TikTok has evolved far beyond short-form videos. With the explosion of TikTok LIVE, the platform has become a major hub for creators to interact with their communities in real-time. A key part of this interaction is a unique and often confusing visual language: TikTok emotes. Unlike on other platforms, there are actually two distinct types of emotes on TikTok: a set of “secret” emoji-style emotes you can type in comments, and a separate, more robust system of custom emotes for use in LIVE streams.
Understanding how to find and use these TikTok emotes is key to fully participating in the culture of the platform. Whether you’re a viewer who wants to spam the latest viral reaction or a creator looking to build your own library of custom emotes, this guide will explain everything you need to know. It’s a new frontier of community expression, a topic we cover broadly in our Ultimate Guide to Emotes.
This guide will show you how to unlock and use both the hidden text-based TikTok emotes and the custom LIVE emotes.
Part 1: How to Use the “Secret” TikTok Emotes in Comments
This is the most common and confusing type of TikTok emote. You’ve likely seen them in comment sections: unique, emoji-like faces that aren’t available on your standard phone keyboard. These are text-based emotes that are unlocked by typing a specific secret code within square brackets [ ].
When you type the code and post the comment, TikTok automatically converts the text into a special emote image.
How to Find and Use Secret Emote Codes:
Using them is simple once you know the code.
- While writing a comment on any TikTok video, simply type the name of the emote you want to use, surrounded by square brackets.
- For example, typing [smile] will automatically turn into the “smile” TikTok emote when you post the comment.
- The tricky part is that TikTok doesn’t provide an official, public list of these codes. They are often discovered by users and change over time.
Popular Secret TikTok Emote Codes to Try:
Here is a list of some of the most popular and commonly used secret codes. Just type them exactly as they are written, including the brackets.
- [smile] – A classic happy face
- [happy] – A face with wide, joyful eyes
- [angry] – An angry, red face
- [cry] – A face with a single tear
- [embarrassed] – A face with a sweat drop
- [surprised] – A shocked, open-mouthed face
- [wronged] – A sad, puppy-dog eyes face
- [shout] – A face yelling with anger
- [flushed] – A blushing, shy face
- [yummy] – A face licking its lips
- [complacent] – A smug, proud face
- [drool] – A face with drool, indicating desire
- [scream] – A face in pure terror
- [weep] – A face with streams of tears
- [speechless] – A blank, stunned face
- [funnyface] – A face sticking its tongue out
- [laughwithtears] – The classic “laughing so hard I’m crying” emoji
- [thinking] – A face with a hand on its chin
- [lovely] – A face with heart eyes
- [greedy] – A face with dollar signs in its eyes
Part 2: How to Get and Use Custom TikTok LIVE Emotes
This system is much more similar to Twitch’s. Custom TikTok emotes are unique images that are uploaded by a TikTok LIVE creator and can only be used in their specific LIVE chat. They are a primary incentive for viewers to subscribe to a creator’s channel.
How to Get Custom Emotes as a Viewer
Getting access to a creator’s custom emotes is simple: you must subscribe to their LIVE channel.
- When a creator you follow is LIVE, tap the “Subscribe” button (it often appears as a star or a gift icon).
- Follow the prompts to complete the subscription payment.
- Once you are subscribed, a new emote button will appear in that creator’s LIVE chat window. Tapping it will open a menu of all their unique, custom emotes that you can now use freely in their chat.
This is a direct way to financially support your favorite creators and get a fun, exclusive perk in return.
How to Upload Custom Emotes as a Creator
If you are a TikTok LIVE creator, setting up your own custom emotes is a fantastic way to build your community. To access this feature, you typically need to meet certain follower and engagement criteria set by TikTok.
- Access Creator Tools: Go to your TikTok profile, tap the three lines in the top right, and select “Creator tools.”
- Go to Subscription: Find and tap on the “Subscription” option.
- Manage Emotes: Inside the Subscription menu, you will see an “Emotes” tab. Tap on it.
- Upload Your Emotes: You will see a number of empty slots. Tap a slot to upload your own custom emote image.
TikTok Emote Requirements for Creators:
Just like other platforms, TikTok has specific rules for your emote images. For a detailed look at the most up-to-date rules, you should always check the official TikTok Creator Portal.
- File Format: Must be a .PNG or .JPG file.
- Transparent Background: Highly recommended for a clean, professional look.
- Dimensions: A square aspect ratio is required (e.g., 200 x 200 pixels).
- File Size: The file size must be under 1MB.
- Approval Process: All uploaded emotes must be reviewed and approved by TikTok to ensure they meet community guidelines, a process that can take a few days.
Conclusion: A New Language for a New Platform
TikTok emotes are a fun and rapidly evolving part of the platform’s culture. While the “secret” text-based codes are a quirky and fun feature for comment sections, the true power lies in the custom LIVE emotes.
For viewers, they are a way to show support and gain a badge of honor in their favorite creator’s community. For creators, they are an essential tool for building a unique brand, fostering inside jokes, and giving viewers a powerful incentive to subscribe. Whether you’re a casual commenter or a budding LIVE star, learning the language of TikTok emotes is a key step to mastering the platform.