Is the Classic font gone for good on TikTok?

TikTok has once again shaken up its design aesthetic, this time by removing its iconic Classic font — the go-to style that many users have grown attached to since the platform’s early days. Whether it was for funny memes, personal vlogs, or informational content, the Classic font was a fixture in TikTok’s text overlays. Now, as TikTok creators log in, they’re met with a different experience — no more Classic.

In a recent update, TikTok has quietly replaced the Classic font with other options like Elegance and Retro. For those who frequently used Classic, the new choices just don’t offer the same vibe. It’s been an integral part of TikTok’s look, especially with its rounded, approachable aesthetic that worked equally well across a variety of content genres.

This removal seems to be hitting hardest among creators who focus on comedy and casual content, where the Classic font had become synonymous with TikTok’s signature feel. With several users expressing frustration online, it’s clear that the Classic font wasn’t just another design element — it was a branding tool.

The big question is why TikTok made this change. Some speculate that it’s part of the platform’s broader effort to evolve visually and stylistically, much like their introduction of the STEM Feed, which shows TikTok is leaning into more educational content. But here’s where it gets tricky: educational content specialists, who often rely on a more professional or polished aesthetic, might have been the group most in need of the Classic font being replaced. Over time, the font’s widespread use made it appear too informal for educational or luxury content.

Of course, for users relying on TikTok for polished content, fonts like Proxima Nova or Elegance can help keep things fresh, but even then, there’s a sense of loss. The Classic font was versatile, and its removal has left a gap that the other available fonts just don’t quite fill. That “old-school” TikTok nostalgia is a hard thing to replace, after all.

Still, TikTok seems intent on keeping users on their toes, with recent changes like first comment highlights and new content moderation tools following closely behind. It’s all part of the ever-evolving TikTok landscape, one that users will have to adapt to.

Whether Classic makes a comeback remains to be seen, but for now, creators will need to get comfortable with new looks — and who knows, maybe another font will take on the mantle of TikTok’s next icon. In the meantime, if you’re mourning the Classic font, you might find solace in downloading a third-party option, or you could join the chorus of users asking for its return.

Featured image: Aaron Weiss / Unsplash