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YouTube Shorts is the latest battleground for content creators looking to go viral and gain a massive following. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube provides an incredible opportunity to reach a huge audience with your short-form vertical videos. But in a sea of content, how do you make your Shorts stand out? One key ingredient is using the right viral tags.
Hashtags on YouTube Shorts work similarly to other platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They help categorize your content, make it more discoverable to viewers searching for specific topics, and signal to the YouTube algorithm what your video is about. When used strategically, viral tags can skyrocket your Shorts views and subscribers.
In this ultimate guide, we'll dive into the best practices for using YouTube Shorts tags, share some of the top trending and popular tags to use right now, and provide tips for identifying the right mix of tags for your specific niche and content.
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Why Hashtags Matter for YouTube Shorts
Before we get into the specific tags to use, it's important to understand why optimizing your Shorts' hashtags is so crucial for success on the platform. Here are a few key reasons:
- Discoverability - Hashtags make your Shorts more discoverable to viewers who don't already follow you. When someone clicks on or searches for a hashtag, your video has a chance to show up if it's tagged relevantly. This exposes your content to new audiences.
- Categorization - Hashtags signal to viewers and the algorithm what your video is about at a glance. They help your Shorts get shown to the right people who are interested in your video's topic or niche.
- Trend-jacking - Hopping on trending hashtags, when relevant to your content, can give your Shorts a major visibility boost, as the algorithm tends to favor videos that tap into of-the-moment trends.
- Engagement - Some studies have shown that posts with hashtags get more engagement in the form of likes and comments compared to those without tags. More engagement sends positive signals to the algorithm.
- Branding - You can create your own unique, branded hashtags to build community and make your content easily identifiable. Encourage viewers to follow your branded hashtag to see more of your videos.
When used intentionally, hashtags are a powerful tool for getting more eyeballs on your Shorts and enticing viewers to keep watching. Now let's look at some specific hashtags you can leverage.
Top Trending YouTube Shorts Hashtags in 2024
The most popular hashtags on YouTube Shorts change frequently, so it's important to stay up-to-date.
However, there are some evergreen hashtags that consistently perform well. Here are some of the top trending tags to use on your Shorts in 2024:
- #Shorts - The most basic and essential tag for all your Shorts videos. It signals that your video is a YouTube Short.
- #YouTubeShorts - Another version of the #Shorts tag. Use both to cover your bases.
- #Trending - If your video taps into a current trend, this is a good tag to include for extra visibility.
- #Viral - Videos with this aspirational tag often feature shocking, funny, or highly shareable content. Use it if you think your video has viral potential.
- #FYP or #ForYou - Borrowed from TikTok, this tag signals that you think your video is worthy of being featured on the viewer's "For You" feed of recommended Shorts.
- Niche tags - It's important to also include 2-3 niche-specific tags relevant to your content vertical, such as #GamingShorts, #CookingTips, #MakeupTutorial, etc. This helps you reach your target audience.
- Trending tags - Keep an eye on the Shorts shelf and see what hashtags are frequently popping up on trending videos. Hop on these with your own unique spin.
- Branded tags - Consider creating your own custom tag for your channel or series, like #AcmeUnboxing or #SarahsCookingShow. Encourage viewers to follow the tag for more.
The key is to use a mix of broad appeal tags and more specific, niche-targeted tags to maximize your reach while attracting viewers who are likely to engage with your content.
Tips for Identifying the Best Hashtags for Your Shorts
Now that you have some starter ideas for tags, how do you know which ones are the best fit for your specific YouTube Shorts videos? Here are some tips:
- Research your niche - See what tags other successful creators in your niche frequently use. Take inspiration from them, but don't just copy verbatim.
- Use YouTube autocomplete - When you type # into the YouTube search bar, it will autosuggest popular hashtags. This is a good way to see what's currently trending.
- Check the Shorts shelf - See what tags are commonly used on videos in the Shorts shelf, especially those that are similar to your content.
- Use hashtag tools - There are third party tools that show you the most popular hashtags on YouTube as well as suggest tags related to your keywords.
- Mix evergreen and trending tags - Include a balance of tags that are always popular in your niche with of-the-moment trending tags. This expands your reach.
- Keep a list - Maintain a running list of effective tags in a spreadsheet or notes app. Refer back to it and update as you test and optimize your Shorts hashtag strategy over time.
- Watch your analytics - See which of your Shorts are performing best and analyze which tags they used. Double down on what's working.
Remember, hashtags are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly make your YouTube Shorts go viral, you also need to hook viewers in the first few seconds, create highly engaging content, leverage trending audio, and encourage viewers to like, comment, and subscribe.
Mistakes to Avoid with YouTube Shorts Hashtags
While hashtags are an important tool for growing your Shorts views, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using irrelevant tags - Don't use a trending tag that has nothing to do with your video. This comes across as spammy and inauthentic.
- Stuffing in too many tags - YouTube allows up to 60 characters in your Shorts title. But using more than 3-4 hashtags looks cluttered and desperate. Stick to a few highly relevant ones.
- Changing tags too frequently - If a video is performing well with certain tags, don't switch them up or you could lose momentum. Wait at least a few days before changing tags on a Short.
- Forgetting to use tags - Tags should be a key part of your Shorts optimization strategy. Make them a habit and always include at least #Shorts and 1-2 niche tags.
- Only using broad tags - If you only use generic tags like #Shorts and #FYP, your video will have a harder time reaching your target audience. Always include a few niche-specific tags too.
By avoiding these common hashtag mistakes, you'll be well on your way to Shorts success.
Conclusion
Hashtags are a key ingredient in the recipe for viral YouTube Shorts success. When used strategically, they help your videos get discovered by new audiences, tap into trends, and signal to the algorithm that your content is worth promoting.
To recap, some of the top trending YouTube Shorts tags for 2024 include #Shorts, #YouTubeShorts, #Trending, #Viral, #FYP, and niche-specific tags. The key is to use a mix of broad and targeted tags relevant to your content.
To identify the best tags for your Shorts, research your niche, use YouTube's autocomplete feature, analyze the Shorts shelf, try hashtag tools, and keep a running list of top performers. Avoid common mistakes like using irrelevant tags, keyword stuffing, and changing tags too frequently.
Remember, hashtags are just one optimization tactic for Shorts. Pair them with attention-grabbing hooks, engaging content, trending sounds, and strong calls-to-action for the best results. Happy tagging!
