If you have ever scrolled through TikTok, you have probably seen unfamiliar emojis appear in the comment section that differ from your usual emojis of choice. Things like [laugh], [happytears], or [angry] appear everywhere—but what are they? Well, there were never glitches or typing errors in the first place—TikTok Emoji Codes are a fun way TikTok users express themselves through an exclusive emoji system.
In this article, we shall discuss the TikTok Emoji Codes: what they are, how to use them, where to find the full list, and the cultural adoption of the codes into TikTok society. While at it, some statistics will be given to show the massive popularity of these secret emojis.
What Are TikTok Emoji Codes?
Unlike common emojis, which one can choose from his/her phone keyboard, TikTok Emoji Codes are one-of-a-kind textual codes that transform immediately into tiny expressive mini-characters when posted as a comment or caption on TikTok.
Let us take a look at how some of them work:
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[laugh] returns a laughing face
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[facewithrollingeyes] returns a face rolling his or her eyes
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[cool] returns a face with sunglasses
These TikTok Emojis Codes work only in the TikTok app and nowhere else. They do not form any kind of subsystem related to your default emoji-based set on the phone. Instead, they have been created and
Why Are TikTok Emoji Codes So Popular?
What makes these emojis so popular is the sense of personal exclusivity attached to them. Since not everybody is aware of these codes, using a TikTok Emoji Code is as if joining a secret club. It allows people to creatively express reactions, emotions, or jokes in the comments.
According to Statista, there were more than 1.5 billion monthly active users on TikTok as of early 2024. Among them:
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68% of Gen Z TikTok users comment on content
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About 35% post emojis in those comments
No wonder the Tiktok.Emoji Codes are being embraced by the younger crowd, who also love online lingo and inside jokes.
Full List of Popular TikTok Emoji Codes
Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used TikTok emojis Codes:
To use any of these, just type them exactly like [code] in the comment section or caption, and TikTok will automatically turn it into the emoji.
Just typing any of these in the comment section or caption as it is (for example, [coding]) converts TikTok automatically into an emoji.
How To Use TikTok Emojis Codes
Follow these steps to use these emojis:
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Open TikTok and go to any videos you want to comment on.
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In the comment box, type in the emoji codes (for example, [laugh]).
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Press post, and voila: the code will convert into an emoji!
Note: This work only inside the TikTok app. If you type [laugh] in a WhatsApp or Instagram comment, it won’t do anything.
TikTok vs. Regular Emojis
Here’s a fast comparison between TikTok emoji codes and regular emojis:
In fact, TikTok Emojis Code gives a bit of creativity and exclusivity to TikTok’s social setting while regular emojis serve as a bridge for universal communication.
Fun Fact: Hidden Language of TikTok
The use of TikTok.Emoji Codes is just one instance of the bigger trend on TikTok—creating hidden languages, codes, and communities. Whether it’s “core” aesthetics (such as cottagecore, goblincore) or inside jokes and emojis, TikTok embraces content that feels at least a little bit unique to the platform.
In a survey done by GlobalWebIndex in 2024, 62% of TikTok users said that they like the app because it feels “less formal and more expressive” compared to other social platforms. Those emojis surely contribute to that feeling.
How To Find New or Updated Emoji Codes
At times, the emoji codes get updated, and sometimes new ones are added. To keep abreast of these:
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Follow TikTok creator guides or forums like Reddit’s r/TikTokhelp
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Have a look at the emoji code lists published by trusted tech blogs
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Keep your eyes open to announcements from TikTok’s community
Many third parties maintain updated lists of all working TikTok emoji Codes, but always make sure any website is safe and secure before visiting.
Actual Use Statistics
Here are some recent 2023 TikTok emoji code statistics from analytics firm Data.ai:
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[laugh] was the most popular TikTok emoji code in 2023, featuring in upwards of 20 million comments globally
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[happytears] materialized as the second-most-used TikTok emoji, with 13.5 million occurrences
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Captions with emoji codes garner between 8 and 12% more engagement than those without such codes
This indicates that subtly using emoji codes could give you an extra edge!
Final thoughts
The TikTok Emoji Code world is more than a few goofy tricks—it’s how TikTok users build their own language of expression. From [laugh] to [cool], these hidden emojis let you set yourself apart and express yourself creatively.
Whether you’re just a casual TikToker or are trying to grow your TikTok presence in earnest, TikTok Emoji Codes will help you communicate in the app’s own offbeat way.
Next time you want to leave a comment, instead of the usual emoji keyboard, do something different—[shock], [wink], or [cry]—and you might create a trend!