100 Most Popular YouTube Hashtags in 2025 – A Complete Guide for Content Creators

YouTube hashtags have become an essential tool for content creators and brands in 2025. Whether you’re a micro-influencer, an aspiring YouTuber, an Amazon seller showcasing products, or an agency running an influencer marketing campaign, using the most popular YouTube hashtags can dramatically boost your video’s visibility. By adding “#” keywords to titles or descriptions, content creators make their videos more discoverable – helping the YouTube algorithm categorize content and suggest it to interested viewers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how YouTube hashtags work, best practices for using them, and list 100 of the most popular hashtags on YouTube (sorted by niche) that can amplify your reach. We’ll also touch on how hashtags tie into e-commerce and UGC trends. Let’s dive in!

Figure: An illustrative comparison of the approximate number of YouTube videos using popular hashtags. #Shorts leads by a wide margin (over 1.4 billion videos), followed by other widely used tags like #Music, #Gaming, #Viral, and #Subscribe.

How YouTube Hashtags Boost Visibility

Hashtags on YouTube make your content easier to find. When you tag a video with a relevant hashtag (for example, #fitness or #vlog), that tag becomes a clickable link. Viewers can click or search that hashtag to see a results page of all videos using it. In essence, hashtags group videos by topic, trend, or community. This has two major benefits:

• • Improved discovery: Hashtags signal to YouTube what your video is about, boosting its chances of appearing in searches and recommendations for that topic. They act like SEO keywords for the YouTube algorithm, helping it understand your video’s context. For example, adding #MakeupTutorial or #DIY tells the system to surface your content to users interested in those topics.

     

  • Expanded reach: Using popular YouTube hashtags can connect your video to a wider audience beyond your subscribers. If a hashtag is trending, anyone following or searching that trend may stumble on your video. This is especially powerful for micro-influencers trying to grow; the right hashtag can expose a creator’s content to thousands of new viewers interested in that niche.

Bottom line: Hashtags act as free promotion. They help group your video with similar content and get it in front of viewers who love that topic. For instance, a content creator vlogging about entrepreneurship might use #startuplife – placing their video alongside others using that tag, and potentially attracting entrepreneurs searching that hashtag. In the competitive world of YouTube (from beauty gurus to tech reviewers), leveraging the most popular YouTube hashtags can be a game-changer for growth.

YouTube Hashtag Best Practices (Rules & Tips)

While hashtags are powerful, using them incorrectly can backfire. YouTube has specific policies on hashtag usage, and following best practices will maximize the benefits. Here are the key guidelines:

1. 1. Use 3-5 highly relevant hashtags per video. YouTube allows up to 60 hashtags in a video description, but more is not better. In fact, over-tagging can hurt your reach – if you add too many hashtags, YouTube may ignore them or even remove your video from search results for spammy behavior. Most experts recommend focusing on a few very relevant tags (around 3-5) rather than stuffing dozens. This keeps your content targeted and avoids confusing the algorithm.

       

   2. Place hashtags strategically: title vs description. You can add hashtags in the video title or at the end of the description. If you put a hashtag in the title, YouTube will display that over any tags from the description (title hashtags take priority). Hashtags in descriptions (up to the first three) will appear above your video title on the watch page, acting like clickable links. A smart strategy is to include one or two broad or branded hashtags in the title (if it fits naturally) and a few specific ones in the description. For example, a travel vlogger might title a video “#Travel Adventures in Japan” and then in the description add tags like #JapanTravel and #TravelVlog – those will show above the title as well. Remember that only the first three description hashtags are shown publicly, so put your most important ones first.

       

   3. Keep hashtags directly relevant to your video. Using misleading or unrelated hashtags is against YouTube’s rules. If your video has nothing to do with a tag you added, it’s considered misleading metadata and could get your video taken down. Always ask: Does this hashtag truly reflect my content? For example, don’t tag a cooking video with #gaming or a tech review with #fashion just because those are popular – it won’t fool the algorithm and may violate guidelines. Stick to tags that describe your video’s topic, genre, or industry.

