Hello there! Indeed, YouTube does recognize hashtags within your video description as keywords, and they can play a significant role in enhancing your videos' discoverability within search results and related video suggestions. However, it's crucial to wield hashtags judiciously, aligning them closely with your video's content, and steering clear of the notorious pitfall known as "keyword stuffing," which can ultimately harm your video's visibility and audience engagement.
According to YouTube's best practices, it's advisable to incorporate 1-3 pertinent hashtags per video and position them towards the conclusion of your video description. Opt for hashtags that are both popular and specific, as these are more likely to accurately represent your video's subject matter or overarching theme. On the flip side, refrain from employing irrelevant or overly generic hashtags, as they won't attract the intended audience effectively.