How to unlock TikTok's secret emoji codes

Learn the secret emoticon language.
 By 
Amy-Mae Turner
 on 

TikTok isn't just about sharing creative content, it's also about collaborating, commenting, and getting involved in a unique community. To do this effectively, you should know how to communicate in TikTik's secret language: a set of hidden emoji you can "unlock" by using special shortname codes. Some of these emoji, emoticons, or stickers are similar to the familiar emoji you already use on other platforms — but others are unique to TikTok. 

How to insert hidden TikTok emoji

When you're making a TikTok comment, you simply need to type the secret code word you're using inside two square brackets. So, for example, [angel]. 

the word "angel" with square brackets around it
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

Be sure to use the square brackets rather than the curved versions. Then, your secret word will automatically turn into a secret emoji.


You May Also Like

Why would you want to use TikTok's hidden emoji?

There are two main advantages to using TikTok's hidden emoji. The first is that it will make you look like a knowledgeable TikTok insider, well-versed in the secret language of the platform.

A series of various TikTok emoji followed by a series of standard emoji
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

The second is that unlike the native system emoji on iOS, Android, or from Microsoft, TikTok's hidden emoji appear in exactly the same visual style on all operating systems, and on all devices, so there is no ambiguity about their meaning. 

A complete list of all the hidden TikTok emoji

There are currently 46 hidden TikTok emoji. Here is a full list of the secret TikTok emoji you can unlock right now. 

[angel], [angry], [astonish]

hidden TikTok emoji: angel, angry, astonish
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[awkward], [blink], [complacent]

hidden TikTok emoji: awkward, blink, complacent
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[cool], [cry], [cute]

hidden TikTok emoji: cool, cry, cute
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[disdain], [drool], [embarrassed]

hidden TikTok emoji: disdain, drool, embarrassed
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[evil], [excited], [facewithrollingeyes]

hidden emoji: evil, excited, face with rolling eyes
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[flushed], [funnyface], [greedy]

hidden TikTok emoji: flushed, funnyface, greedy
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[happy], [hehe], [joyful]

hidden TikTok emoji: happy, hehe, joyful
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[laugh], [laughwithtears], [loveface]

hidden emoji: laugh, laugh with tears, love face
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[lovely], [nap], [pride]

hidden TikTok emoji: lovely, nap, pride
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[proud], [rage], [scream]

hidden TikTok emoji: proud, rage, scream
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[shock], [shout], [slap]

hidden TikTok emoji: shout, shock, slap
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[smile], [smileface], [speechless]

hidden TikTok emoji: smile, smileface, speechless
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[stun], [sulk], [surprised]

hidden TikTok emoji: stun, sulk, surprised
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[tears], [thinking], [weep]

hidden emoji: tears, thinking, weep
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

[wicked], [wow], [wronged], [yummy]

hidden emoji: wicked, wow, wronged, yummy
Credit: Screengrab: TikTok

Topics TikTok

Mashable Image
Amy-Mae Turner

Amy-Mae is a freelance writer covering tech at Mashable.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

TikTok users flock to UpScrolled in response to new U.S. owners
A screenshot of UpScrolled's website showing the platform on two mobile phones.

How to unblock TikTok for free
Hand on TikTok app

Broadcasters can livestream World Cup matches on TikTok
 A football featuring the FIFA World Cup Trophy

TikTok says the era of 'delulu' is over. It's time to lock in to reality.
An image of the TikTok logo on a phone screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!