       

   4. Avoid prohibited or offensive tags. YouTube’s Community Guidelines apply to hashtags too. No spaces in hashtags (e.g. use #MakeupTutorial not “#makeup tutorial”). And never use tags that include hate speech, harassment, sexual or explicit terms, or profanity. Doing so can result in age-restriction or video removal. Essentially, keep your hashtags clean and audience-friendly.

       

   5. Don’t overdo hashtags for trendiness sake. It might be tempting to slap #viral, #trending, or #fyp on every video. But if they aren’t relevant, they won’t magically make you go viral. In fact, adding too many generic tags can dilute your video’s focus (and as mentioned, YouTube could ignore all hashtags if you go beyond the limit). Choose a few powerful hashtags that match your content and target audience. Quality over quantity is the rule here.

Pro tip: If your video is part of a series or campaign, consider creating a unique branded hashtag and using it consistently. For example, a brand might use #MyProductReviews on all their review videos. A branded hashtag keeps viewers within your content ecosystem (since clicking it will show mostly your videos) rather than sending them to a broad topic feed. This is a strategy many channels and brands use to build a community – fans learn to search that tag to find related videos easily.

Top Trending YouTube Hashtags by Category (2025)

Now, let’s get to the core of the guide – the most popular YouTube hashtags of 2025. We’ve sorted 100+ trending hashtags by industry/niche so you can easily find the ones that fit your content. Using niche-specific tags can connect you with viewers who love that topic (great for influencer marketing targeting). Keep in mind that popularity can shift with trends, but these hashtags have proven hot this year in their respective categories.

Beauty & Fashion

YouTube is a goldmine for beauty gurus, makeup tutorials, and fashion lookbooks. Micro-influencers in beauty and style often rely on these tags to reach fans of cosmetics and couture. Some of the top beauty/fashion hashtags include:

1. #fashionstyle – For outfit lookbooks, styling tips, and fashionistas. 

2. #lifestyle – A broad tag often used by vloggers blending fashion with everyday life. 

3. #makeupvideo – Used for general makeup-related videos. 

4. #makeuptutorial – A go-to tag for step-by-step makeup guides (from everyday looks to costume makeup). 

5. #beautytips – Great for videos offering beauty hacks, skincare routines, and product advice. 

6. #fashion – A classic, wide-reaching tag for anything style-related. 

7. #beauty – Similarly broad tag touching makeup, skincare, hair, etc. (often paired with #fashion). 

8. #fashionweek – Popular during global fashion weeks; designers and bloggers use this to share runway content. 

9. #haul – Common for shopping haul videos where creators show off new purchases (especially clothing or makeup). 

10. #skincare – Trending for skincare routine videos and product reviews. 

11. #hairtutorial – Used by hair stylists or beauty creators demonstrating hairstyles. 

12. #OOTD – Stands for “Outfit Of The Day,” popular in fashion vlogging.

Why use these? The beauty/fashion community on YouTube is huge, and viewers often search these hashtags to find new styles or tips. For example, a video tagged #makeuptutorial can attract users specifically looking for makeup how-tos, while #haul taps into the curiosity around product finds and shopping sprees. Using these popular tags appropriately can land a beauty vlogger’s video in front of trend-conscious viewers (and potential shoppers).

Health & Fitness

From workout routines to wellness tips, health and fitness content thrives on YouTube. Many people turn to YouTube instead of the gym for guidance. If you’re in the fitness niche – whether you’re a yoga instructor, bodybuilder, or health coach – consider these high-visibility hashtags:

13. #workout – Generic but widely browsed tag for any exercise-related video.

14. #fitness – Broad tag encompassing gym workouts, home fitness, etc.

15. #healthylifestyle – Often used for nutrition, lifestyle change vlogs, and overall wellness content.

