The AO3 Tagging Cheat Sheet
Tagging is how your story gets found on AO3. If you don't tag correctly, your masterpiece will sit in the dark. Here is how to master the system for maximum reach.
Get Tag Suggestions from WriteWithPaigeThe 4 Levels of AO3 Tagging
Ratings
G, T, M, or E. Essential for setting reader expectations.
Warnings
Mandatory tags for MCD, dark themes, Underage, or Violence.
Categories
F/M, M/M, F/F, Multi, Other, or Gen.
Fandoms
The specific media your story is based on.
Freeform Tags: Your Secret Weapon
"Additional Tags" or Freeform tags are where the magic happens. These are the tropes, themes, and themes that readers actually filter for.
Don't forget these "Essential" Freeform Tags:
- • Enemies to Lovers
- • Slow Burn
- • Hurt/Comfort
- • Fluff and Fiction
- • Established Relationship
- • Pining
- • Alternate Universe
- • Mutual Yearning
Need help brainstorming tags for your specific plot?
Use the WriteWithPaige Tag Generator →Stop Tagging Blindly
WriteWithPaige understands AO3 trends and can generate a perfectly optimized tag list for your story in seconds.
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