Hashtags, Audio, Captions

The technical elements of TikTok aren't glamorous, but they're what make your content discoverable. Get these right, and you're working with the algorithm. Get them wrong, and you're fighting it.

Hashtag Strategy That Actually Works

Forget everything you know about hashtag stuffing from Instagram. TikTok hashtags work differently.

The Rule of 3-5

Use 3-5 hashtags maximum. TikTok's algorithm is sophisticated enough that it doesn't need 30 hashtags to understand your content.

The Hashtag Pyramid

Foundation (60% of your hashtags):

  • #BookTok
  • #BookRecommendations
  • #AuthorLife
  • Your genre (#Fantasy, #Romance, #Thriller)

Niche (30%):

  • #IndieAuthor
  • #NewRelease
  • #BookLovers
  • #ReadingCommunity

Specific (10%):

  • #EnemiestoLovers (if relevant)
  • #BookHaul
  • #WritingTips
  • #AuthorsofTikTok

Hashtag Research Method

  1. Search your main hashtag (#Fantasy)
  2. Look at top-performing videos
  3. Note which hashtags they use
  4. Test those combinations
  5. Track which work best for you

Common Hashtag Mistakes

Using Dead Hashtags #Books has 50 million posts. Your content gets lost. #FantasyBooks with 2 million? Much better odds.

Hashtag Trends vs. Content Mismatch Don't use #BookTokMadeMeBuyIt unless you're actually recommending books that made you buy them.

Overcomplicating #BookRecommendationsForPeopleWhoLoveFantasyRomance is not a real hashtag. Keep it simple.

Audio: The Secret Sauce

Audio can make or break your TikTok. Here's how to use it strategically.

Use Original Audio When:

  • You're sharing personal stories
  • Giving book recommendations
  • Teaching something
  • Building your brand voice

Use Trending Audio When:

  • Participating in viral formats
  • Reaching new audiences
  • Matching popular content styles
  • Testing new content ideas
  1. Scroll your For You Page for 10 minutes
  2. Note which sounds you hear repeatedly
  3. Check if the trend fits your content style
  4. Use it within 24-48 hours (trends move fast)

Audio Quality Tips

For Original Audio:

  • Record in a quiet space
  • Hold phone 6-8 inches from your mouth
  • Speak clearly but naturally
  • Test your audio before filming the full video

For Trending Sounds:

  • Don't talk over music-heavy parts
  • Match your energy to the audio
  • Time your content reveals with audio beats

The Audio Loophole

Here's a secret: You can use trending audio but turn the volume down and add your voice as a voiceover. You get the trend benefit without sacrificing your message.

Caption Mastery

Your caption is prime real estate. Use it wisely.

The Hook-Context-CTA Formula

Hook (First Line): This appears in the feed preview. Make it compelling.

  • "The book that made me question everything..."
  • "Authors: stop doing this one thing..."
  • "POV: You find the perfect enemies-to-lovers..."

Context (Middle): Expand on your video content. Add value the video didn't cover.

Call-to-Action (End): Tell viewers what to do next.

  • "What's your favorite fantasy romance?"
  • "Follow for more book recs!"
  • "Link in bio for my book list"

Caption Length Sweet Spot

Aim for 100-150 characters for maximum engagement. Long captions get cut off and lose impact.

Caption Don'ts

  • Don't explain everything in your video
  • Don't use excessive emojis
  • Don't write novels
  • Don't forget punctuation

My Technical Stack

After testing dozens of combinations, here's what works consistently:

Hashtags: #BookTok + 2 genre tags + 1 niche tag + 1 content-specific tag

Audio: 70% original audio, 30% trending sounds

Captions: Hook question + brief context + engagement question

Advanced Technical Tips

Hashtag Testing

Create identical videos with different hashtag combinations. Post them 24 hours apart. See which performs better.

Audio Analytics

Check which of your videos with original audio perform best. Those voice tones and speaking patterns? Replicate them.

Caption A/B Testing

Try different hooks for similar content:

  • "This book destroyed me" vs. "You need to read this book"
  • Track which style gets better engagement

The Shadow Testing Method

Post similar content at different times with slight technical variations. The algorithm will show you what works.

Technical Red Flags to Avoid

Hashtag Red Flags:

  • Using banned hashtags (check community guidelines)
  • Hashtag typos (#BokTok instead of #BookTok)
  • Irrelevant hashtags for reach

Audio Red Flags:

  • Copyrighted music without TikTok license
  • Audio that doesn't match your content
  • Volume levels that hurt ears

Caption Red Flags:

  • All caps (looks like shouting)
  • External links (use link in bio instead)
  • Spelling errors (hurt credibility)

The 48-Hour Rule

Give your technical choices 48 hours to work before judging them. The algorithm needs time to find your audience.

Your Technical Optimization Plan

Week 1: Focus only on hashtags. Test different combinations. Week 2: Experiment with original vs. trending audio. Week 3: Refine your caption formula. Week 4: Combine your best technical elements.

Remember: These technical elements are servants to your content, not masters. Great content with mediocre hashtags beats mediocre content with perfect hashtags every time.

But when you combine great content with smart technical choices? That's when the magic happens.

Next, let's explore the specific growth hacks that can accelerate your BookTok success.

Up next

BookTok Growth Hacks

Proven strategies and tactics to accelerate your growth on BookTok.