16. #motivation (or #mondaymotivation) – Great for inspirational fitness journeys and pep talks.

17. #yoga – Popular among yoga instructors and enthusiasts sharing routines or tutorials.

18. #homeworkout – Trending with the rise of at-home fitness; use for no-gym-needed exercise videos.

19. #mealprep – For nutritionists or fitness influencers showing how to prep healthy meals.

20. #gains – Slangy tag common in weightlifting/bodybuilding circles, signaling muscle gain content.

21. #fitnesstips – Used for advice videos on form, diet, workout plans, etc.

22. #transformation – Often in weight loss or muscle gain transformation videos (before-and-after journeys).

These tags tap into audiences looking to get in shape or maintain a healthy lifestyle. For instance, someone might search #yoga to find calming routines, or #mealprep for diet ideas. By tagging your fitness content with relevant popular hashtags, you increase the chance health-minded viewers will find (and follow) your channel.

Food & Cooking

From quick recipes to culinary adventures, food is a massive category on YouTube. Home cooks, food vloggers, and even e-commerce brands (like kitchen gadget sellers) can gain viewers through these hashtags:

23. #food – A top-level tag for anything food-related. Recipe demos, mukbangs, and food reviews all use this.

24. #cooking – Lets viewers know the video involves cooking or recipes.

25. #recipes – Frequently used by channels that focus on how to cook specific dishes.

26. #foodie – Appeals to viewers who love gourmet content, food vlogs, and tasting videos.

27. #baking – For dessert and baking-specific videos (cupcakes, breads, etc.).

28. #vegan (or #plantbased) – Popular in the plant-based cooking niche; helps vegan audience find relevant content.

29. #foodvlog – Used by vloggers who travel or explore restaurants, sharing their food experiences.

30. #streetfood – Trending for travel food channels showcasing local street foods around the world.

31. #ASMRfood – For those doing ASMR-style eating or cooking sounds (quite popular).

32. #healthyrecipes – Attracts viewers looking for nutrition-conscious meal ideas.

Food-related hashtags often attract a hungry audience (literally!). A cooking tutorial tagged #recipes or #foodie can reach users searching for new meal ideas, while a travel vlogger using #streetfood might gain international viewers curious about global cuisines. If you’re a content creator partnering with food brands or an Amazon seller demonstrating a kitchen product, these tags can also draw in viewers interested in cooking and dining, thereby indirectly boosting product visibility.

Education & DIY

YouTube isn’t just for entertainment – it’s a learning hub. Educational channels and DIY (do-it-yourself) creators use these hashtags to connect with knowledge-seekers and hobbyists:

33. #education – A broad tag for academic lessons, explainers, and edutainment content. 

34. #learning – Often paired with #education, indicating a learning opportunity (from math tutorials to language lessons). 

35. #tutorial – Extremely popular for any “how-to” video, whether it’s fixing a gadget, coding, or crafting. 

36. #DIY – Stands for “do it yourself,” used by creators in crafting, home improvement, and maker spaces. 

37. #lifehacks – For creative tips and tricks to make life easier. Many compilation videos use this tag. 

38. #science – Used by science communicators and experiment channels to mark science-related content. 

39. #homeschool – For videos aimed at homeschooling parents or students (a tag that grew in usage during recent years). 

40. #history – Used by history educators sharing historical facts, documentaries, or re-enactments. 

41. #art – Fits in education as well as lifestyle; often used for art tutorials, drawing/painting lessons (note: #art also appeared under Beauty as it’s cross-domain). 

42. #howto – Another generic but widely-used tag similar to #tutorial, reinforcing that the video will teach a skill.

These tags are like beacons for curious minds. Someone trying to fix something might search #DIY or #tutorial and find your video. A student looking for help in algebra might search #education or #learning. By tagging educational content appropriately, you ensure it surfaces to those actively looking to learn that skill or topic. (Plus, educational content often has high retention and shareability, which YouTube rewards, so the right hashtags can further boost an already helpful video.)

