One of TikTok's favorite emojis right now is called the Proud emoji. For TikTokers who don't use the mobile app, you might just be seeing the word "[proud]" in brackets instead.

Basically, the Proud TikTok emoji is a hidden emoji that users can summon if they type in the bracketed code [proud]. The emoji itself is a white character with a black outline, seen saying something very important.

But, where did TikTok's [Proud] emoji come from? Who uses it and why is it so viral? Let's explain.

Where Did The Proud TikTok Emoji Come From?

In 2021, TikTok implemented a secret Easter Egg emoji keyboard. Users were able to type bracketed code words that translated into secret emoticons, only on the mobile app.

The so-called Proud emoji was one of those hidden emojis. To use it, a TikToker can type in the code [proud] and voila! It's there.

@moonlalaz PLEASE I LOVE THE TIKTOK EMOJIS🗣️🗣️🗣️ #proudemoji #skibidi #fyp #ineedviewspls #tiktokemojis ♬ scary flee the facility music – mcdonald's jammer! 🎧

How Is The Proud TikTok Emoji Used?

The Proud emoji was used en masse starting in 2024. It became somewhat of a spam comment as it frequently appeared at the end of people's statements in comment sections.

TikTokers use the Proud emoji to portray the feeling of saying something with confidence. The emoji looks cocky saying whatever it's saying. So, TikTokers and meme creators have subverted that impression by pairing the Proud emoji with statements and catchphrases that don't warrant a confident delivery.

@spongeeeeeeeee I LOVE THIS EMOJI SOOO MUCH #proud #sigma @Aո꒸㉹L🍂🥨 ♬ original sound – Sponge 🧽

What Are Some Other Secret Emojis On TikTok?

The hidden emoji keyboard on TikTok is quite expansive. Although the Proud emoji is one of the most common, others like [happy], [pride] and [cry] amass frequent usage on the app as well.

@mahir4cowboys this took too long to make grrrr 🐺 #emoji #emoticon #tiktokemoji #experssions #emojis #tiktok #relatable #fyp #foryou #viral ♬ original sound – Zezak

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For the full history of the Proud TikTok emoji, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.