TikTok’s New Hashtag Rules: Less Spam, More Sales (and Zero Tears)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever put 24 hashtags under a TikTok and prayed the algorithm would notice you. Welp, TikTok just slammed the brakes on that behaviour. In September 2025 the platform announced that it’s enforcing a new hashtag limit to cut down on spam. The reason? Too many hashtags make a post look desperate and actually hinder discovery. TikTok wants creators to focus on quality content, not keyword soup, and other platforms like Threads, X and LinkedIn are following suit.
If you’re busy building funnels and sipping rosé, here’s what you need to know (and how to nail TikTok without spamming your followers).
Fewer hashtags = stronger signals
The new limit forces you to pick the three to five hashtags that actually describe your video. That’s a good thing! Instead of #entrepreneur #hustle #marketing #foryoupage #smallbiz #idunnoanymore, choose targeted tags like #marketingautomation, #smallbiztips or #aussiemarketer. Think of hashtags as categories rather than lottery tickets. A focused tag tells TikTok exactly who should see your clip. Bonus: you spend less time typing and more time recording.
Content quality is the new hack
Hashtags can’t save a boring video. The algorithm prioritises watch time, shares and comments. That means your 15‑second tip about automating follow‑up emails has to be snappy, helpful and in your own sass‑filled voice. Use trending sounds (without them taking over your message), add captions for accessibility and get straight to the point. People scroll fast – make sure the first second tells them why they should care.
Lean into storytelling and community
TikTok isn’t just for teens dancing anymore; it’s a search engine. People use it to find tutorials, reviews and advice. Your videos should answer questions your clients ask: “How do I automate my welcome emails?” “What’s the difference between a funnel and an autoresponder?” Show before‑and‑after scenarios from your own work. Use the duet or stitch features to respond to other creators. The more you engage, the more the algorithm will reward you.
Cross‑platform synergy
The same reduction in hashtags is happening on LinkedIn and Threads. LinkedIn even introduced Thought Leader Ads that let you sponsor posts from your favourite experts. That means your TikTok strategy can inform your LinkedIn strategy: create a solid piece of video content, post the short version on TikTok with a few targeted hashtags, then turn it into a thought‑leadership post on LinkedIn and boost it using the new ad format. Reuse the caption on Instagram Reels with the same three hashtags. One idea, multiple platforms.
Keep tracking and adapting
Trends change faster than you can say “hashtag.” Monitor your analytics. Are people watching your videos to the end? Are they clicking through to your profile? Are they booking calls? Adjust accordingly. If a hashtag stops working, swap it out. If a video blows up, analyse why and repeat the formula. The algorithm is ruthless; your job is to stay nimble.