Entertainment & Pop Culture

Not everything on YouTube is about “how-to” or niches – a huge share is pure entertainment. Comedy sketches, music, and pop culture commentary fall here. If your goal is to entertain (make people laugh, sing, or simply have fun), these hashtags can amplify your reach:

43. #music – One of the most popular YouTube hashtags for anything music-related. Cover songs, music videos, instrumentals, etc., all use this. 

44. #newmusic – Used by artists or reviewers to indicate freshly released tracks or albums. 

45. #funny – Common for comedy clips, prank videos, or any humorous content. A highly browsed tag by users seeking a laugh. 

46. #vlog – Indicates a video blog (day-in-the-life, travel vlogs, personal updates). Massive tag especially for lifestyle and travel YouTubers. 

47. #memes – For meme compilations or meme-themed commentary videos (internet culture content). 

48. #comedy – A tag signaling stand-up routines, skits, or comedic commentary. Often used alongside #funny. 

49. #entertainment – A general tag (also used by some media companies on YouTube) for entertainment news or variety content. 

50. #challenge – Popular with challenge videos (e.g., 24-hour challenge, TikTok challenge re-creations, etc.). 

51. #prank – For prank videos; still a thriving genre on YouTube with a dedicated audience. 

52. #podcast – Many podcasters now upload video versions; this tag flags it as a podcast content.

Entertainment tags attract broad audiences looking to be amused or engaged. For example, a channel uploading a comedy sketch would be wise to tag it #comedy or #funny, to catch those browsing for laughs. A singer releasing a cover song might use #music and #newmusic to reach music enthusiasts. Keep in mind that entertainment is a crowded field, so pairing a broad tag with a specific niche tag (e.g., #comedy #parody or #music #coverSong) can help hit both trending and targeted audiences.

Gaming

Gaming is huge on YouTube – gameplays, walkthroughs, esports highlights, you name it. In fact, YouTube is second only to Twitch for gaming content. Gamers and gaming channels should leverage these popular hashtags:

53. #gaming – The top-level tag for anything gaming; signals the video is game-related. 

54. #letsplay – Used for Let’s Play videos where creators play through games with commentary. 

55. #gameplay – Similar to letsplay; indicates the video includes raw gameplay footage (often with commentary or reactions). 

56. #fortnite – Game-specific tag; substitute with whatever game is featured (e.g. #Minecraft, #Roblox, #CallOfDuty). Fortnite remains a massively tagged game on YouTube. 

57. #xbox (and #playstation or #PS5) – Used in console-specific gaming content or reviews. 

58. #esports – For competitive gaming content, tournament highlights, or discussions. 

59. #livestream – If you’re posting a saved live stream or promoting a live gaming session, use this to attract live content viewers (YouTube has a whole live section). 

60. #gamingcommunity – A tag to reach the broader community of gamers on the platform. 

61. #retroGaming – Popular among classic game enthusiasts showcasing old-school games. 

62. #indiegame – If you’re covering indie games, this can draw in viewers specifically interested in non-mainstream titles.

By tagging their videos, gaming content creators can reach the dedicated fanbases of specific games or genres. For example, a video tagged #fortnite will appear in searches for Fortnite content – critical given the volume of daily Fortnite uploads. Similarly, tagging #letsplay helps viewers specifically seeking commentary playthroughs to find your channel. If you’re a gamer on YouTube, these hashtags are practically a must-use to compete in the bustling gaming category.

Technology & Gadgets

Tech videos are incredibly popular – from smartphone unboxings to PC build guides. Both tech reviewers and e-commerce tech sellers (who might use influencer reviews) can boost reach with these hashtags:

63. #tech – A short and sweet tag signaling tech content. Use it for general tech topics or news. 

64. #technology – Similar to #tech; sometimes used for more conceptual or industry-wide tech discussions. 

65. #gadgets – Great for videos reviewing or listing cool gadgets and electronics. 

