# How to Use TikTok Emojis: Secret Codes Like [smile] and [happy]

> TikTok has hidden emojis you type as codes in square brackets, like [smile] or [cool]. The full method, a list of codes that work, and why some don't show up.

Canonical: https://scheduleforyou.com/blog/how-to-use-tiktok-emojis
Last updated: 2026-10-28

Category: TikTok. 

To use TikTok's secret emojis, type a code inside **square brackets** in a comment, for example **[smile]**, **[happy]** or **[cool]**, and TikTok swaps it for one of its own round, pink-faced emojis when you post. There's no emoji picker for them; you have to know the code. They work reliably in **comments**. In captions and bios they often stay as plain text, so treat comments as the place to use them.

Regular emojis from your phone keyboard work everywhere on TikTok: comments, captions, bio, display name and on-screen text.

## How to type a TikTok emoji code

1. Open a video and tap the **comment** icon.
2. Type an open square bracket **[**. On iPhone it's on the symbols keyboard (tap 123, then #+=); on Android it's on the symbols page.
3. Type the code in lowercase, such as **smile**.
4. Type a close bracket **]**.
5. Post the comment. The code turns into the emoji.

If the code shows as text after you post, it's either misspelled or not supported in your version of the app.

## TikTok secret emoji codes

TikTok doesn't publish an official list, and codes have been added and dropped over time. These are the ones most consistently reported as working:

| Code | What it shows |
| --- | --- |
| [smile] | Smiling face |
| [happy] | Big happy grin |
| [angry] | Red angry face |
| [cry] | Crying face |
| [embarrassed] | Blushing, embarrassed face |
| [surprised] | Shocked face |
| [wronged] | Pouting, hurt face |
| [shout] | Face yelling |
| [flushed] | Flushed face |
| [yummy] | Face licking its lips |
| [complacent] | Smug face |
| [drool] | Drooling face |
| [scream] | Screaming face |
| [weep] | Sobbing face |
| [speechless] | Speechless face |
| [funnyface] | Silly face |
| [laughwithtears] | Laughing with tears |
| [wicked] | Mischievous grin |
| [facewithrollingeyes] | Eye roll |
| [sulk] | Sulking face |
| [thinking] | Thinking face |
| [lovely] | Heart eyes |
| [greedy] | Money-eyes face |
| [wow] | Amazed face |
| [joyful] | Joyful face |
| [hehe] | Cheeky laugh |
| [slap] | Slap |
| [tears] | Tearful face |
| [stun] | Stunned face |
| [cute] | Cute face |
| [blink] | Winking face |
| [disdain] | Disdainful face |
| [astonish] | Astonished face |
| [rage] | Furious face |
| [cool] | Sunglasses face |
| [excited] | Excited face |
| [proud] | Proud face |
| [smileface] | Small smile |
| [evil] | Devil face |
| [angel] | Angel face |
| [laugh] | Laughing face |
| [pride] | Pride face |
| [nap] | Sleepy face |
| [loveface] | Love face |
| [awkward] | Awkward face |
| [shock] | Shocked face |

Codes are lowercase with no spaces. If one stops working, it has probably been retired.

## Why your TikTok emoji code isn't working

- **You're in a caption or bio.** Codes convert in comments; elsewhere they often stay as text.
- **Typo or capital letters.** [Smile] and [ smile ] won't convert. Use [smile].
- **Wrong bracket.** Round ( ) or curly { } brackets don't work.
- **Old app or web version.** Update the app. The desktop site doesn't always render them.
- **The code was retired.** Lists online include codes that no longer exist.

## Using emojis in captions that convert

Emojis in captions work best as signposts, not decoration: one at the start of a line to break up a list, one to signal tone. Put your key words in text, since TikTok search reads words, not emoji. Our [TikTok caption generator](https://scheduleforyou.com/tools/tiktok-caption-generator) drafts captions you can trim and add emojis to, and the [caption character limit guide](https://scheduleforyou.com/blog/tiktok-caption-character-limit) covers how much room you have.

If you plan TikToks ahead, Schedule For You publishes captions, emojis included, exactly as you write them, alongside the same video going out as an Instagram Reel or YouTube Short.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use TikTok secret emojis in my caption?
Sometimes, but not reliably. They convert in comments; in captions they often show as plain text like [smile]. Use regular keyboard emojis in captions.

### Why are TikTok emojis pink?
They're TikTok's own designs, separate from Apple's or Google's emojis. TikTok drew them in its brand style, and they only appear inside the TikTok app.

### Can I use TikTok emojis on other apps?
No. The codes are converted by TikTok and only display inside TikTok. Pasted elsewhere, they're just text in brackets.

### How many secret emojis does TikTok have?
Around 46 according to most lists, though TikTok doesn't publish an official count and the set has changed over time.

## Related

- [All guides](https://scheduleforyou.com/blog)
- [Pricing](https://scheduleforyou.com/pricing)