TikTok emojis aren’t just a fun way to decorate your posts—they’re tools that can help you stand out, connect with your audience, and boost engagement. While most users are familiar with standard emojis, TikTok has a secret collection of hidden emojis you won’t find on your regular keyboard.
In this guide, we’ll explain what TikTok emojis are, how to use the platform’s hidden emoji codes, and share the top ones you should try in 2025. Whether you want to spice up your captions, create a unique username, or express emotions creatively in your comments, this guide has you covered.
What Are TikTok Emojis?
TikTok emojis include the standard emojis we all know from our phones, but there’s another set of hidden emojis that only work on the TikTok platform. These hidden emojis are special icons you activate by typing specific text codes inside square brackets, like [smile] or [cry].
When you use these codes in TikTok captions, comments, or bios, they automatically turn into fun, expressive emoji characters that aren’t available in your regular emoji keyboard.
TikTok’s hidden emojis are exclusive to the app and help creators add visual flair, emotion, and attention-grabbing elements to their content.
Why Use TikTok Emojis?
Here’s why adding TikTok emojis—especially the hidden ones—is a smart move for any creator or brand:
Boost Engagement
Posts with emojis often perform better than those without. Emojis help your content feel more personal, relatable, and visually appealing. Some studies show that content using emojis can see up to 57% more interactions.
Catch Attention Fast
The For You Page (FYP) moves quickly. Emojis act like visual stop signs. A well-placed emoji in a comment or caption can draw the eye, encouraging viewers to stop scrolling.
Build a Memorable Brand
Adding hidden emojis to your username or bio gives your profile a unique look. It helps you stand out and makes your account more recognizable.
Convey Emotions Better
Words sometimes fall flat. Emojis add tone, feeling, and context—especially useful in short captions or quick replies.
Improve Discoverability
Unique and emotional content tends to get shared more. The more shares, the more your content gets seen. Emojis can help spark that curiosity that leads to more visibility.
How To Use TikTok’s Hidden Emojis
Using TikTok’s hidden emojis is simpler than it seems. You just need to know the right shortcode and follow these steps:
Find the Emoji Code
Each hidden emoji has a special shortcode (e.g., [shout], [flushed], [scream]). These are case-sensitive and must be typed exactly as shown, with square brackets.
Enter the Code in a Caption or Comment
Paste the code directly into your caption, comment, or bio. TikTok will automatically convert the code into its emoji when you post it.
Preview Your Post
Before you post, check the preview to make sure the emoji renders correctly. If there’s a typo or missing bracket, the code won’t work.
Get Creative
Use hidden emojis to emphasize key words, add emotion, or decorate your profile. Combine them with text and other visuals for maximum impact.
15 Hidden TikTok Emojis and Their Meanings
Here’s a list of the most popular hidden TikTok emojis, what they mean, and how you can use them:
| Emoji Name | Description | Shortcode | Use It For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smiley Face | Pink face with a big smile | [smile] |
Friendly replies or light-hearted content |
| Happy Face | Peach face with a grin | [happy] |
Excited moments or positive updates |
| Angry Face | Red face with a scowl | [angry] |
Funny frustration or intense reactions |
| Crying Face | Blue face with streaming tears | [cry] |
Dramatic jokes or sad stories |
| Blushing Face | Yellow face with shy expression | [flushed] |
Bashful, cute, or flirty posts |
| Shocked Face | Peach face with wide-open mouth | [surprised] |
Surprise or unexpected reactions |
| Nervous Face | Yellow with shy hands touching | [wronged] |
Apologies, timidity, or feeling guilty |
| Shouting Face | Purple face yelling | [shout] |
Bold statements or comedic rants |
| Hungry Face | Pink face licking lips | [yummy] |
Food-related content |
| Cool Face | Blue face with sunglasses | [complacent] |
Chill, relaxed, or confident posts |
| Heart-Eyes Drooling | Pink face with hearts and drool | [drool] |
Love or admiration posts |
| Screaming Face | Blue face in shock with hands on cheeks | [scream] |
Over-the-top or dramatic reactions |
| Single Tear Face | Pale blue face shedding one tear | [weep] |
Emotional or touching moments |
| Embarrassed Face | Sweaty, sideways-looking face | [speechless] |
Cringe or awkward situations |
| Shy Gesture Face | Yellow face with bashful hands | [shy] |
Lighthearted embarrassment or cute moments |
How To Add Emojis To Your TikTok Username
Want to give your username a unique twist? You can add emojis directly to your TikTok handle to show off your personality or niche.
Here’s how to do it:
Open TikTok and go to your profile.
Tap the “Edit Profile” button.
Under the username or display name field, insert your emojis using your device’s emoji keyboard.
Examples:
Glamorous or fun personality
Music or rhythm content
High energy or trendy vibe
Save your changes and check how your new username looks on your profile.
Note: Emojis can only be added to your display name, not your @username (handle). Use emojis strategically to complement your content style or theme.
Tips To Boost Engagement Using Emojis
Using emojis smartly can take your content from average to scroll-stopping. Here are some tips:
Don’t overdo it. A few emojis go a long way. Too many can look spammy.
Match the emotion of your video. Use [cry] for sad stories, [smile] for funny ones, etc.
Use emojis to break up text. Add them before CTAs or keywords to grab attention.
Rotate usage so your content always feels fresh.
Add emojis early in your captions—people see the start first.
Final Thoughts
TikTok emojis—especially the hidden ones—are more than just decorations. They help you express emotions, build your personal brand, and increase engagement in a fun, visual way.
By learning the shortcodes and using them creatively in your captions, comments, or username, you can connect more deeply with your audience and boost your content’s performance.
So next time you post a video, don’t forget to add a little emoji magic!
FAQs
How do I get TikTok’s hidden emojis?
You can access hidden emojis by typing special shortcodes (like [shy] or [smile]) directly into your TikTok caption or comment. TikTok will automatically convert the code into a hidden emoji when posted.
Why isn’t my TikTok emoji showing up?
Check for typos or missing square brackets. For example, [ smile ] won’t work, but [smile] will.
Can I use hidden emojis in my TikTok bio?
Yes! As long as you type the correct emoji shortcode, it will render in your bio. Test it before saving.
Are TikTok emojis available on other platforms?
No. TikTok’s hidden emojis are exclusive to TikTok and don’t work on Instagram, Twitter, or other apps.
Do TikTok emojis help with SEO?
Indirectly, yes. Emojis can grab user attention, encourage clicks, and boost engagement—all of which help your content perform better in TikTok’s algorithm.