If you’ve ever seen weird little animated emojis in a TikTok comment and thought, “Wait, where did that come from?” you’re not alone. 

These aren’t your usual iPhone or Android emojis. They’re TikTok-only, and they’re kind of a secret.

TikTok has its own set of hidden emojis that you won’t find on your keyboard. They’re fun, expressive, and perfect for making your comments or captions stand out. 

Whether you’re reacting to a viral video or just want to add some extra flair to your posts, these emojis help you do it in a way most users still don’t know about.

Let’s break down what these hidden TikTok emojis are, how you can use them, and why they’re worth trying.

What Are TikTok’s Hidden Emojis?

TikTok’s hidden emojis are custom icons you can only use on the platform. 

They’re not part of your regular emoji keyboard, and you won’t see them in any emoji picker. Instead, each one has a special code that you type directly into a comment or caption.

These aren’t just tiny smiley faces either. They’re colorful, bold, and packed with personality. There are over 40 of them, and each one has its own vibe. 

These small features often play a role in increasing engagement. If that’s something you’re aiming for, check out our guide on how to increase TikTok engagement.

Now that you know what they are, here’s the full list of hidden TikTok emoji codes you can start using right away.

TikTok Hidden Emoji Codes List

Below is a list of all the hidden TikTok emojis, along with the codes you need to type to use them. 

Just copy the code (including the square brackets) and paste it into a comment, caption, or even your TikTok bio.

Emoji Code	Emoji Image	Emoji Code	Emoji Image
[angel]		[blink]
[angry]		[complacent]
[astonish]		[cool]
[awkward]		[cry]
[cute]		[disdain]
[drool]		[embarrassed]
[hehe]		[joyful]
[laughwithtears]		[loveface]
[nap]		[pride]
[rage]		[scream]
[shout]		[slap]
[smileface]		[speechless]
[sulk]		[surprised]
[tears]		[weep]
[wow]		[wronged]
[flushed]		[evil]
[excited]		[facewithrollingeyes]
[funnyface]		[greedy]
[happy]		[laugh]
[lovely]		[proud]
[shock]		[smile]
[stun]		[thinking]
[wicked]		[yummy]

There’s no limit to how many you can use, and they work in captions, comments, and replies. 

If you want to get more eyes on your captions, here are the best times to post on TikTok based on audience activity.

Now that you’ve got the full list, let’s talk about why these emojis are actually worth using.

Why Use These Hidden Emojis?

Hidden TikTok emojis aren’t just fun to look at. They can actually help your content get more attention and feel more personal. 

Whether you’re trying to stand out in the comments or boost how your posts are received, these emojis give you a small but useful edge.
You can also pair these with trending TikTok hashtags to make your posts even more visible.

How to Use Hidden TikTok Emojis

Using the secret TikTok emojis is very simple.

Just type the emoji code exactly as shown (square brackets included) and TikTok will turn it into the animated version when you post.

Example: Typing [cute] in a comment will display this animated emoji:

You can use the TikTok emojis in:

• Comments and replies
  
• Captions on your own videos
  
• Your TikTok bio

They work anywhere text goes on TikTok. Just make sure you don’t add extra spaces or punctuation inside the brackets, or the code won’t work.

Tips for Using TikTok Emojis Creatively

If you want to go beyond just dropping an emoji here and there, try using them with a bit of strategy:

• React with style: Instead of just writing “LOL” or “same,” drop a [laugh], [cry], or [shy] to match your tone
• Mix and match: Combine emojis to tell a story or add extra context
• Start your own comment trend: A clever combo of hidden emojis can get people replying or liking your comment more often
• Boost your captions: Add a fun visual touch to your video descriptions without cluttering them with standard emojis

Using these emojis consistently can also make your content feel more polished, especially if you’re trying to build a presence or promote something on TikTok.

For more ideas on growing fast, explore the best TikTok niches for growth or our Ultimate Guide to Growing Your TikTok.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do these hidden emojis work on all devices?

Yes, hidden TikTok emojis work across both iOS and Android devices, but only when you’re using the official TikTok app. 

If you try to use them on the TikTok website or copy the codes into other social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter, they won’t convert. 

They’re built into TikTok’s system, so the app is what triggers the animation.

2. Why isn’t my emoji showing up after I post?

If the emoji code stays as plain text, double-check your formatting. 

The emoji code needs to be typed exactly with no spaces or punctuation inside the brackets. 

For example, [cool] will work, but [ cool ] or [cool!] will not. 

Also, make sure you’re not using auto-correct or smart punctuation features that might alter the brackets.

3. Can I use these emojis in TikTok DMs?

Not at the moment. 

Hidden TikTok emojis only work in public areas of the app such as  comments, video captions, and your profile bio.

If you paste them into a direct message, they’ll show up as the raw text code and won’t turn into the emoji.

4. Are these emojis visible to everyone?

Yes, anyone using the TikTok app will see the animated emoji version, no matter what kind of phone they have. 

It doesn’t matter if they know the emoji code or not. Once you post it, it shows up like a regular part of your message, just like standard emojis.

5. How many hidden emojis are there?

As of now, TikTok has more than 40 hidden emojis. 

They each have a unique look and code, ranging from [happy] to [wronged] and everything in between. 

TikTok doesn’t publicly promote this list, so new ones sometimes appear without much notice. 

It’s a good idea to check back from time to time to see if any new ones have been added.

6. Can I use more than one hidden emoji at a time?

Yes, and it’s actually a great way to make your message more expressive. 

You can line them up for dramatic effect, combine them to tell a story, or use them like punctuation.

For example, you might say something like: “That video had me like [shock][laugh][cry]” to show a full range of reactions.

7. Do hidden TikTok emojis help with engagement?

They can definitely give you an edge. 

Using them makes your comments and captions pop visually, especially when everyone else is using the same old emojis. 

On a busy post with hundreds of replies, a few well-placed hidden emojis can help your comment stand out. 

That can lead to more likes, more replies, and even profile visits. This is especially useful if you’re trying to grow a personal brand or promote content.

For more tips, check out our post on how to get more likes on TikTok.

Final Thoughts

TikTok’s hidden emojis are one of those small features that can make a big difference. They’re easy to use, visually catchy, and still unknown to a lot of users.

Whether you’re commenting on trending videos, writing captions, or updating your bio, these emojis help you add personality and stand out without saying a word.

If you’re growing on TikTok or using it to promote your content, little tricks like this are worth knowing. They help you grab attention in a way that feels native to the platform.

Save this page or copy your favorite emoji codes somewhere handy. Once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you ever posted without them.

👉 Want to take your TikTok presence even further? 

Check out our TikTok services to get real followers, likes, and views that match your style and help your content reach more people.

And if you’re ready to turn your profile into a business, don’t miss our guide on how to make money on TikTok or how to sell on TikTok.