Best Hashtags for YouTube Shorts (Trending 2026)
Discover the best hashtags for YouTube Shorts in 2026. Learn which hashtags boost visibility, how to use them effectively, and get niche-specific hashtag lists to grow your Shorts views.
Key Takeaways
- Always include #Shorts as your first hashtag
- Use 3-5 hashtags total (more isn't better)
- First 3 hashtags appear clickable above your title
- Mix general and niche-specific hashtags
- Trending hashtags can boost short-term visibility
- Hashtags are a minor ranking factor—content quality matters more
The best hashtags for YouTube Shorts include #Shorts (essential), #YouTubeShorts, #Viral, and niche-specific tags. Use 3-5 relevant hashtags—the first 3 appear above your video title. While hashtags have less impact than content quality, they help with categorization and can improve discoverability, especially for trending topics.
Key Takeaways
- Always include #Shorts as your first hashtag
- Use 3-5 hashtags total (more isn't better)
- First 3 hashtags appear clickable above your title
- Mix general and niche-specific hashtags
- Trending hashtags can boost short-term visibility
- Hashtags are a minor ranking factor—content quality matters more
How YouTube Shorts Hashtags Work
Hashtag Display
When you add hashtags to your Short's title or description:
- First 3 hashtags appear above the video title
- Clicking a hashtag shows other videos using it
- Hashtags help YouTube categorize your content
Where to Add Hashtags
Option 1: In Title
Amazing cooking hack! #Shorts #Cooking #FoodHacks
Option 2: In Description
Title: Amazing cooking hack!
Description:
Check out this simple trick...
#Shorts #Cooking #FoodHacks #Recipes #KitchenTips
Hashtag Impact on Algorithm
| Factor | Impact Level |
|---|---|
| Content quality | Very High |
| Hook/retention | Very High |
| Engagement | High |
| Title/description keywords | Medium |
| Hashtags | Low-Medium |
| #Shorts specifically | Medium (categorization) |
Hashtags help but don't guarantee views. Great content with no hashtags beats poor content with perfect hashtags.
Essential Hashtags for All Shorts
Universal Hashtags
| Hashtag | Purpose |
|---|---|
| #Shorts | Ensures categorization as Short |
| #YouTubeShorts | Secondary categorization |
| #Viral | Aspirational, high volume |
| #Trending | Associates with trending content |
| #FYP | "For You Page" crossover from TikTok |
The #Shorts Hashtag
Is #Shorts required?
- Technically no—YouTube auto-detects Shorts
- But recommended for explicit categorization
- Helps ensure your video is treated as a Short
- Especially important for edge cases
Trending Hashtags by Niche (2026)
Entertainment & Comedy
#Shorts #Comedy #Funny #Memes #Entertainment
#Skit #Humor #Relatable #Jokes #LOL
#Viral #FYP #TikTok #Reaction #POV
Gaming
#Shorts #Gaming #Gamer #Games #VideoGames
#Twitch #GameClips #GamingShorts #Pro
#[GameName] #Gameplay #Wins #Fails
Tech & Gadgets
#Shorts #Tech #Technology #Gadgets #TechTips
#iPhone #Android #Apps #Tutorial #HowTo
#TechReview #Unboxing #Setup #TechHacks
Beauty & Fashion
#Shorts #Beauty #Makeup #Fashion #Style
#GRWM #MakeupTutorial #BeautyTips #Skincare
#OOTD #FashionTrends #Haul #GlowUp
Fitness & Health
#Shorts #Fitness #Workout #Gym #Health
#FitTok #Exercise #Motivation #GymLife
#WeightLoss #Muscle #Training #HomeWorkout
Food & Cooking
#Shorts #Food #Cooking #Recipe #Foodie
#FoodTok #CookingTips #EasyRecipe #Yummy
#Baking #Chef #Kitchen #Tasty #Delicious
Education & Learning
#Shorts #Education #Learn #Study #Tips
#Facts #DidYouKnow #Tutorial #HowTo
#Science #History #LifeHacks #Explained
Music & Dance
#Shorts #Music #Dance #Singing #Cover
#DanceTrend #Choreography #Viral #Talent
#Singer #Musician #Performance #[SongName]
Business & Finance
#Shorts #Business #Finance #Money #Investing
#Entrepreneur #Startup #Wealth #FinanceTips
#StockMarket #Crypto #PassiveIncome #Success
Lifestyle & Vlogs
#Shorts #Vlog #Lifestyle #DayInMyLife #Routine
#Life #Daily #Aesthetic #Satisfying #ASMR
#Travel #Home #Family #Pets #Nature
Hashtag Strategy Tips
How Many Hashtags to Use
| Number | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Too few—add more specificity |
| 3-5 | Optimal range |
| 5-8 | Acceptable |
| 8+ | Diminishing returns, looks spammy |
Hashtag Placement Strategy
Best Practice:
- 1.#Shorts first (categorization)
- 2.Primary niche hashtag second
- 3.Specific topic hashtag third
- 4.Additional hashtags in description
Example:
Title: Insane iPhone trick you didn't know! #Shorts #Tech #iPhoneTips
Description:
This feature will blow your mind...
#Technology #Apple #iPhone16 #TechHacks #Smartphone
Finding Trending Hashtags
Method 1: Browse Shorts Feed
- Scroll through Shorts in your niche
- Note hashtags on viral videos
- Copy relevant trending tags
Method 2: YouTube Search
- Search hashtag to see volume
- Click hashtags to see what's popular
- Note which hashtags appear on top Shorts
Method 3: Cross-Platform Research
- Check TikTok trending hashtags
- Many cross over to Shorts
- Adapt popular trends
Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It's Bad |
|---|---|
| Too many hashtags (15+) | Looks spammy, no benefit |
| Irrelevant hashtags | Confuses algorithm, may hurt |
| Only generic hashtags | Not specific enough |
| Hashtags only | Neglects title optimization |
| Misspelled hashtags | Won't link properly |
| Banned hashtags | May limit visibility |
Creating Custom Hashtag Strategy
Step 1: Identify Your Niche
List your content categories:
- Example: Tech tutorials, app reviews, productivity tips
Step 2: Research Competition
Look at successful Shorts in your niche:
- What hashtags do they use?
- Which hashtags appear on multiple viral videos?
- Note both general and specific tags
Step 3: Create Hashtag Sets
Build sets for different content types:
Tech Tutorial Set:
#Shorts #Tech #Tutorial #HowTo #TechTips
App Review Set:
#Shorts #Tech #AppReview #Apps #[AppName]
Productivity Set:
#Shorts #Productivity #Tips #LifeHacks #Work
Step 4: Test and Optimize
- Track which hashtag combinations perform best
- Use YouTube Analytics to see traffic sources
- Adjust strategy based on results
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Quick Hashtag Checklist:
- 1.✅ Always include #Shorts
- 2.✅ Use 3-5 relevant hashtags
- 3.✅ Mix general and specific tags
- 4.✅ Put top 3 in title
- 5.✅ Match hashtags to content
- 6.❌ Don't use irrelevant tags
- 7.❌ Don't overload with 10+ hashtags
Remember: Focus 90% of your effort on creating great content that hooks viewers and keeps them watching. Hashtags are the finishing touch, not the main ingredient.
Related Resources:
- YouTube Shorts Complete Guide
- YouTube Tag Generator for SEO
- How to Go Viral on YouTube Shorts
Written By
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.
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