Today, TikTok is one of the hottest new social media apps and part of what makes the app so addictive is the app’s emojis and shoppable emojis and their hidden meanings. Different from traditional emojis, which you can find on your phone, TikTok has a library of custom emojis (also known as emote codes) that can be used to make comments, captions, and content more lighthearted and fun.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover what TikTok emojis are, how to get them, how to use them, and the list of secret TikTok emoji codes that you can use to get the hidden emojis to increase your engagement in the app and online creativity.
What Are TikTok Emojis vs. Regular Emojis? Defining TikTok emojis
What are TikTok emojis? Here\’s what you need to know about standard emojis and TikTok emojis.
There are regular emojis that many people already know about that are built into every smartphone and app. These emojis were standard and we included animals, smileys, etc. But TikTok’s special touch is a set of custom emojis (they can be inserted using shortcodes in square brackets).
For example:
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Typing [smile] in a comment will create a new custom TikTok emoji — a smiling face — instantly.
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Typing [cry] is the teary face emoji for TikTok.
These are not emojis you can use on your phone’s keyboard. But no, they don’t exist in the app; they are part of TikTok’s platform and need to be entered by chatting in the particular shortcode format.
How to Get TikTok Emojis
Once you learn the TikTok emojis codes, getting them is straightforward. How to get them and use them Here’s how to get and use them effectively:
1. Open the TikTok App
Log in to your account. TikTok emojis are used in comments, captions and chats.
2. Use Bracketed Emoji Codes
TikTok emojis are only activated by typing their shortcode between a pair of square brackets [ ]. For instance:
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Type [happy] → 😃 (TikTok’s custom happy face)
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Type [love] → 💕 (TikTok’s stylized love emoji)
3. Explore the TikTok Emoji List
TikTok has a wide range of hidden emoji codes. While the app doesn’t provide an official list, users have compiled them. Some popular examples include:
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[facewithrollingeyes]
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[surprised]
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[cool]
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[thinking]
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[angry]
By memorizing or keeping a reference list of these codes, you can stand out in comments and create more engaging captions.
4. Bring TikTok Emojis into Standard Emojis
For the most creative possibilities, combine TikTok-exclusive emojis with the standard emojis on your phone. This makes for a more engaging and visually appealing message.
Comprehensive TikTok Emoji List
Below is a list of 600+ emoticons keyboard shortcuts for your favorite platforms in addition to 5 sites you can use to get emoji natively.
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[angry] – Red-faced angry emoji
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[smile] – Smiling happy face
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[cry] – Crying face with tears
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[surprised] – Shocked expression
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[laugh] – Laughing with joy
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[love] – Heart-filled emoji
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[wink] – Winking playful face
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[facewithrollingeyes] – Eye-roll emoji
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[cool] – Sunglasses face
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[thinking] – Thoughtful face
TikTok periodically updates its emoji catalogue, meaning new codes might be introduced over time. Staying up-to-date with community guides takes the frustration out of missing out on new emojis.
How to Unlock Hidden TikTok Emojis
Some TikTok emojis are more subtle. Some are covert codes that you’ll only be able to uncover through exploration or online communities. To access these:
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Look Up Online Lists –A lot of online websites and forums have current TikTok emoji codes.
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Play Around With Keywords – Type common emotions or reactions in brackets, for example: [tired], [excited], [party] and see what results pop up.
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Check Community Discussions – TikTok creators may post emoji codes on their caption or comments.
The secret emoji feature is what made, and continues to make, TikTok fun, and a place for creativity. With these codes, you have a leg up on the common man who can only use plain-Jane emojis.
Why Use TikTok Emojis?
TikTok emojis are more than merely decorative. “Big” is a their job, make or break:
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Increases Visibility: Emojis tend to increase has significantly higher engagement.
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It’s an Emotion Thing: Emojis are the words when there are no words, adding relatability to captions.
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Encourages Interaction: Unique emojis spark curiosity and comments from viewers.
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Strengthens Branding: Creators can adopt specific emojis as part of their content style.
In a platform driven by trends, these small symbols can make a big difference in your TikTok growth strategy.
How to Put Emojis by Your Username on TikTok
How to add TikTok emojis to captions:
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Go to the “+” icon to create a new post.
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Write your caption in the text field.
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Insert the emoji shortcode in brackets.
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TikTok will automatically convert the shortcode into the emoji once posted.
For example:
“Having the best day ever! [smile] [love]”
This will display TikTok’s custom emojis once the video is live.
Using TikTok Emojis in Comments and DMs
Emojis are equally effective in comments and direct messages (DMs). They can:
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Add humor to your replies.
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Help you connect with your followers.
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Stand out in crowded comment sections.
Typing codes like [laugh] or [wink] makes your comments more engaging and likely to get noticed.
Tips for Mastering TikTok Emojis
To make the most of TikTok emojis, follow these expert tips:
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Memorize the Most Popular Codes: Start with frequently used ones like [smile], [cry], [laugh].
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Use Emojis Strategically: Don’t overload captions; 2–3 well-placed emojis are enough.
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Pair Emojis with Hashtags: Combine custom emojis with trending hashtags to improve discoverability.
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Stay Updated: TikTok updates emojis occasionally, so keep an eye on new shortcodes.
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Balance with Text: Use emojis to emphasize your message, not replace it entirely.
Conclusion
Being able to see TikTok emojis is essential for anyone who really wants to reap the benefits of this awesome interactive platform. A little practice, and a little gettingto know-you of TikTok’s custom emoji codes, and you, too, can use the little symbols to liven up your captions, comments, messages, and more. These emojis were more office/coffee shop-friendly, or for those who want to get a little more creative with their TikTok vibe.
Unlock and utilize these secret emoji codes and make it easier for you to catch attention amidst the competition — and drive more engagement toward you. So try experimenting with some of TikTok’s emojis today, and see what that does for your engagement.
