Unicode Bold vs Markdown Bold: Which Should You Use?
The short answer
Unicode bold is best for bios, captions, and anywhere formatting is unavailable.
Markdown bold is best when the app supports formatting (like chat or documentation).
Comparison table
| Method | How it works | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unicode bold | Separate characters | Bios, captions, plain‑text fields | 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱 |
| Markdown | Formatting syntax | Chat, docs, notes | bold |
When to use Unicode bold
- Social bios and captions
- Posts and comments with no formatting tools
- Cross‑platform templates
- Headlines and CTAs
When to use Markdown bold
- Apps that explicitly support Markdown
- Long‑form notes or documentation
- Chat messages where formatting is native
Best practices
- Keep bold lines short
- Use one style per post
- Preview in the final app
- Avoid long paragraphs in Unicode bold
FAQ
Q: Which is more reliable across platforms?
A: Unicode bold is more portable because it’s part of the text itself.
Q: Does Markdown work on social media?
A: Most social apps don’t support Markdown formatting, so Unicode is safer.
Q: Can I mix both?
A: Yes, but keep it simple to avoid inconsistent rendering.
Final tip
Use Unicode bold for public‑facing posts and Markdown bold for internal notes or chats.