If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok comments and noticed special emojis that don’t appear on your regular emoji keyboard—like a smiling face with stars for eyes or a crying expression that looks different from your usual emojis—you’re not alone. These are TikTok’s hidden emojis, and they’re part of the platform’s own built-in emoji system.

Unlike standard emojis you access from your phone’s keyboard, TikTok’s secret emojis work through text-based shortcodes placed inside square brackets. They’re not obvious or advertised within the app, but anyone can use them if they know how.

Here’s everything you need to know about unlocking and using TikTok’s secret emojis in your comments, captions, and bio.

What Are TikTok’s Hidden Emojis and Why Do People Use Them?

TikTok’s hidden emojis are custom-designed icons that represent emotions, reactions, or expressions unique to the platform. They look different from standard emojis and often match TikTok’s visual style more closely. To use one, all you need to do is type a shortcode in square brackets—like [smile] or [shy]—and TikTok will automatically convert it into a custom emoji.

These emojis are popular in comment threads where users want to add more personality, emotion, or humor. They also appear in captions and profile bios to make content stand out or match trending expressions.

Unlike Unicode emojis, which are standard across devices and platforms, TikTok’s emojis only work within the TikTok app.

How the Hidden Emoji System on TikTok Works

TikTok has an internal list of emoji codes that are not visible in the keyboard but can be used by typing a trigger word inside square brackets. When posted, the app renders the correct emoji in place of the text.

For example:

• Typing [happy] shows a smiling face unique to TikTok
• Typing [cry] displays a teardrop-faced emoji that looks different from your phone’s version

There’s no need to unlock anything through settings. The system is already active for every user—the key is knowing the right codes to use.

Where You Can Use TikTok’s Secret Emojis

You can insert TikTok’s hidden emojis in several parts of the app:

• Video comments: the most common place users add these emojis for reactions
• Captions: to enhance emotion or match the tone of the post
• Profile bios: to add a fun or unique vibe to your profile

These emojis will only render properly inside TikTok. If you copy the same shortcode into Instagram, Twitter, or messages, it will just appear as plain text (e.g., [laugh]).

How to Unlock and Use TikTok’s Hidden Emojis

There’s no actual unlocking process. You simply need to type the correct shortcode, and TikTok will automatically convert it into the custom emoji. These shortcodes are not case-sensitive but must include the square brackets to work.

Examples include:

• [shy]
• [love]
• [scared]
• [rage]
• [thinking]
• [funnyface]

You can either type them manually or copy and paste them from a trusted list. They’ll appear correctly as long as TikTok recognizes the code.

Full List of TikTok Emoji Codes (With Examples)

While there are over 40 hidden TikTok emojis, here are some of the most popular:

• [smile] 😊
• [cry] 😢
• [cool] 😎
• [laugh] 😂
• [awkward] 😅
• [angry] 😠
• [loveface] 🥰
• [shock] 😲
• [blink] 😐
• [sleepy] 😴

These emojis may update or expand over time, so users often refer to up-to-date lists on trusted resources like GitHub or tech blogs that document TikTok features.

Tips for Using TikTok Emojis Effectively

If you want your comment to stand out or feel more expressive, place a TikTok emoji at the start or end of your sentence. For creators, adding these emojis in captions can match the tone of your video or reflect a trend.

Also, keep your TikTok app updated, as older versions may not support all hidden emojis or display them correctly. Some users have noticed issues when emojis fail to render—usually due to bugs or outdated app versions.

Are These Emojis Safe to Use and Copy?

Yes—TikTok’s hidden emojis are safe because they’re built into the platform. There’s no need to download any apps or plugins. However, avoid using third-party sites that promise access to “premium” TikTok emojis through downloads or external tools. These are unnecessary and may pose privacy risks.

Stick to copying codes from trusted sources, or type them in manually.

Final Thoughts: A Fun Way to Stand Out on TikTok

TikTok’s hidden emojis add a creative touch to the way users interact. They’re fun, expressive, and easy to use once you know the shortcodes. Whether you’re adding flavor to your comments or styling your bio with a unique twist, these emojis help you connect visually and emotionally with other users on the app.

There’s nothing to unlock or install—just type [smile], [cry], or any other code, and TikTok does the rest.

Have a favorite TikTok emoji you use all the time? Drop it in the comments using its shortcode!