Definition: Add strikethrough to any text using Unicode. S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ copy paste for Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Reddit & anywhere without markdown. Free generator.

Strikethrough & Crossed-Out Styles

Single, double, slash-through and bold strikethrough variants, click any card to copy

Key takeaway: Unicode strikethrough uses U+0336 (COMBINING LONG STROKE OVERLAY), a combining character attached to each letter individually. Unlike markdown ~~ or HTML <s>, it copies and pastes as plain text on every platform including Twitter and Instagram.

How Unicode Strikethrough Works

Strikethrough text is used by everyone from Twitter comedians writing ironic corrections to marketers showing "original vs discounted" pricing, to Discord users who want a crossed-out aesthetic in their usernames. The Unicode method works where platform-specific markdown fails.

Unicode strikethrough uses U+0336, COMBINING LONG STROKE OVERLAY, a combining character from the Combining Diacritical Marks block (U+0300–U+036F). Combining characters attach to the preceding letter rather than standing alone, they are invisible on their own but modify the glyph they follow. U+0336 specifically draws a horizontal line through the centre of the preceding character.

By inserting U+0336 after every character in a string, every individual letter gets its own strikethrough line. The result, S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶, is plain Unicode text. It copies, pastes, and renders identically on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, across any app that supports Unicode text.

Strikethrough vs Platform Markdown

Most platforms offer their own strikethrough method, but each has limitations that Unicode solves:

MethodWorks InCopy-Pastes Elsewhere?Example
Unicode U+0336 Everywhere ✓ Yes, plain text S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶
Discord ~~text~~ Discord only ✗ Shows as ~~text~~ ~~Strike~~
Reddit ~~text~~ Reddit only ✗ Shows as ~~text~~ ~~Strike~~
HTML <s> Websites only ✗ Shows as raw HTML <s>Strike</s>
Twitter (none) Not supported natively , Unicode is the only way S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶
Instagram (none) Not supported natively , Unicode is the only way S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶

Three Strikethrough Unicode Variants

Best Uses for Strikethrough Text

Twitter / X Humour

S̶t̶r̶i̶k̶e̶t̶h̶r̶o̶u̶g̶h̶ is a staple of Twitter irony: "definitely d̶i̶d̶n̶'̶t̶ mean to write this." The format signals a correction or revision in a self-aware, comedic way. Unicode strikethrough is the only method that works in Twitter posts and display names, Twitter has no native markdown strikethrough.

Reddit & Forum Edits

While Reddit supports ~~ markdown strikethrough in post bodies, Unicode strikethrough works in Reddit usernames and profile bio sections where markdown is disabled. It also pastes into Reddit comments on apps that don't render markdown in the composer.

Instagram Captions

Instagram has no native strikethrough support in captions or bios. Unicode U+0336 strikethrough is the only way to add crossed-out text to Instagram. Use it for "before and after" reveals, crossed-out old prices, or comedic effect in caption copy.

Transparent Corrections

Bloggers, journalists, and newsletter writers use strikethrough to show corrections transparently, the original text remains readable while the revision is visible alongside it. Unicode strikethrough works in email clients (Gmail, Outlook) that strip HTML formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Unicode character is strikethrough?

The primary Unicode strikethrough character is U+0336, COMBINING LONG STROKE OVERLAY. It is a combining character that attaches to the preceding letter, drawing a horizontal line through it. Inserting U+0336 after every character adds a strikethrough to each letter individually, resulting in plain text that renders on all platforms.

How do I add strikethrough on Twitter?

Twitter has no native strikethrough support. Use this Unicode generator: type your text above, click Copy on the Strikethrough style card, and paste it directly into your tweet or Twitter bio. The Unicode combining character method is the only way to create strikethrough text on Twitter.

Does strikethrough text work on Instagram?

Yes. Unicode strikethrough using U+0336 copies and pastes into Instagram bios, captions, and Stories text overlays. Instagram does not support HTML or markdown, the Unicode combining character method is the only native way to add strikethrough text on Instagram.

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