What actually matters for TikTok search

• Content signals: spoken words and on‑screen text that state the topic.
• Metadata: captions with the key phrase, plus descriptive hashtags and relevant sounds.
• Engagement: watch time, replays, saves, shares, and comments.

Sources: TikTok Newsroom; SocialSeal in-house dataset — Phuket snapshot captured Sep 2, 2025

Query → hashtag method (simple workflow)

1. Find a target query your audience searches using in‑app suggestions.
2. Say the exact phrase in the first 3–5 seconds; show it as on‑screen text.
3. Convert the phrase to a hashtag in the caption (e.g., “carry on packing” → #CarryOnPacking).
4. Add 1–2 niche/context tags (e.g., #MinimalistTravel, #BusinessTravel).
5. Optionally add a brand/place tag (e.g., #Klook, #Tokyo).

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

Apps: “Budgeting app for students — quick setup”

• Caption: “Budgeting app for students — set up in 60s.”
• Hashtags: #BudgetingApp #StudentFinance #MoneyTips

How many SEO hashtags should you use?

Use 2–4 descriptive hashtags that mirror the query and context. More than that often blurs intent and clutters the caption.

Common mistakes

• Using generic tags (#fyp, #viral) that don’t add topical clarity.
• Mismatching hashtags with the content you say and show.
• Stuffing 10+ tags that dilute the main idea.
• Ignoring location when the query is market‑specific.