Want to boost your YouTube Shorts views in 2024? You're in the right spot! Using the right hashtags can make a huge difference. Let's dive into the world of YouTube Shorts hashtags and figure out how to make your videos stand out from the crowd. We’re going to cover everything from understanding why hashtags are important to uncovering the top hashtags you should be using right now. Get ready to level up your Shorts game!

Why Hashtags Matter for YouTube Shorts

Okay, guys, let’s get real about hashtags. Why should you even bother with them? Think of hashtags as little signposts that guide viewers to your content. On a platform like YouTube, where millions of Shorts are uploaded daily, hashtags help the algorithm understand what your video is about. This means YouTube can show your Short to people who are actually interested in the topic. It's like telling YouTube, “Hey, this video is for the cat lovers!” or “This dance tutorial is perfect for beginners!”

When you use relevant hashtags, you increase the discoverability of your Shorts. People searching for specific topics are more likely to stumble upon your video. This increased visibility can lead to more views, likes, and subscribers. Plus, hashtags can help your Shorts get featured on the YouTube Shorts shelf, giving you an even bigger boost. So, yeah, hashtags are kind of a big deal.

But here’s the catch: you can’t just throw a bunch of random words together and hope for the best. You need to use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to maximize your reach. Popular hashtags will get your video in front of a larger audience, while niche hashtags will help you connect with a more targeted group. It's all about finding the right balance to get the most bang for your buck. So, keep reading to find out which hashtags you should be adding to your Shorts right now!

Top YouTube Shorts Hashtags for 2024

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What are the best YouTube Shorts hashtags you should be using in 2024? Here’s a curated list to get you started, divided into categories to make it super easy for you:

General/Trending Hashtags:

• #shorts: This is the most basic and widely used hashtag. Always include it!
• #youtube shorts: Another essential one that specifies the content type.
• #short: A shorter version of #shorts, useful for character limits.
• #youtubeshort: A slight variation that can catch different searches.
• #trending: If your content is timely or riding a wave, use this.
• #viral: Aim high! Use this if your content has broad appeal.
• #fyp: For You Page – hoping to land on viewers' main feeds.
• #explore: Encourages viewers to explore more content.
• #recommended: Signals that your video is worth watching.

Category-Specific Hashtags:

For Comedy:

• #comedy: Obvious, but necessary for comedic content.
• #funny: If your video makes people laugh, use this.
• #humor: A more sophisticated way to say #funny.
• #lol: For laugh-out-loud moments.
• #memes: If your video features or references memes.
• #comedyshorts: Specifically for short-form comedy.
• #jokes: Short, punchy, and to the point.

For Dance:

• #dance: A must-have for any dance video.
• #dancing: Emphasizes the action of dancing.
• #dancetrend: If you're following a popular dance trend.
• #dancelove: For videos that express a love for dance.
• #dancechallenge: If you're participating in a dance challenge.
• #dancetutorial: If you're teaching dance moves.
• #choreography: Highlights the planned dance movements.

For DIY/Tutorials:

• #diy: Perfect for do-it-yourself projects.
• #tutorial: If you're teaching viewers how to do something.
• #howto: A straightforward way to attract viewers looking for instructions.
• #craft: For creative, handmade projects.
• #lifehack: If you're sharing clever tips and tricks.
• #tipsandtricks: Another way to highlight helpful advice.
• #diyprojects: Specifically for DIY project showcases.

For Gaming:

• #gaming: Essential for any gaming-related content.
• #gamer: Targets the gaming community.
• #gameplay: Showcases actual game footage.
• #videogames: A broader term for video game content.
• #gamingcommunity: Connects you with other gamers.
• #gaminglife: Reflects the lifestyle of a gamer.
• #gamertips: If you're sharing gaming tips and strategies.

For Beauty/Fashion:

• #beauty: For makeup, skincare, and beauty tips.
• #fashion: Showcases clothing, style, and trends.
• #makeup: Specifically for makeup tutorials and looks.
• #skincare: Focuses on skincare routines and products.
• #style: Highlights personal style and fashion choices.
• #beautytips: Shares advice on beauty techniques.
• #fashiontrends: Covers the latest fashion trends.

Niche Hashtags:

Niche hashtags are super important because they help you connect with a specific audience. Think about what makes your Short unique and find hashtags that reflect that. For example, if you're doing a cooking Short featuring a vegan recipe, you might use hashtags like #veganrecipe, #veganfood, and #plantbased. If you're showcasing a particular travel destination, use hashtags like #travelvlog, #travelgram, and #[destination name]. The more specific you get, the better chance you have of reaching the right viewers.

