Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Authenticity Expression in Captions and Hashtags of Beauty-Related TikTok Videos and Their Influence on User Engagement

Meiting Jing*
Jiangxi Normal University Affiliated High School

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Short‑form video on platforms such as TikTok has become a key channel for online social communication, and the beauty industry heavily utilises this format to connect with audiences. Modern social‑media users seek practical, trustworthy information online, which makes authenticity critical for building audience trust and driving user engagement. Plenty of existing research covers influencer authenticity, brand partnerships and consumer behaviour. Still, limited work explores how captions and hashtags create a sense of authenticity in TikTok beauty videos. This literature review draws on relevant social‑media studies. It examines how personal experiences, emotional expression and transparent information shape perceived authenticity, and how these textual features may trigger user activities such as likes, comments and shares. Research findings indicate authentic content improves credibility and strengthens bonds between creators and followers to boost interaction. Even so, studies focusing specifically on TikTok beauty content and the authentic role of captions and hashtags remain scarce. This review highlights these research gaps and puts forward directions for future short‑video‑centred studies on authenticity and user engagement.

Keywords: Perceived authenticity; user engagement; beauty influencers; captions; hashtags
Published: September 29, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.37317
Volume: CHR Vol.121
pp. 185-191
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