Can you add hashtags after posting?

You cannot edit the caption (or its hashtags) after posting on TikTok. You can add hashtags in a comment, including a pinned comment, but caption text is a clearer topic signal than comments. TikTok explains that recommendations weigh content signals, metadata (including captions and hashtags), and engagement — not a single “magic” tag.

Source: TikTok Newsroom — How recommendations work.

Before posting: best practice

• Lead with the benefit: The first sentence should answer “what do I get?”
• Say and show the keyword: Use the exact phrase on screen and in narration.
• Add 2–4 hashtags: 1 core keyword tag + 1–2 niche/context tags + optional location/brand.
• Keep it clean: Place tags at the end of the caption.

Formatting examples

• Travel: “How to pack a carry‑on for 5 days — the exact list.” — #CarryOnPacking #TravelTips #MinimalistTravel
• Beauty: “Eyeliner tutorial for hooded eyes — 3 quick steps.” — #EyelinerTutorial #HoodedEyes #MakeupTips

After posting: options and trade‑offs

• First comment (optional): Add helpful tags in a comment and pin it. Expect modest impact.
• Re‑upload (selective): If the caption missed the topic entirely and performance is weak, publish a corrected version. Don’t overuse this; test on your next post instead.
• Move on and iterate: Keep the lesson and apply it to your next 2–3 videos for a fair test.

What not to do

• Stuffing 10+ tags that blur intent and clutter the caption.
• Using generic #fyp/#foryou instead of topic/location tags.
• Mismatching hashtags with what’s said or shown in the video.
• Relying on comment hashtags as your primary tactic.

Measure if your approach works

• Track weekly search rankings for 5–10 target queries.
• Compare watch time, replays, saves, and shares across posts.
• Keep the core keyword tag; rotate 1–2 niche/context tags and review outcomes.

Use SocialSeal to monitor TikTok keyword coverage, ranking movement, and share of voice in your category.