66. #unboxing – Hugely popular tag for unboxing videos (phones, laptops, any product) – these draw curious shoppers in droves. 

67. #review – Often paired with tech product videos (e.g., “iPhone 15 #review”). Lets viewers seeking reviews know your video covers pros/cons. 

68. #technews – Used for newsy updates on technology (product launches, tech events). 

69. #innovation – A tag for futuristic or cutting-edge tech content. Startups or new tech showcase videos might use this. 

70. #AI – In 2025, content around artificial intelligence is surging. Use #AI for videos on AI tools, demos, or discussions. 

71. #crypto (or #cryptocurrency/#bitcoin) – Popular tags for finance-tech crossover content (if your channel covers crypto trends or fintech). 

72. #programming – For coding tutorials or software development discussions (could also use #coding).

The tech audience on YouTube often searches by specific interest – e.g., someone might search #unboxing to watch gadget unboxings or #cryptocurrency to find crypto explainers. For a tech influencer or reviewer, using these trending tags can put your video in front of tech enthusiasts scouring YouTube for the latest device or tech tip. Moreover, brands launching new devices often collaborate with tech YouTubers; such videos tagged appropriately can even appear to potential customers researching those products.

Lifestyle & Travel

Lifestyle is a broad category encompassing daily vlogs, travel adventures, home decor, and everything in between. It’s also an area where influencers truly shine by impacting consumer decisions. Here are popular tags in the lifestyle realm:

73. #lifestyle – A general tag for lifestyle vlogs (often overlapping with fashion, fitness, travel, etc.). 

74. #travel – Used by travel vloggers to mark videos about destinations or journeys. 

75. #travelvlog – A more specific tag common on travel diaries or adventure vlogs. 

76. #photography – For channels or videos focusing on photography, camera gear, or photo travel blogs. 

77. #dailyvlog – Indicates a daily life vlog, which appeals to fans who enjoy routine/day-in-the-life content. 

78. #minimalism – A trending lifestyle theme; used in content about minimalistic living, decluttering, etc. 

79. #homedecor – Popular for interior design, room makeover, or DIY decor videos. 

80. #family – Tag used for family vlog channels or parenting-related content. 

81. #selfcare – Trending in lifestyle for videos about mental health, self-improvement, and wellness routines. 

82. #luxury – For high-end lifestyle content (luxury travel, luxury hauls, etc.). 

Lifestyle and travel tags often have devoted followings. A well-placed #travel tag can attract viewers planning trips or dreaming of faraway places, while #selfcare and #wellness tags draw in those looking to improve their daily life. If your content’s goal is to inspire or share life experiences, these hashtags will plug you into communities of viewers who scroll YouTube for motivation, ideas, and relatable stories.

Community & Generic YouTube Hashtags

Finally, there are some generic but extremely popular hashtags that cut across all genres. These are commonly used by creators to boost general discoverability and tap into platform-wide trends:

83. #subscribe – Frequently added to encourage subscriptions; it’s almost a call-to-action in hashtag form (often seen in descriptions).

84. #newvideo – Lets your audience know you have new content; some creators tweet or tag this when they upload so people searching “new video” might find recent posts.

85. #youtube – Yes, some people tag “YouTube” itself – often used in meta videos about YouTube or by the community discussing YouTube culture.

86. #youtuber – Used by creators to identify as part of the YouTube creator community. A viewer searching this might be looking for up-and-coming creators or community-related discussions.

87. #youtubechannel – Similar use as #youtuber, highlighting a channel’s presence.

88. #shorts – One of the most popular YouTube hashtags in 2025, thanks to YouTube Shorts (the platform’s short-form vertical videos). Millions of creators tag their short videos with #Shorts to maximize reach in the Shorts feed. (Fun fact: over 1.4 billion videos on YouTube have used #Shorts!)

89. #viral – A generic tag aiming to associate with viral content. Often used hopefully by creators on videos with trending potential.

