How Many Hashtags Should You Use on YouTube Shorts?
The recommended number is 3 to 5 hashtags per Short.
YouTube doesn't penalize you for using more, but the benefit of adding more than 5 is minimal. YouTube also has a rule: if you include more than 15 hashtags, it ignores all hashtags on that video entirely.
Best practice: 3–5 relevant, specific hashtags. Quality over quantity.
Where Do Hashtags Appear on YouTube Shorts?
Hashtags on YouTube Shorts appear in two places:
- Above the title — The first hashtag in your title or description appears as a clickable link above the Short's title in the feed
- In the description — Any hashtags in the description are clickable and lead to a hashtag search results page
Unlike TikTok or Instagram, where hashtags are prominent in the feed, YouTube Shorts hashtags are relatively subtle. They're more useful for categorization and search than for discovery in the Shorts feed itself.
Do Hashtags Actually Help YouTube Shorts Performance?
Modestly — but they're not the primary growth driver.
What hashtags help with:
- Appearing in hashtag search results (e.g., searching "#cooking" shows Shorts tagged with it)
- Helping YouTube categorize your content for the algorithm
- The
#Shortshashtag specifically signals to YouTube's system that the video is a Short (though YouTube now detects this automatically by aspect ratio)
What hashtags don't do:
- Dramatically increase views or virality on their own
- Replace the need for a good title, description, and quality content
- Work the way they do on Instagram or TikTok, where hashtag feeds are a major discovery mechanism
The YouTube Shorts algorithm primarily distributes based on viewer behavior (completion rate, likes, shares) — not hashtags. Hashtags are a secondary signal.
Should You Use #Shorts?
The #Shorts hashtag used to be important for YouTube to identify and distribute Shorts. In 2024 and beyond, YouTube identifies Shorts based on their vertical aspect ratio and length (under 3 minutes) — not solely on the hashtag.
However, using #Shorts doesn't hurt and is still a common practice. Many creators include it as one of their 3–5 hashtags out of convention.
Best Hashtag Strategy for YouTube Shorts
1. Use one broad hashtag
A general category that describes the content type: #cooking, #fitness, #tech, #comedy.
2. Use one or two niche hashtags
More specific tags that describe the exact topic: #mealprep, #homeworkout, #androidtips, #standupcomedy.
3. Use one trending hashtag (if relevant) If your content relates to a current trend or event, include the relevant trending hashtag. Don't force it if it's not relevant — irrelevant hashtags don't help and look unprofessional.
4. Optionally include #Shorts
One of your 3–5 tags can be #Shorts if you want to follow the convention.
Example for a cooking Short:
#cooking #mealprep #easyrecipes #Shorts
Where to Add Hashtags on YouTube Shorts
In the title: You can add 1–2 hashtags directly in the title. The first hashtag in the title appears prominently above the video.
Example title: 5-minute meal prep for the week #mealprep #cooking
In the description: Add the rest of your hashtags in the description. They're clickable and help with categorization.
Note: Hashtags in the title count toward the 15-hashtag limit alongside description hashtags.
YouTube Shorts Hashtags vs. TikTok and Instagram
| Platform | Hashtag importance | Recommended count |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube Shorts | Low–Medium | 3–5 |
| TikTok | Medium | 3–5 |
| Instagram Reels | Medium | 5–10 |
| Instagram Posts | High | 10–15 |
YouTube Shorts are the least hashtag-dependent of these platforms. Focus more on title optimization and content quality for Shorts growth.
What Matters More Than Hashtags for YouTube Shorts
In order of importance for Short performance:
- Content quality and hook — First 2 seconds determine whether viewers swipe away
- Completion rate — The algorithm rewards Shorts that get watched all the way through
- Title — What shows up in search and under the video
- Posting consistency — Channels that upload regularly get more distribution
- Engagement signals — Likes, comments, shares, and saves
- Hashtags — Modest contribution, useful for categorization
Don't over-invest time in hashtag research at the expense of making better content.
Summary
- Use 3–5 hashtags per YouTube Short
- Don't exceed 15 hashtags (YouTube ignores all of them if you do)
- Hashtags help with categorization and hashtag search — not viral distribution
- Include one broad category tag, one or two niche tags, and optionally
#Shorts - Focus more on your title, hook, and content quality — that drives performance
If you're scheduling YouTube Shorts alongside TikTok and Instagram Reels, PostLink lets you post to all platforms at once — so you can add platform-appropriate hashtags and publish everywhere from a single upload.
