Instagram is all about standing out, whether you’re posting stories, updating your bio, or leaving comments. But did you know there are hidden fonts and text emojis on Instagram that can make your content pop even more? These creative styling tricks aren’t built into the app, but with a few simple tools and techniques, you can unlock a whole new layer of personalization.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to access and use hidden fonts and text-based emojis to elevate your Instagram presence and make your profile truly one of a kind.
How To Use Hidden Fonts and Text Emojis on Instagram?
#Step 1: Access Instagram’s Built-In Text Tools
Instagram offers 15 built-in font styles that work the same across both Stories and Reels. To get started, upload the photo or video you want to share.
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For Stories: Tap anywhere on the screen to create a text layer and start typing.
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For Reels or Posts: Tap the “Aa” icon to open the text editor.
Once you begin typing, the font options will appear just above your keyboard. You can scroll horizontally to browse all 15 styles; each font is previewed using a sample word, so you can see exactly how your text will look before applying it.
#Step 2: Update New Fonts on Instagram
Instagram expanded its font collection with seven new typefaces, gradually rolled out to users beginning with beta testers in late 2024. Initially available in Stories, these fonts are now also featured in Reels. Along with the fonts, Instagram introduced six new text effects and animations to give your content even more flair.
Previously, fonts were represented only by a generic icon on Instagram, but now, each font has a unique name and style. Here’s a quick overview of the new fonts:
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Signature – A casual, handwritten style that blends cursive and print for a warm, personal feel.
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Editor – A retro serif with wide spacing, ideal for clean, formal layouts.
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Bubble – Soft, rounded, and playful—perfect for lighthearted posts.
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Deco – Bold and unconventional, great for making a stylish statement.
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Poster – Heavyweight with expressive serifs that demand attention.
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Squeeze – Compressed and dramatic, best for punchy captions.
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Rosalia (added July 2025) – A distressed, handwritten font with quirky capitalization for a raw, expressive vibe.
These fonts join Instagram’s original nine: Modern, Classic, Typewriter, Strong, Meme, Elegant, Directional, Literature, and Simple.
#Step 3: Find Hidden Fonts and Emojis on Instagram
A. Hidden Font: Papyrus
For years, Instagram users have enjoyed a hidden Easter egg: the elusive Papyrus font, tucked away behind a clever trick. Although the latest font update removed the original method to access it, Papyrus hasn’t vanished—it just got sneakier.
To reveal it, follow these steps:
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Upload your photo or video to a Story or Reel.
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Select the Meme font from the text style options.
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Type the word “papyrus” anywhere in your text.
Like a hidden spell, your text will automatically transform into the Papyrus font—no extra tools or downloads needed. It’s a fun and subtle way to add a bit of mystery or personality to your design.
B. Hidden Emojis
Tired of the default emojis on your phone or Instagram? Or maybe you’ve spotted a strange, cool emoji in someone’s Story and wondered where they got it? Chances are, you haven’t discovered Instagram’s hidden emoji feature yet.
To stay trendy and be a creative trailblazer on Instagram, follow these steps to unlock some awesome hidden emojis right inside the app:
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Upload your photo or video to a Story or Reel.
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Type one of the following symbols anywhere in your text box—Instagram will automatically convert them into unique emoji designs:
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:-)→ 😊 -
***→ ⭐️ -
+++→ ✝️ -
<3→ 🤍 -
3:)→ 😈 -
->,<-,-^→ ➡️ ⬅️ ⬇️
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Select the Rosalia font from the text style options to activate the hidden emoji transformation.
Tip: For the heart symbol (
<3), you can also use other fonts like Bubble, Editor, Poster, Signature, Deco, Squeeze, or Literature. Each font gives the heart a different shape or style, so feel free to experiment!
In addition, in the Bubble font, typing <3 two or three times in a row gives you double 💕 or triple heart emojis. Typing :-* in Bubble will display an adorable kissy face emoji 😙.
Which Font Should You Use on Instagram?
Choosing the right font can significantly impact the tone and effectiveness of your content. Among Instagram’s updated font collection, Poster stands out as a likely community favorite. Its bold design and strong contrast offer excellent readability, making it versatile for a wide range of content—from announcements to aesthetic posts. While more neutral than some other options, Poster still adds a distinctive visual punch.
Other popular picks include:
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Strong and Literature – These simple, sans serif styles are favorites among creators for their clarity and minimalist appeal.
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Modern – As the default font, it’s the most widely used due to its clean look and universal versatility.
Each font carries a different visual weight, so it’s worth thinking about how they complement your layout and message:
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Editor, for instance, has wide letter spacing and a retro flair, but it requires more space to truly stand out.
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Signature offers a handwritten feel and fits easily into various compositions, especially when space is limited.
Pairing fonts intentionally like placing Literature and its Google Fonts twin, Cormorant, on opposite sides of a photo can add a sophisticated, editorial vibe to your content. A sunrise at Cape Cod never looked so poetic.
How to Edit Text on Instagram
After adding a text layer to your Story or Reel, you can further enhance it using Instagram’s built-in styling tools. Here’s a breakdown of what each feature does:
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Font Size Slider: Drag up or down to adjust the size of your text proportionally.
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Font Menu: Browse and switch between Instagram’s 14+ font styles to find the perfect fit.
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Color Wheel: Choose text colors using preset swatches, a custom color picker, or a color sampler that pulls shades from your media.
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Animation Menu: Add movement to your text with animations that control how it appears and disappears.
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Text Effects: Layer your font with added visual effects to enhance the mood or emphasize key points.
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Text Alignment: Align your text left, center, or right—just like in a word processor.
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Border/Outline Option: Tap to add outlines around your text for better visibility. Multiple taps cycle through different styles.
New Animations and Effects to Try
Instagram’s latest update introduced six new text effects and animations, offering fresh ways to make your content pop:
Animations
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Pop: Text bounces into place with an elastic motion; great for drawing attention.
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Jump: Words hop into view and fall away, adding playful movement to your layout.
Effects
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Sparkle: Letters shimmer subtly or dramatically, adding energy and flair.
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Neon: Text glows with a soft, illuminated effect, perfect for dark or moody backgrounds.
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Shimmer: A sleek light glide across your text gives it a polished, metallic finish.
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Pixel: Text appears pixelated, creating a nostalgic, 8-bit aesthetic. Combine it with bold fonts or retro colors for a throwback vibe.