You’ve heard it everywhere — “Use trending hashtags to go viral!” But let’s be honest… most of us still throw in #fyp and hope for the best.
So today — we’re going deep.
Which hashtags are actually trending right now in 2025?
Which ones are still getting creators thousands of views — and which ones are silently killing your reach?

Whether you’re a creator, a small brand, or just trying to grow on TikTok — this episode will help you use hashtags strategically.
And yep, there’s a full breakdown on our blog with real examples — I’ll link it below.

Let’s dive in.

What Makes a Hashtag Trend in 2025

So… first things first — what even makes a hashtag “trending” these days?

In 2025, TikTok’s algorithm is smarter. It doesn’t just look at how many people use a tag — it looks at how people react to the videos under that tag.

Watch time, shares, saves, even how quickly someone exits — all of that matters more than just volume.

That’s why some tags blow up in 24 hours, and others fade before they even start.

Right now, we see 3 types of trending tags:

1. Sound-based: These are built around an audio — like #CapCutTemplate or #WhistleTransition
2. Challenge-based: Like #SideEyeSiblings or #OpenYourEyesChallenge
3. Meme-based: Like #MyRomanEmpire — a tag built around a shared joke or trend

Each behaves differently, and each works best when timed right.

Top Trending Hashtags Right Now

Alright — let’s talk examples. These are some of the actual trending hashtags creators are using right now in July 2025.

#SideEyeSiblings

This one’s gold for comedy and storytelling.
Siblings film a quick moment where one side-eyes the other… and it’s crushing right now.
Great for humor, lifestyle, even parenting content.

#BrushReveal

This tag is huge in the beauty space.
It starts with a brush covering the lens — and the reveal happens with a snap transition.
If you’re doing makeup, skincare, or even nail art — this is your tag.

#90sCore

TikTok’s obsession with nostalgia is alive and well.
This tag is used for outfits, throwback edits, or just aesthetic vibes.
It’s especially hot with fashion creators and mood boards.

#WhistleTransition

This one started as an audio trend but it’s everywhere now.
You whistle, then cut to a new outfit or setting — classic transition challenge.
What’s cool? It’s flexible — works for fashion, travel, even comedy skits.

And there’s more — we’ve broken them down by niche in our blog post, from beauty to food to fitness.
Check it out in the link below if you want the full list.

Hashtag Mistakes That Kill Your Reach

Alright, now let’s talk mistakes — because using the wrong hashtags can tank your reach.

❌ Overused tags like #foryou, #viral, or #xyzbca? They’re basically noise now.
❌ Irrelevant niche tags? If your content doesn’t fit the vibe, TikTok deprioritizes you.
❌ Hashtag stuffing — 10 or more random tags? That just looks desperate.
And worst of all: Repeating the same tag combos every video — this can lead to what some call “shadowban behavior.”

If you’ve seen your views suddenly drop… it might not be the algorithm hating you — it might be how you’re using tags.
We talk about this in our episode on TikTok shadowbans — I’ll link that too.

Hashtag Strategy That Works in 2025

Let’s flip it.
Here’s the hashtag combo that’s working in 2025:

• 1 or 2 viral tags from your niche
• 2 or 3 hyper-relevant niche or custom tags
• 1 branded or series tag — something YOU repeat (like #SocialGrowthTips)

Here’s the key: Your tags should match the emotion or moment of the video — not just the topic.

Also, use TikTok’s search bar. Type in your tag and check how recent the top posts are. If nothing’s moving — skip it.

And please… stop copying the same hashtag block from last month’s post. The algorithm notices.

So let’s recap:

• Trending hashtags work — but only when you choose the right type.
• We covered some of the hottest ones this month — from #BrushReveal to #SideEyeSiblings.
• And you now know how to avoid the biggest tag mistakes killing reach.

Want the full breakdown by niche? Head to the blog — Trending TikTok Hashtags 2025.
If you found this helpful, hit subscribe, and check out our episode on TikTok shadowbans — that one’s got a lot of love from creators.