How to Use TikTok Emojis in Messages, Videos and Stories

Emojis do a lot of the talking on TikTok. A single heart or laugh can say more than a sentence, which is handy for creators who want to keep fans engaged and for small businesses who want to sound friendly without writing an essay.

TikTok's help centre doesn't have one page called emojis. The steps sit across its articles on messages, editing videos, posts, Stories and bulletins, so I've pulled them together. Menu names may differ a little between app versions.

Sending emojis in a TikTok direct message

TikTok says that when you're in a chat you can tap the Emoji button to send GIFs, emojis and stickers. It's the same button you use for stickers, so look for it in the message bar.

1. Open the TikTok app and go to a chat in your inbox.
2. Tap the Emoji button in the message bar.
3. Choose an emoji, GIF or sticker, and send it.

If you can't see the chat option or message bar, check you and the other person follow each other, because TikTok says that's needed for some chat features, or send a message request from their profile.

Reacting to a TikTok message with an emoji

You don't have to send a new message to respond. TikTok says you can press and hold an existing message and choose to send an emoji reaction, a reply or forward it.

• Press and hold the message you want to respond to.
• Choose the emoji reaction option from the menu.
• Pick the emoji you want.

Menus can look different on different phones, so look for the reaction row when the message menu opens. If you want to remove a message you sent, my guide to deleting TikTok messages covers it.

Adding emojis to a TikTok video while you edit

After you record or upload a video, TikTok lets you add effects, text, stickers and emojis. Here's how it describes adding an emoji:

1. From the preview screen, tap the Stickers button on the side panel.
2. Select the Emojis tab (or the Stickers tab, or search for animated GIFs).
3. Pick an item, then hold and drag it to where you want it on your video.

TikTok notes that you can add multiple pieces of text and stickers to one video. That means you can place a few emojis around a caption without crowding the screen.

Adding emojis to a TikTok text post

A text post is a post made of words on a coloured background. TikTok describes the steps like this:

1. Tap the Add post + button at the bottom.
2. Tap Text and enter your words, then tap Done.
3. Tap Stickers to add stickers, emojis or search for animated GIFs.
4. Drag to move an emoji. To delete it, drag it to the Delete button at the top until it's selected, then let go.
5. Make other edits, then tap Post to feed or Your Story.

Reacting to TikTok Stories with an emoji

TikTok Stories are photos and videos that stay visible for 24 hours. TikTok says you can react to someone's Story with an emoji or reply with a direct message.

1. Tap the profile photo of the person whose Story you want to react to.
2. Tap Message and type a message, or select an emoji to send your reaction.

Reactions and replies to friends, meaning followers you follow back, go straight to the inbox. Otherwise they arrive as message requests.

Reacting to a bulletin with a TikTok emoji

If you follow a bulletin board, TikTok says you can double-tap a bulletin to send a heart emoji, press and hold it to pick a default emoji, or press and hold then tap the Emoji button to choose another. Only followers of the board can react, and the reactions are visible to everyone.

Emoji tips for TikTok creators and small businesses

• Use one or two emojis in a caption overlay so the words stay easy to read.
• Match the emoji to your brand mood, for example a coffee cup for a cafe or a calendar for bookings.
• Place emojis away from the faces and products in your video.
• In messages, a quick emoji reaction is a polite way to say thanks to a customer.

If your TikTok menus are in a different language than you expect, my guide to changing the language on TikTok helps you find the same buttons.

What TikTok's help pages don't say about emojis

You may have seen lists of hidden or secret TikTok emoji codes. TikTok's help centre doesn't describe any, so I won't list them. If an emoji shows as a blank square, it usually means your phone's software doesn't support it yet, so updating your device is a sensible first step.

If you can't find the TikTok emoji button

• Update the TikTok app and restart your phone.
• Open a chat and look in the message bar for the Emoji button.
• When editing a video, look for the Stickers button on the side panel, then the Emojis tab.
• Some features are tested with a limited number of users first, so a new option may not be available to you yet.
• If it still won't appear, use Report a problem in the app's settings.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use emojis on TikTok?

In a direct message tap the Emoji button. On a video, use the Stickers button and the Emojis tab. On a Story, tap the profile photo and select an emoji to react.

How do I send an emoji reaction to a TikTok message?

TikTok says to press and hold an existing message and choose to send an emoji reaction.

Can I add emojis to my TikTok video?

Yes. After recording or uploading, tap Stickers on the side panel and pick the Emojis tab, then drag the emoji where you want it.

Can I react to a TikTok Story with an emoji?

Yes. TikTok says you can react to Stories with emojis or reply with a direct message.

Does TikTok list secret emoji codes?

No. TikTok's help centre doesn't describe hidden emoji codes.

Why can't I see the Emoji button on TikTok?

Update the app and open a chat. Some features reach users in stages, so it may not be available to you yet. If it stays missing, report a problem in settings.