90. #trending – Similar to #viral, used to ride on trending topics. (If your video actually involves a current trend or challenge, it makes sense to tag it so interested viewers find it.)

91. #like and #follow – These mimic social media lingo; occasionally used in YouTube video descriptions as a nudge (e.g., “#like and share!”). They’re very generic but appear on many videos.

92. #tbt – Stands for “Throwback Thursday,” a popular social media trend tag. Used on YouTube for nostalgic or past content, usually on Thursdays.

93. #challenge – (Reiterating from entertainment) widely used for any challenge video – a staple of YouTube viral content.

94. #news – Used by news channels or commentary YouTubers covering current events.

95. #viralshorts – A newer combo tag emerging with Shorts; creators use it hoping their short video goes viral.

96. #fyp – Borrowed from TikTok’s “For You Page,” some Shorts creators use #fyp on YouTube Shorts as well, aiming for discoverability (though its effectiveness on YT is unproven).

These generic tags should be used thoughtfully. Tags like #subscribe or #YouTuber can signal you’re part of the creator community, but they won’t substitute for topic-specific tags in getting targeted viewers. The power of #Shorts, however, is very real – with YouTube pushing Shorts content heavily, using that tag on your short-form videos is almost standard practice now. Many creators also use a combination of a niche tag + a generic tag (e.g., “#Travel #vlog”) to cover both bases.

Where to Find More Hashtags and Trends

The list above is a great starting point, but trends evolve. How do you discover new or trending hashtags relevant to your niche? Here are two quick methods:

• • YouTube’s Auto-Suggest: One of the easiest ways is simply to type “#” into the YouTube search bar and start typing a keyword. YouTube will auto-suggest popular hashtags based on current trending topics. For example, typing “#food” might show suggestions like #food, #foodie, #foodvlog with indicators of how many videos are under each. This is a peek into what’s hot right now. If any suggested tag aligns with your video’s content, consider using it. (Just make sure it actually matches your content; don’t force a trending tag that isn’t relevant.)

     

  • Third-Party Tools: There are several hashtag research tools and generators that can help find effective tags. Platforms like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, Ahrefs, or Hashtagify can show you popular YouTube tags, search volumes, and even how competitive they are. Some tools provide data on which hashtags might boost your visibility given your channel size. For instance, a tool might reveal that #AmazonFinds (a tag used for cool products on Amazon) is trending upward – valuable info if you do product review videos. Always choose tools or websites with good credibility. (Many social media management platforms like Sprout Social also have social listening features to spot trending hashtags across platforms.)

Staying updated on hashtag trends is particularly important if you’re involved in fast-moving spaces like tech, entertainment, or challenges. What’s popular this season might be different next season. Make it a habit to periodically research and refresh the tags you use.

Conclusion to 100 Most Popular YouTube Hashtags

In summary, the most popular YouTube hashtags in 2025 span a wide range of categories – but the common thread is that, when used wisely, they can significantly boost your video’s reach and engagement. Hashtags help YouTube’s algorithm and users navigate content, effectively offering a free SEO boost for creators. By incorporating relevant trending hashtags into your titles and descriptions (without overstuffing or straying off-topic), you make it easier for your target audience to find you. This is especially vital for micro-influencers or new creators looking to break out: the right hashtag can expose your content to communities far beyond your subscriber list.

Remember to follow the best practices – a handful of well-chosen, relevant tags will beat a laundry list of random tags every time. Monitor which hashtags seem to actually drive views (YouTube Analytics can show if certain search terms or tags led people to your video). Over time, you’ll refine a hashtag strategy that suits your niche.

In the ever-competitive YouTube landscape, using these popular hashtags smartly is one of the simplest growth hacks at your disposal. So go ahead: update your video descriptions, experiment with relevant tags from our lists, and watch your content become more discoverable. With great content and the right hashtags, you’ll be well on your way to trending on YouTube’s radar – and who knows, maybe the next #viral success story!