How Hashtags Work on TikTok LIVE and How to Use Them

If you’re a TikTok creator looking to reach more viewers and grow your LIVE audience, one of the most overlooked tools is the hashtag.
Hashtags aren’t just for regular TikTok videos — they also play a major role in how your LIVE streams are discovered and categorized on the platform.

In 2025, TikTok’s algorithm has become smarter and more interest-driven, which means the right hashtags can help you appear in front of the exact people who are most likely to enjoy your content.

Let’s break down exactly how hashtags work on TikTok LIVE and how you can use them strategically to boost your reach and engagement.


1. What Are Hashtags and Why They Matter on TikTok LIVE

Hashtags are keywords preceded by the “#” symbol that group together similar content.
They help TikTok organize videos and LIVE streams into specific topics or themes.

When you add hashtags to your LIVE title or description, TikTok uses them to:

  • Understand what your stream is about

  • Show your LIVE to viewers interested in those topics

  • Help you appear in the LIVE discovery tab or relevant For You Page (FYP) sections

Simply put: hashtags tell the algorithm, “Hey, this LIVE is about beauty tips,” or “This is a gaming session.”
That clarity increases your chances of being shown to the right audience.


2. How TikTok Uses Hashtags in the LIVE Algorithm

TikTok’s LIVE algorithm in 2025 combines real-time behavior with topic signals — and hashtags are one of those signals.

When you go LIVE, TikTok scans your:

  • Hashtags in the title or description

  • Spoken words (through AI voice detection)

  • Viewer engagement (comments, likes, gifts)

  • Retention time (how long people stay)

If your hashtags match your content and engagement is strong, the algorithm will boost your visibility to more users with similar interests.

For example:
If you stream with hashtags like #FitnessTips and #HealthyLifestyle, TikTok will likely recommend your LIVE to users who interact with fitness-related videos.


3. Where to Add Hashtags for TikTok LIVE

When setting up your LIVE, you’ll see an option to write a title or description before going live.
That’s where you should add your hashtags.

Example:

“Morning Stretch Routine for Beginners #FitnessLIVE #WorkoutWithMe #MorningMotivation”

Keep hashtags relevant, clear, and natural — no need to overload them.
TikTok recommends using 3–5 strong hashtags instead of spamming dozens.


4. Types of Hashtags to Use on TikTok LIVE

The best strategy combines a mix of broad and niche hashtags.

a. Niche Hashtags

These describe your exact topic or community.
Examples:

  • #MakeupTutorial

  • #GamingSetup

  • #MotivationLIVE

  • #CookingTips

  • #DanceSession

b. Trend Hashtags

These connect your LIVE to current trends or challenges.
Examples:

  • #ForYou

  • #TikTokLIVE

  • #TrendingNow

  • #CreatorCommunity

c. Location Hashtags

If your audience is regional, include where you’re from.
Examples:

  • #DubaiCreators

  • #UKLIVE

  • #USAStreamers

d. Event or Time-Based Hashtags

If your LIVE is tied to an event, theme, or special moment, tag it.
Examples:

  • #WeekendVibes

  • #HolidayLIVE

  • #SummerChallenge

Mixing these categories helps TikTok match your stream to a wider — but still relevant — audience.


5. Hashtag Best Practices for LIVE Streams

To make hashtags work in your favor, follow these simple but powerful tips:

Use relevant hashtags only
If your LIVE is about cooking, don’t use #DanceChallenge. Irrelevant tags can hurt your credibility.

Avoid overusing hashtags
Stick to 3–5 focused hashtags. Too many looks spammy and can confuse the algorithm.

Keep them updated
Trends change quickly on TikTok. Update your go-to tags every few weeks based on what’s trending in your niche.

Experiment and review analytics
Try different combinations of hashtags and track how each LIVE performs. You’ll quickly learn which ones bring more viewers.

Create your own branded hashtag
Example: #iSkyCreators or #LiveWithiSky — this helps your followers recognize your streams and builds a long-term brand identity.


6. Common Hashtag Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced creators sometimes misuse hashtags. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Using irrelevant or misleading hashtags just for reach

  • Copy-pasting the same set of tags for every LIVE without testing results

  • Overstuffing the title with hashtags and making it hard to read

  • Forgetting to add hashtags entirely (a missed opportunity!)

Remember: hashtags are meant to clarify, not clutter.


7. How to Find the Best Hashtags for Your Niche

TikTok constantly updates what’s trending — and you can use that to your advantage.

Here’s how to find the right ones:

  1. Search on TikTok: Type your niche into the search bar (e.g., “fitness live”) and see which hashtags are trending.

  2. Check the Discover tab: TikTok highlights popular hashtags daily.

  3. Look at top creators in your niche: Note the tags they use in their LIVE titles and videos.

  4. Use tools like: TikTok Creative Center or Hashtagify to analyze performance and trends.


8. Combine Hashtags with a Strong Title and Timing

Hashtags alone won’t make your LIVE go viral — they work best when paired with a catchy, relevant title and smart timing.

Example LIVE setup:

Title: “Night Routine for Busy Creators 🌙 #ProductivityTips #CreatorLifestyle #TikTokLIVE”
Time: 8:00 PM — when your audience is most active.

A great hashtag strategy plus consistent scheduling equals long-term growth.


9. The Algorithm Loves Relevance

TikTok’s system is smarter than ever in 2025.
It can detect your topic through your speech, captions, and hashtags — and cross-checks them for accuracy.

If your hashtags don’t match what you’re actually saying or doing during your stream, your reach may decrease.
So keep it natural: use hashtags that truly reflect your topic, mood, and audience interest.


10. Final Thoughts

Hashtags on TikTok LIVE aren’t just decoration — they’re data signals that tell the platform who should see your content.
When you use them strategically, you help TikTok connect you with the viewers most likely to enjoy your LIVE and become loyal fans.

Start experimenting with relevant tags, review your analytics, and adjust your strategy over time.

At iSky Agency, we help creators master every part of their TikTok LIVE strategy — from timing and engagement to hashtag optimization and audience growth.

Want to learn how to reach more viewers with the right LIVE setup?
Join iSky Agency as a Creator and get expert guidance for your TikTok journey.