases into the title; keep tags short.

And the main thing: hashtags are seasoning, not the base. Build a strong start and clear structure first, then add tags carefully.

Mini example: video “Shorts have no sound” → a set like #sound, #editing, #export + one broad format tag (if you want). The key is that tags describe the video like a viewer would.

Mini FAQ

Do you need to add #shorts?

Not required. Focus on topic clarity, retention, and readable packaging.

Are tags more important than the title?

Usually no. Title and first seconds affect more. About titles: Shorts Title: How to Write It.

Can you use the same tag set all the time?

You can keep 1–2 broad tags, but it’s better to pick 2–3 niche tags per specific video.

How to test changes faster

Don’t try to “heal” bad views with hashtags. Test what truly drives growth: hook, pacing, and ending. Hashtags are a careful optimization. If you want to test their impact, make a 4–6 video series with the same structure and change only one parameter (tag set). That gives an honest conclusion.

To test found hashtags faster, publish a series: one format, one topic, change only tag sets. In the AdShorts AI Telegram bot you get a video together with a draft description and hashtags — so testing is easier without routine.