TikTok's built-in text tool lets you pick from a set of preset fonts when you add captions or text overlays to your videos
TikTok does not let you upload custom fonts or change the default font used everywhere on your account. What you can do is select from TikTok's own font library when you add text to a video during editing. The fonts available depend on which version of the app you are using and your region, but the process is the same: add text, then tap the font name to see your options.
You cannot change fonts in comments, captions under your profile, or your username. You can only change fonts in the text that appears on top of your video itself — the kind you add in the editing screen after you record or upload.
Key Takeaways
- TikTok's font options appear only when you add text during video editing, not in comments or your profile bio.
- To access fonts, record or upload a video, tap the text icon, type your message, then tap the font name at the bottom of the screen.
- Available fonts include standard options like Segoe, Courier, and stylized choices like Sharpie and Glow, though the exact list varies by region and app version.
- You cannot use fonts from your phone's system fonts or upload your own custom fonts to TikTok.
How to add text and change its font
Start by recording a new video or uploading one from your phone's camera roll. Once you have finished recording or selected your video, you will see the editing screen with a row of icons at the bottom. Tap the text icon — it looks like a capital letter "A" — to add text to your video.
Type the message you want to appear on screen. After you type, look at the bottom of the screen. You will see the name of the current font displayed in a box or button. Tap that font name to open the font menu. A list of available fonts will appear. Scroll through the options and tap the one you want. Your text will update to show the new font when ready.
Once you have picked a font, you can still move the text around the screen by dragging it, change its color by tapping the color wheel, and adjust its size by pinching. When you are done, tap outside the text box or press the back button to confirm your choice.
Font options TikTok usually offers
The fonts available on TikTok include Segoe (a clean, modern sans-serif), Courier (a monospace font that looks typewritten), and several stylized options. Common choices are Sharpie (which looks hand-drawn), Glow (which has a glowing effect), and Typewriter (which mimics a vintage typewriter). Some regions and app versions also include fonts like Brush, Neon, and Bubble.
The exact list changes over time and may differ depending on whether you are using TikTok on iOS or Android, and which country your account is registered in. If you do not see a font you saw before, it may have been removed from your region or your app version needs an update.
Why you cannot use custom fonts
TikTok does not allow you to import fonts from your phone or use fonts installed on your device. The app only displays the fonts it has built in. This is a limitation of how TikTok's text tool works — it is not a setting you can change.
If you want to use a specific custom font, you would need to add the text to your video using a different app before you upload it to TikTok. Apps like Canva, Adobe Express, or even your phone's built-in photo editor let you add text in any font your phone has installed, save the edited image or video, and then upload that file to TikTok. The text would then be part of the video itself rather than added through TikTok's text tool.
Changing text color alongside font
When you add text to a TikTok video, you can change both the font and the color. After you pick your font, tap the color wheel icon (usually next to the font name) to open the color picker. You can choose from preset colors or create a custom color by dragging across the color wheel.
The color you pick applies only to that text box. If you add multiple text elements to the same video, each one can have its own font and color. This lets you create contrast or emphasis between different pieces of text on screen.
Text options that work across your whole account
TikTok does offer some account-wide text settings, but they are limited. In your account settings, you can turn on captions (which automatically transcribe what people say in your videos) or adjust the language TikTok uses for captions. You cannot, however, change the font of those auto-generated captions or the font used in your username, bio, or video descriptions.
The only way to control fonts across your account is to add text manually to each video during editing. There is no global font setting that changes how text appears everywhere on your profile.
Troubleshooting font changes that do not work
If the font menu does not appear when you tap the font name, make sure you are using the latest version of TikTok. Open your phone's app store, search for TikTok, and check whether an update is available. Older versions of the app sometimes have fewer fonts or bugs that prevent the font menu from opening.
If you are still having trouble, try closing TikTok completely and reopening it. If the font options still do not show up, the feature may not be available in your region yet, or there may be a temporary issue with your account. Uninstalling and reinstalling TikTok sometimes fixes this, though you will need to log back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the font of my username or bio?
No. TikTok does not let you change the font of your username, bio, or any text in your profile. You can only change fonts in the text you add to videos during editing.
What if I want to use a font that is not in TikTok's list?
Add the text to your video using a different app — Canva, Adobe Express, or your phone's photo editor all let you use custom fonts. Save the edited video or image, then upload it to TikTok. The text will be part of the video file itself.
Do all TikTok users see the same fonts I do?
The fonts available to you depend on your app version and region. Other users may see a slightly different list. However, when someone watches your video, they will see the font you chose — the font is rendered as part of the video, not applied by their app.
Can I change the font of auto-generated captions?
No. TikTok's auto-caption feature uses a single font that you cannot customize. If you want captions in a different font, you would need to add them manually using the text tool during editing.
Why did a font I used before disappear?
TikTok updates its font library regularly and removes or adds fonts by region. If a font is no longer in your list, it has likely been removed from your region or app version. Updating TikTok to the latest version may restore it, but there is no may provide.