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You've conquered long-form video, aced live streams, and now you're setting YouTube Shorts on fire. But with this scorching new format comes a burning question: Do hashtags even work on YouTube Shorts?
As we've gone through the short answer, now it's time to confuse you with a blend of "maybe" and "it depends." So let's break it down into bite-sized pieces.
Why YouTube Shorts hashtags might be a bit overrated
Let's face it, YouTube Shorts prioritizes keeping viewers glued to their feeds with engaging content. Unlike traditional YouTube searches, hashtags don't seem to be the primary driver for discovery. Here's the catch:
- Focus on the feed: Most views come from the curated Shorts feed, which prioritizes engagement metrics like watch time and completion rate. A killer Short with zero hashtags can still take off if it hooks viewers instantly.
- Limited real estate: Those precious character counts for titles and descriptions are prime territory for grabbing attention. Don't waste space on hashtags unless they truly add value.
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- The algorithm reigns supreme: YouTube Shorts prioritizes engagement in your follower feed. A catchy hook, hilarious content, or that "purrfect" cat video will travel far faster than a hashtag explosion.
Fuat Zarifoglu
So, should I use hashtags in YouTube Shorts?
Okay, so hashtags aren't the magic bullet. But that doesn't mean they're useless. Here are some ways they can still benefit your YouTube Shorts strategy:
- Categorize your content: Hashtags help YouTube understand your Short's topic. This can be helpful for surfacing your video in the Shorts tab or search results, especially for niche topics.
- Reach new communities: Think of hashtags as bridges to new audiences. People love to explore trending topics and niche communities through hashtags. A relevant hashtag (think #LifeHacks or #FoodieFun) can introduce your Short to a whole new audience.
- Building a Community: Using niche hashtags relevant to your content can help you connect with other creators and viewers who share your passion. It's a great way to spark conversations and collaborations. Plus, they can help you connect with viewers interested in your Short's niche.
- Search Party: While the Shorts feed focuses on engagement, hashtags can still help your Short pop up in search results. Think of it as a welcome sign for curious viewers.
- Tap into trends: Is there a trending challenge or hashtag on Shorts? Including a relevant hashtag can help your Short ride the wave and get discovered by a wider audience. Who knows, maybe you'll even go viral!
Arif Akdogan
Bonus tips for YouTube Shorts hashtags
Now that you see the potential of hashtags, let's level up your Shorts game:
- Find your niche: Explore hashtags specific to your content's niche. This increases the chance of your Short being seen by the right eyes.
- Research & relevance: Don't just throw in random hashtags. Use relevant terms with decent search volume but not too much competition.
- Quality over quantity: Don't stuff your title or description with a dozen hashtags. Focus on 3-5 highly relevant ones that accurately reflect your content.
- Ride the trending wave: Look for trending hashtags related to your niche and incorporate them strategically. But be mindful of jumping on overused hashtags that might drown out your Short.
- Think beyond obvious hashtags: Don't just use hashtags for broad categories. Get creative! A funny Short about your dog's digging antics could benefit from #DestructoPup or #MyLawnHatesMe.
- Spy on the competition: Check out what hashtags successful creators in your niche are using. This can give you valuable insights into what resonates with your target audience.
- Test & adapt: Experiment with different hashtags and see what resonates with your audience. Analytics can be your friend here.
- Use Circleboom Publish: Use a third party tool like Circleboom Publish to get the most out of your hashtags. The YouTube Shorts scheduler of Circleboom Publish does a lot more than just allowing you to post your shorts at the best times. See all what it has to offer here:
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Remember, hashtags are just one piece of the puzzle.
Focus on creating high-quality, engaging Shorts that hook viewers in the first few seconds. That's the golden rule for conquering YouTube Shorts, regardless of hashtags. But with a strategic hashtag sprinkle, you can expand your reach and connect with even more viewers hungry for your awesome content.
So, there you have it! Hashtags might not be the king of YouTube Shorts, but they're still valuable tools for categorization, trend-jacking, and niche discovery.
Ready to unleash your inner Shorts master? Grab your camera, create killer content, and use these hashtag tips to amplify your reach. Now get out there and rock the Shorts world!
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