The key here is relevance. Don't just throw in random niche hashtags that have nothing to do with your content. This can actually hurt your visibility and make your video look spammy. Do your research and find hashtags that accurately describe your Short.

How to Find Trending Hashtags

Staying on top of trends is crucial for maximizing your reach. But how do you find out what’s trending? Here are a few strategies:

• YouTube Trends: Keep an eye on the YouTube Trends page to see what’s popular right now. This can give you ideas for content and hashtags to use.
• Google Trends: Use Google Trends to see what topics are trending globally and in your specific region. This can help you identify relevant hashtags.
• Social Media: Pay attention to what’s trending on other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. Trends often cross over between platforms.
• Competitor Analysis: See what hashtags your competitors are using and which ones are performing well. This can give you insights into what’s working in your niche.
• Hashtag Tools: Use hashtag generator tools to find related and trending hashtags. These tools can save you time and effort.

By staying informed about current trends, you can create content that resonates with viewers and use hashtags that will help your Shorts get discovered.

Best Practices for Using Hashtags

Okay, so you know which hashtags to use, but how should you actually use them? Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Mix It Up: Use a combination of general, category-specific, and niche hashtags. This will help you reach a broad audience while also connecting with a targeted group.
• Be Relevant: Only use hashtags that are relevant to your content. Irrelevant hashtags can hurt your visibility and make your video look spammy.
• Don't Overdo It: While YouTube allows you to use a lot of hashtags, it’s generally best to stick to around 3-5 highly relevant ones. Too many hashtags can be overwhelming and make your video look cluttered.
• Placement Matters: You can put hashtags in the title or description of your Short. Some creators prefer to put them in the description so they don’t clutter the title.
• Analyze and Adjust: Pay attention to which hashtags are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use YouTube Analytics to track your hashtag performance.
• Stay Updated: Trends change quickly, so make sure to regularly update your hashtags to stay relevant.

Examples of Effective Hashtag Use

Let’s look at some examples of how to use hashtags effectively. Imagine you’ve created a Short showcasing a delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Example 1: Hashtags in the Description

Learn how to make the *best* chocolate chip cookies ever! 🍪 #shorts #youtubeshorts #cookies #chocolatechipcookies #baking #recipe #dessert #easyrecipe #homemade #foodie #cookingshorts

Example 2: Hashtags in the Title and Description

🍪 Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe! #shorts

Full recipe in the description! #youtubeshorts #cookies #chocolatechipcookies #baking #recipe #dessert #easyrecipe #homemade #foodie #cookingshorts

In both examples, we’re using a mix of general hashtags like #shorts and #youtubeshorts, category-specific hashtags like #baking and #dessert, and niche hashtags like #chocolatechipcookies and #easyrecipe. This ensures that the video reaches a wide audience while also connecting with people specifically interested in cookie recipes.

Tools to Help You Find the Right Hashtags

Finding the right hashtags can be time-consuming, but there are several tools that can help. Here are a few popular options:

• Rapidtags.io: This tool generates relevant tags based on a keyword or topic.
• Keyword Tool: This tool helps you find long-tail keywords and hashtags related to your content.
• VidIQ: This tool offers a range of features, including hashtag research and analytics.
• TubeBuddy: Similar to VidIQ, TubeBuddy provides tools for hashtag research, keyword analysis, and more.
• RiteTag: This tool analyzes hashtags in real-time and provides insights into their effectiveness.

These tools can save you time and effort by helping you quickly identify the most relevant and trending hashtags for your Shorts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using hashtags effectively is crucial, but it’s also important to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your visibility. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Using Irrelevant Hashtags: Only use hashtags that are directly related to your content. Irrelevant hashtags can confuse the algorithm and turn off viewers.
• Overusing Hashtags: While YouTube allows you to use a lot of hashtags, it’s generally best to stick to a few highly relevant ones. Too many hashtags can make your video look spammy.
• Using Banned Hashtags: Avoid using hashtags that have been banned by YouTube. This can result in your video being penalized or removed.
• Ignoring Trends: Stay up-to-date on current trends and adjust your hashtags accordingly. Using outdated hashtags can limit your reach.
• Not Analyzing Performance: Pay attention to which hashtags are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly. Not tracking your hashtag performance is like driving blind.

Level Up Your YouTube Game!

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about using YouTube Shorts hashtags in 2024. By understanding why hashtags matter, using a mix of popular and niche hashtags, staying on top of trends, and avoiding common mistakes, you can boost your Shorts views and grow your channel. Now get out there and start creating amazing content!