TikTok treats all text fields as plain Unicode storage — whatever you paste in, it saves and displays as-is. Unicode strikethrough uses combining long stroke overlay characters (U+0336) that attach to each letter, creating the crossed-out visual. Because TikTok stores raw Unicode, this works in every text field: bio, captions, comments, and display name.
Unlike Instagram which occasionally has paste issues with combining characters, TikTok's text handling is more reliable for strikethrough — copy-paste typically works in one attempt.
Strikethrough on TikTok — field-by-field
| Field | Strikethrough works? | Char limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio | Yes | 80 chars | Tight limit — strikethrough works but each crossed letter counts as 2 chars (letter + combining mark). Plan accordingly. |
| Display name | Yes | 30 chars | A crossed-out word in your display name is distinctive and memorable. |
| Video captions | Yes | 2,200 chars | Best field for strikethrough — plenty of room, renders in TikTok's app and web player. |
| Comments | Yes | 150 chars | Strikethrough in comments catches the eye in crowded comment sections. |
| Replies | Yes | 150 chars | Same as comments. |
TikTok bio with strikethrough — making it work in 80 chars
- Remember: each strikethrough letter uses 2 Unicode code points (the letter + combining mark). An 8-letter strikethrough word uses 16 of your 80 bio characters. Plan your bio with this in mind — use strikethrough selectively, not for the entire bio.
- One crossed-out word per bio line is the most effective ratio: 'c̶o̶f̶f̶e̶e̶ tea addict' uses 12 chars for the strikethrough part (6 chars × 2) and makes the joke land immediately.
- Use strikethrough for the old version of your identity: 's̶t̶u̶d̶e̶n̶t̶ | content creator | 📍 NYC' — the crossed-out 'student' signals your transition narrative without explaining it.
- Pair strikethrough with emoji: '𝘤̶𝘳̶𝘦̶𝘢̶𝘵̶𝘰̶𝘳̶ ✨ just vibing' — the emoji acts as a visual period and anchors the bio.
- If 80 chars are too tight: use strikethrough only in your display name (30 chars, more generous) and keep the bio plain.
TikTok video caption ideas using strikethrough
- Recipe/tutorial corrections: '(s̶t̶i̶r̶ fold! 🥄) Add dry ingredients gradually' — crossing out common mistakes in your captions helps viewers avoid errors and increases save rate.
- POV captions: 'POV: you t̶h̶o̶u̶g̶h̶t̶ knew he was into you' — the strikethrough reveal structure is popular in storytelling TikToks.
- Price reveals for business TikToks: 'Starting at $̶9̶9̶ $49 this week only' — strikethrough pricing in captions increases urgency without needing a graphic.
- Comedy captions: write what you were thinking crossed out, then what you actually did. This 'internal vs. external' format performs well because the subtext is visible.
- Thought corrections: 'I w̶a̶n̶t̶e̶d̶ needed to make this video' — subtle corrections signal self-awareness and authenticity, which resonates with TikTok's audience.
TikTok strikethrough in video text overlays
TikTok's in-app video text tool doesn't support Unicode strikethrough — you can only type from the device keyboard in text overlays. However, TikTok's auto-caption feature and external caption tools do store captions as Unicode, so strikethrough in captions (not overlays) works consistently.
For text overlays on TikTok videos themselves, use TikTok's built-in text formatting which has its own visual effects — including a strikethrough-style animation. This is separate from Unicode and only exists within the TikTok video layer.