Key benefits for creators

Less clutter, more clarity
Your captions stay clean and focused, helping your audience actually read what you write (imagine that!).

More relevant discovery
The algorithm now prioritizes quality tags over quantity, making your posts more discoverable to the right people.

A nudge toward intentionality
No more copy-pasting generic tags, you’re now encouraged to think about why you’re using each hashtag.

How the new hashtag limit works

What it does: TikTok now only registers the first 5 hashtags in your caption. Anything beyond that? Ignored.

Why it’s powerful for creators:

• Forces you to choose the most relevant, high-impact tags.
• Improves your chances of reaching the right niche audience.
• Encourages cleaner, more professional-looking captions.

Pro Tips:

• Mix it up: 2 broad tags + 3 niche ones is a solid combo.
• Skip the spammy ones (#FYP isn’t magic anymore).
• Keep a personal list of your top-performing hashtags.

How to pick the right 5 hashtags

What it does: Helps TikTok understand what your content is really about and who to show it to.

Why it’s powerful for creators:

• Boosts engagement from people who actually care about your niche.
• Increases chances of appearing in trend-based and interest-based feeds.
• Helps the algorithm read your content better.

Pro Tips:

• Use the TikTok Trends dashboard to see what’s hot right now.
• Check what hashtags top creators in your niche are using.
• Run A/B tests: switch one hashtag each post and compare reach.

How to write captions that support discovery

What it does: Captions now play a bigger role since hashtags are limited.

Why it’s powerful for creators:

• More space for storytelling, keywords, and hooks.
• Lets you connect emotionally, not just algorithmically.
• Builds your personal brand voice.

Pro Tips:

• Use keywords in full sentences: “My cozy morning routine” > just #MorningRoutine.
• Add context about your process, vibe, or inspo.
• Use emojis and formatting to keep things scroll-stopping.

What this means for growth

What it does: This shift rewards creators who are strategic, authentic, and niche-aware.

Why it’s powerful for creators:

• Less noise = more opportunity to stand out.
• Relevance > reach = stronger community building.
• Forces you to be more intentional with every post.

Pro Tips:

• Track which tags actually drive engagement (not just views).
• Keep a “hashtag mood board” in Notes or Notion.
• Stay consistent, the algorithm loves creators who show up clearly and regularly.

👉 Start today: Next time you post, pause before you tag. Ask yourself: “Does this hashtag describe the content, or just chase reach?” Pick your strongest five, write a caption that speaks, and hit publish. Then keep tabs on performance to sharpen your hashtag game.

In the end...

TikTok’s hashtag limit isn’t a roadblock, it’s a roadmap. It’s your cue to post smarter, connect deeper, and create content that’s rooted in authenticity and relevance. The five-hashtag rule isn’t about restricting your voice,  it’s about amplifying the right parts of it.