If you’ve ever uploaded a video to YouTube, sat back, and watched the view count stay stuck at "12" (mostly you refreshing the page), you know the pain. You poured hours into editing, your thumbnail is crisp, and your audio is perfect. So, what’s missing?
Below, I’m going to break down the top 10 viral hashtag keywords that are actually moving the needle this year. But more importantly, I’m going to teach you how to use them so you can build a channel that gets views and builds that sweet AdSense revenue.
1. #Shorts – The Undisputed King of Reach
Let’s not beat around the bush. If you are making vertical content under 60 seconds and you aren't using #Shorts, you are effectively driving with the handbrake on.
YouTube has been aggressively pushing Shorts to compete with TikTok. When you use this hashtag, you aren't just describing your video; you are literally filing your content into a specific shelf in the YouTube library.
2. #Trending – The "Right Place, Right Time" Signal
This is a classic, but in 2025, it requires nuance. You can't just put #Trending on a video of your cat sleeping. This keyword works best when your content actually aligns with a current cultural moment.
The Human Approach: Use #Trending as a secondary booster to signal to the algorithm that your content is fresh and time-sensitive (like a reaction to a new movie trailer).
3. #FYP (and #ForYou) – The Cross-Platform Pollinator
"Wait," I can hear you saying, "Isn't #FYP a TikTok thing?" Yes, but human behavior carries over. Millions of users search for "FYP" on YouTube because they associate that term with "content curated for me."
Using this signals to the viewer that this is highly curatable, quick entertainment. It works exceptionally well for comedy and skits.
4. #Funny (or #Comedy) – The Universal Language
Emotion drives shares. #Funny is one of the most searched terms globally because everyone wants a dopamine hit. However, because it is so broad, you must niche down.
Strategy: Use #Funny, but immediately follow it with something specific like #Relatable, #Fail, or #Prank.
5. #Gaming – The High-Volume Titan
Gaming is arguably the DNA of YouTube. If you are in this niche, #Gaming is your entry ticket, but it’s not enough on its own. You must use the "Broad vs. Narrow" technique.
- Broad: #Gaming
- Narrow: #Minecraft #Roblox #CallOfDuty
6. #Challenge – The Engagement Factory
Internet culture thrives on participation. The keyword #Challenge implies a call to action. It invites the viewer to judge your attempt or try it themselves. Videos with this tag often get more comments, which signals to the algorithm that people care about your video.
7. #ASMR – The Silent Giant
This might seem niche, but look at the numbers. ASMR is consistently one of the most watched categories. It has crossed over into "Satisfying" videos—soap cutting, rug cleaning, power washing.
Adding #Satisfying or #ASMR can open your video up to a massive, silent audience that watches videos to relax.
8. #HowTo – The Evergreen Engine
While viral tags give you a spike that dies in 48 hours, #HowTo is the keyword that pays your rent for years. This is "Search-Based Content."
9. #Motivation – The Shareable Hook
In a world that feels chaotic, people are desperate for hope. Motivational shorts and gym speeches are exploding. This keyword works best when paired with high-quality visuals and stirring music. It encourages people to hit the "Save" button.
10. #2025 – The Relevance Stamp
Finally, the simplest hack of them all. Adding the current year. When someone searches for "Best Camera," they don't want a video from 2018. They want the info for now. By adding #2025, you manually verify that your information is up-to-date.
The "Secret Sauce": How to Actually Use These Hashtags
Knowing the keywords is only half the battle. If you stuff all 10 of these into one description, YouTube will mark you as spam. Here is the human-approved way to implement them.
The Rule of 3 (The Sweet Spot)
YouTube allows 15 hashtags, but you should never use that many. It looks desperate. The magic number is 3. YouTube displays the first 3 hashtags right above your video title.
My Recommended Formula:
- The Broad Category (e.g., #Gaming)
- The Specific Niche (e.g., #Minecraft)
- The Viral Hook (e.g., #Funny)
The AdSense "Quality Control" Check
Since you are aiming for AdSense approval, remember: Relevance is King. If you tag a gardening video with #Gaming just to get views, viewers will click off immediately. This kills your watch time and flags your channel for "Misleading Metadata."
Conclusion: The Human Element
At the end of the day, a hashtag is just a tool. It’s a funnel that brings people to your content. But once they arrive, it is your personality and your editing that makes them stay.
Don't try to outsmart the algorithm; try to understand the human on the other side of the screen. Start experimenting with these combinations today. Good luck!
