Hashtags, Audio, Captions

Hashtags, audio, and captions each play different roles in your TikTok strategy. While audio can significantly impact your reach and captions can boost engagement, hashtags are more optional than most authors realize. Understanding how to use each element strategically will help you focus your energy where it matters most.

Using Hashtags Strategically

Here's a truth that might surprise you: hashtags aren't as crucial for the algorithm as many authors think. Their primary function is to help categorize your content for people who are actively searching for specific topics. The algorithm is sophisticated enough to understand your video without them. Text on screen, visuals, and your description all play a much bigger role in how TikTok surfaces your content.

So why do creators still use them? Hashtags provide a sense of control in an unpredictable algorithm. They feel like you're doing something to help your content. More importantly, people do actively search hashtags to discover new content - remember how you used hashtag searches during your account warmup process? That's exactly how potential readers might find your videos.

If you've been following the account warmup process, you should already have a good sense of which hashtags work in your niche from your daily engagement activities. This research becomes the foundation for your hashtag strategy. Start by searching your main genre tag (for example, #RomanceBooks, #FantasyBooks). Watch the top-performing videos under that tag and take note of the other hashtags those creators are using. Often, you'll notice patterns: maybe fantasy creators also use #Romantasy or #DragonTok. In romance, you'll often see trope-driven hashtags like #EnemiesToLovers, #HEA (happily ever after), or #HockeyRomance. Use these combinations in your own posts to help readers who search those specific terms find your content.

How to Use Hashtags (if at all)

Mix broad and specific: Combine one community tag (#BookTok) with niche tags that include both sub-genres (#Romantasy, #ThrillerReads) and tropes (#EnemiesToLovers, #GrumpySunshine).

Avoid generic tags: #Books or #Reading have billions of posts where your content will get buried instantly.

The bottom line: Your content quality, hooks, and consistency matter infinitely more than your hashtag strategy. Focus your energy there first. Some successful creators have stopped using hashtags entirely and see no difference, or even an improvement in their performance.

Finding the Right Audio

Audio is very important on TikTok, sometimes just as important as the visuals, because the platform's algorithm often pushes videos tied to trending sounds. When you use a trending sound, your video gets associated with a cluster of other videos using the same sound. This increases the chances TikTok will surface your content to people already engaging with that trend. However, it's crucial to choose trending sounds that are popular within your niche specifically, because using a dance trend sound on your book review will cluster you with dancers, not readers.

But here's what many authors get wrong: not every video needs trending audio. If your content is strong (storytelling, visuals, hooks), you can succeed with original sound or a voiceover. In fact, many viral BookTok videos rely on clear original narration to tell their story, not trends. The key is understanding when each approach works best.

Audio also influences retention in subtle ways. A catchy beat, recognizable sound, or even a punchy voiceover hook in the first 3 seconds can keep viewers watching longer, which signals to the algorithm that your content is engaging. And if you create a memorable line or unique reading that resonates, others may start using your audio, creating a viral effect that amplifies your reach across the platform.

How to Use Audio Effectively

Match audio to content: Use trending sounds only when they naturally fit your content's tone and message.

Prioritize clarity: For story-based content, clear narration often works better than forcing a trending sound.

Layer strategically: You can play trending audio quietly under your voiceover for discoverability benefits.

Test different approaches: Try trending sounds, original narration, and combinations to see what resonates with your audience.

As you scroll your For You Page, notice which sounds repeat across multiple videos and check if they align with your content's tone and message. Use the strategic saving approach you learned during account warmup to save sounds that could work for future content.

Mastering Captions for Engagement

Captions are more powerful than most authors realize. They're not just text under your video; they're engagement drivers, searchability tools, and conversation starters all in one. TikTok also offers a separate title field that functions similarly to captions - some creators use titles for shorter text while keeping longer thoughts in captions, while others skip titles entirely and use only captions. TikTok's search function scans captions for keywords, so including relevant terms like "enemies to lovers romance" or "dark academia fantasy" helps people find your content when they search.

The real magic happens when you move beyond basic questions like "Which trope is your favorite?" and start using captions that actually make people stop and think. Controversial opinions work particularly well: "Unpopular opinion: third act breakups are lazy writing" or "Romance readers who skip spicy scenes are valid." These statements practically beg for comments.

You can also use captions strategically to enhance your video's impact. Adding "The twist at the end had me SCREAMING" creates anticipation that keeps viewers watching. "Part 3 is where it gets messy" encourages binge-watching your series. Even a simple "Based on a true story btw" can add an intriguing layer to fiction content.

Here's something many authors don't realize: when viewers stop scrolling to read your caption, that time counts toward your total watch time. Longer captions work when they're compelling enough to actually get read. Think of them as bonus content - a mini-review, behind-the-scenes context, or a thought-provoking question that adds value beyond your video.

How to Use Captions Effectively

Include keywords naturally: Work in searchable terms that help people find your content.

Spark conversations: Opinions and debate-worthy statements drive more engagement than bland questions.

Add value: Use captions for context, mini-reviews, or information that didn't fit in your video.

Make them readable: Interesting captions get read and drive comments. Boring ones get ignored.

Takeaway

Focus on creating compelling content with strong hooks first. Audio can amplify your reach, captions can boost engagement, and hashtags might help with categorization, but none of these technical elements will save weak content. Many creators obsess over perfect hashtag strategies when they should be perfecting their storytelling instead.