If you spend time on TikTok, you’ve probably seen people using emojis that don’t appear on your phone’s emoji keyboard. They look fun, colorful, and often appear in brackets, such as [happy] or [laugh]. These are TikTok’s hidden emojis, and they’re part of a special set of icons made only for TikTok users.
These secret emojis make comments and captions more expressive. Many creators use them to react, joke, or show emotions in a more TikTok-style way. The best part is you don’t need any plugin or app to use them, just the correct code.
What Are TikTok Hidden Emojis
TikTok’s hidden emojis are custom emoji codes that turn into unique icons once posted. Unlike the regular emojis that come from your phone’s keyboard, these belong only to TikTok. They have a cartoon-like design and often look cuter or more exaggerated than the standard ones.
To use one, you type a word inside square brackets for example, [angry], [love], or [smile]. Once you post your comment or caption, TikTok automatically converts that code into a hidden emoji.
These emojis don’t appear in TikTok’s emoji picker, which is why they’re called “hidden.” You have to know the exact code to use them.
How to Unlock TikTok Hidden Emojis
You don’t need to unlock anything or install extra apps; TikTok already includes all hidden emojis within the platform. You need to know their codes.
Here’s how to use them:
- Open the TikTok app on your phone.
- Go to any comment box or start typing a caption.
- Enter a code in brackets, like
[laugh]or[cool]. - Post your comment, and it will automatically change into a custom emoji.
You can even mix them with regular emojis for extra expression, like [love] ❤️ or [wow] 😮.
List of Popular TikTok Hidden Emoji Codes and Meanings
Here are some of the most popular TikTok emoji codes and what they mean:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| [happy] | Smiling face with rosy cheeks |
| [angry] | Red face with steam |
| [laugh] | Laughing face with closed eyes |
| [cry] | Sad face with tears |
| [cool] | Sunglasses face |
| [shy] | Cute, blushing face |
| [thinking] | Curious or confused look |
| [wow] | Shocked or surprised expression |
| [smile] | Friendly happy face |
| [love] | Heart eyes emoji |
TikTok occasionally adds or updates emojis, so new codes may appear in future releases. These codes are compatible with comments, captions, and replies across the app.
How to Use Hidden Emojis in Comments and Captions
Hidden emojis work just like normal ones but give your posts a little extra personality. You can use them in any TikTok comment or video caption to express your mood or reaction.
Here are a few examples:
- “That’s amazing! [wow] [love]”
- “I can’t stop laughing [laugh] [happy]”
- “So cute! [shy] [smile]”
Try mixing them with regular emojis for fun combinations that stand out in busy comment sections.
Difference Between Hidden Emojis and Regular Emojis
TikTok’s hidden emojis aren’t part of the Unicode emoji system that your phone uses. They only exist inside TikTok, which makes them unique to the platform.
| Feature | Hidden TikTok Emojis | Regular Emojis |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Custom TikTok design | Standard emoji style |
| Input | Typed in brackets | Chosen from emoji keyboard |
| Works On | TikTok only | All apps |
| Style | Fun and cartoon-like | Universal design |
You’ll only see these emojis properly inside TikTok. If you copy them to another app, they appear as plain text, like [laugh].
Tips to Use TikTok Emojis Creatively
You can do more than just drop a single emoji. Creators often use hidden emojis to make creative comments or themed captions.
Try these ideas:
- Combine multiple emojis for emphasis, like
[laugh][laugh][laugh]. - Create mini reactions or emoji-only comments.
- Add them to captions for humor or personality.
- Use them in replies to get noticed in a creator’s comment section.
A clever mix of emojis makes your comment more eye-catching and adds a personal touch.
Why TikTok Has Hidden Emojis
TikTok built these hidden emojis to give its community something special. Regular emojis are universal, but TikTok wanted to add personality to its own platform. These unique icons match the app’s fun, expressive culture and help users connect through visual reactions.
They also help comments stand out, especially for creators who want to keep engagement playful and interactive.
Add Personality to Your Comments
TikTok’s hidden emojis are a small but fun part of what makes the platform creative. They’re free, easy to use, and help your posts feel more personal. Whether you’re showing love, surprise, or laughter, these emojis let your emotions shine in a TikTok way.
Next time you comment or post a video, try using one and watch how it transforms your words into colorful, expressive reactions.