How TikTok actually recommends videos

TikTok weighs three broad inputs: content signals (what’s said and shown), metadata (captions, hashtags, sounds), and engagement (watch time, replays, saves, shares). Generic tags like #fyp don’t override these signals.

Source: TikTok Newsroom — How recommendations work.

What to do instead of FYP hashtags

Use query‑matching tags

• Convert the exact phrase people search into a hashtag: “carry on packing” → #CarryOnPacking.
• Add 1–2 niche or location tags (e.g., #MinimalistTravel, #TokyoEats).

Align all signals

• Say the keyword in the first 3–5 seconds.
• Put the same phrase in on‑screen text and in the caption.
• Keep the video tight. Aim for strong watch time and replays.

Examples to copy

Travel: “How to pack a carry‑on for 5 days”

• Caption: “How to pack a carry‑on for 5 days — the exact list.”
• Hashtags: #CarryOnPacking #TravelTips #MinimalistTravel

Beauty: “Eyeliner tutorial for hooded eyes”

• Caption: “Eyeliner tutorial for hooded eyes — 3 quick steps.”
• Hashtags: #EyelinerTutorial #HoodedEyes #MakeupTips

Common mistakes

• Using #fyp/#foryou instead of topic/location tags.
• Stuffing 10+ tags that blur intent and clutter the caption.
• Mismatching hashtags with what’s said or shown on screen.
• Skipping on‑screen text or a clear caption.

Measure and iterate

• Track weekly rankings for a shortlist of target queries.
• Compare watch time, replays, and saves by hashtag set.
• Keep the core keyword tag; rotate 1–2 niche/context tags.

Use SocialSeal to monitor TikTok keyword coverage, ranking movement, and share of voice across your category.