How to Use and Unlock TikTok Emoji Codes: Codes, Copy-Paste & Meaning

Naim Siddiki

Updated:
September 26, 2025

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6 min read

Introduction

TikTok is about short videos—yes— but also about its very own language. Of the subtle cues that creators deliver by way of meaning, TikTok emojis are perhaps the most prominent. These aren’t necessarily the same phone keyboard emojis you’re familiar with. They’re often secret emoji codes that exist within square brackets but transform into exclusive visuals within TikTok.

These kinds of searches like “TikTok emoji codes,” “all TikTok emojis,” and “how do I use TikTok emojis” have thousands of monthly searches. Why? Because correctly done, emojis create fun interaction, help with expressing tone, and bring sparkle to comments and captions. But most users do not understand how they could be used in safety nor which emojis exist.

Here you will be reading about:

• What are TikTok emojis (normal + hidden)?
• Inserting the Emojis by Codes and by Copy/Paste
• The full list of TikTok’s secret emoji codes
• Interpretations of popular ones (smirk, proud, cry, etc.)
• Best practices, pitfalls, and advice for creators

Let’s get started.

What Are TikTok Emojis?

You have two kinds of emoji on TikTok:

• Native emoticons — typical emoticons from your phone’s emoji keyboard. You can use them anywhere (comments, captions, bios).
• Hidden or secret TikTok emoji codes — these are text shortcodes that were adopted in square brackets, like [smile], which TikTok will automatically substitute with an original, stylized emoji.

The benefit: such secret emoticons have a stable appearance on platforms, normally minimalist and thematic, giving your content a unified look.

TikTok Emojis Game Play Guide

Walk me through step by step on exactly how you use them, whether captions, comments, or replies.

1. Using Local (Normal) Emojis

• Open any caption box or any comment.
• Click your phone’s emoji keyboard and choose your emoji.
• These display exactly like your phone’s aesthetic (Apple, Samsung, etc.).

2. Using Hidden Emoji Codes

• Insert or paste the shortcode in square brackets thus: Just tried it and I love it [loveface]
• Once you press space or submit, TikTok translates that [loveface] to that stylized emoji image.
• Use them in comments, captions, replies—any text input that will display emoji.

3. Copy & Paste Method

• You could copy a shortcode like [proud] from a list.
• Repost it within your caption or your comments.
• TikTok will convert it automatically when displayed.

This is easy—there’s no need to memorize codes; you copy/paste.

Complete List: TikTok Emoji Codes

Here’s a curated list of some of the best-known hidden TikTok emoji shortcodes:

Code	Visual	Name	Meaning / Use
[smile]		Smile	Represents friendliness, happiness
[happy]		Happy	Joyful or cheerful expression
[angry]		Angry	Frustration or annoyance
[cry]		Cry	Sadness or strong emotions
[embarrassed]		Embarrassed	Shyness, awkwardness
[surprised]		Surprised	Shock, unexpected events
[wronged]		Wronged	Feeling mistreated, unfairness
[shout]		Shout	Anger, yelling, strong emphasis
[flushed]		Flushed	Blushing, shyness, awkwardness
[yummy]		Yummy	Delicious food, satisfaction
[complacent]		Complacent	Smug, satisfied expression
[drool]		Drool	Desire, admiration, tasty food
[scream]		Scream	Fear, shock, horror
[weep]		Weep	Crying heavily, sadness
[speechless]		Speechless	No words, stunned
[funnyface]		Funny Face	Silly, playful expression
[laughwithtears]		Laugh With Tears	Laughing so hard you cry
[wicked]		Wicked	Mischievous, sneaky behavior
[facewithrollingeyes]		Rolling Eyes	Sarcasm, disbelief, annoyance
[sulk]		Sulk	Pouting, grumpy mood
[thinking]		Thinking	Deep thought, pondering
[lovely]		Lovely	Sweet, affectionate
[greedy]		Greedy	Desire, money, hunger
[wow]		Wow	Amazement, astonishment
[joyful]		Joyful	Happiness, celebration
[hehe]		Hehe	Cheeky, playful laugh
[slap]		Slap	Frustration, facepalm moment
[tears]		Tears	Emotional, crying hard
[stun]		Stunned	Shocked, surprised
[cute]		Cute	Adorable, sweet expression
[blink]		Blink	Playful, cheeky expression
[disdain]		Disdain	Disapproval, dislike
[astonish]		Astonished	Extreme surprise
[rage]		Rage	Strong anger
[cool]		Cool	Confidence, swagger
[excited]		Excited	Joy, energy, anticipation
[proud]		Proud	Achievement, self-confidence
[smileface]		Smile Face	Standard smiling expression
[evil]		Evil	Mischief, villainy
[angel]		Angel	Innocence, purity
[laugh]		Laugh	Joy, humor, amusement
[pride]		Pride	Confidence, victory
[nap]		Nap	Tired, sleepy
[loveface]		Love Face	Affection, romance
[awkward]		Awkward	Uncomfortable situation
[shock]		Shock	Surprise, disbelief

These codes work on both iOS and Android and turn into the hidden emoji graphic when the post is rendered.

Secret TikTok Emojis: Meaning & Use Cases

Some of the hidden emojis carry special symbolic meanings within TikTok culture. Using them cleverly can give your comments or captions an emotional nuance beyond words.

Because these hidden emojis all share the same visual style, mixing them feels more cohesive than random system emojis across platforms.

Best Practices: When & How to Use TikTok Emojis

• Don’t overdo it: Using an emoji every few words dilutes the effect.
• Match tone: Use [proud] when celebrating, [cry] when emotional, etc.
• Combine with calls to action: “Drop a [smile] if you relate” boosts interaction.
• Use in bio and video text: Hidden emojis work in bios and comments too, adding personality.
• Avoid broken codes: If you mistype (e.g. [smilee]), TikTok will show it as plain text.

FAQs: How to Use TikTok Emojis