We often get messages from our users asking:
- “Do you need hashtags for YouTube Shorts?”
- “What about #shorts?”
- “Do hashtags even matter?”
We’re here to settle this once and for all. Join us!
Answered: Do Hashtags Matter on YouTube Shorts?
Yes, hashtags do matter on YouTube Shorts — but their impact is not as significant as on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
On YouTube, hashtags mainly help categorize content and make it easier for people to discover videos through search and related content.
Here’s why they’re still useful:
- Discoverability: Hashtags can improve the chances of your Shorts appearing in search results or trending hashtag pages, increasing visibility.
- Categorization: They help YouTube understand your content better, which can improve its placement in suggested videos and Shorts feeds.
- Searchability: Users can search hashtags, so including relevant ones can help target a specific audience.
- Moderate Impact: While useful, hashtags alone won’t guarantee more views; content quality, watch time, and engagement are more critical factors.
Or best advice is for you to use 1-3 relevant hashtags in your video title or description, focusing on broader and niche tags that describe your video content.
FAQ
1. Should I use #shorts on YouTube Shorts?
Yes, you should use #shorts on YouTube Shorts. It is the most popular hashtag, with over 1B posts, which gives you a great shot at going viral.
It helps signal to YouTube that your video is part of the Shorts format, which can boost its visibility in the Shorts feed.
While YouTube already recognizes Shorts by their vertical format and length, adding #shorts can still increase your chances of being discovered in searches specifically for Shorts content
2. Is it better not to use hashtags on YouTube?
3. How many hashtags should I use on YouTube Shorts?
You should use 1-3 hashtags on YouTube Shorts.
- This strikes a good balance between improving discoverability and keeping your content focused.
- Overloading with hashtags might look spammy or reduce the video’s impact, while using too few could limit reach.
Stick to relevant and high-traffic hashtags that align with your video content.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort