Emojis: Complete Platform Guide & How-To Resources for 2025

Emojis changed how we communicate online. You probably use them every day without thinking about it.This guide covers everything you need to know about emojis across different platforms. You’ll learn how to use them on any device, what they mean, and where to find them.

Understanding Emojis Across Different Platforms

Each platform displays emojis differently. An emoji on your iPhone looks different on your friend’s Samsung phone.Companies design their own emoji styles. Apple creates sleek, glossy emojis. Samsung prefers rounder, cartoon-like designs. Google goes for a flat, simple look.This matters because the same emoji can send different messages depending on how it appears.

Apple iPhone Emojis

Apple leads emoji design. Their emojis set the standard that other companies follow.iOS updates bring new emojis regularly. The latest iOS 18.4 added 8 new emojis. These include a fingerprint, a harp, and a shovel among others.Apple emojis work across all their devices. You see the same designs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Samsung Emojis

Samsung creates its own emoji designs for Galaxy devices. Their style differs from stock Android emojis.Samsung emojis often look more playful. They use brighter colors and rounder shapes.You’ll find Samsung emojis on Galaxy phones and tablets. They update with each new One UI version.

Google Android Emojis

Stock Android uses Google’s emoji designs. These appear on Pixel phones and devices running pure Android.Google redesigned their emojis in recent years. They moved away from blob-style emojis to more standard designs.Android updates bring new emojis to compatible devices. Your phone needs to support the latest Android version to see them.

Social Media Platform Emojis

Social media platforms handle emojis in unique ways. Each platform has special features and hidden options.

Facebook Emojis

Facebook uses reaction emojis beyond the basic like button. You can react with love, care, haha, wow, sad, or angry.The platform displays emojis based on your device. iPhone users see Apple emojis. Android users see their device’s version.Facebook Messenger has its own emoji features. You can change emoji skin tones and use animated reactions.

Instagram Emojis

Instagram pulls emojis from your device’s keyboard. The platform doesn’t create custom emojis.People use emojis heavily in Instagram captions and comments. They help posts stand out in feeds.Some emojis perform better in Instagram content. Hearts, sparkles, and faces drive more engagement than others.

TikTok Emojis

TikTok has secret emoji codes that unlock special animations. Type certain emoji combinations in comments to trigger effects.You can find TikTok emoji stickers for videos. These differ from standard keyboard emojis.Download TikTok emoji PNG files online. Many creators share transparent emoji packs for editing.

Snapchat Emojis

• Snapchat uses emojis to show friendship levels. These appear next to friend names.
• The yellow heart means you’re best friends. You send the most snaps to each other.
• A red heart appears after two weeks as best friends. Pink hearts show two months of best friendship.
• The fire emoji tracks your snap streak. The number shows consecutive days of snapping.
• Smiling face means they’re one of your best friends. Sunglasses mean you share a close friend.
• Grimacing face shows an awkward moment. You both have the same best friend.
• Baby emoji means you just became friends. The birthday cake appears on their birthday.

Discord Emojis

Discord lets you create custom emojis for servers. Regular users get 50 slots. Boosted servers get more.Upload images as emojis. Keep files under 256KB for standard emojis. Animated emojis need Nitro subscription.Make Discord emojis 128×128 pixels for best quality. PNG format works for static emojis. GIF format creates animated ones.Download free Discord emoji packs online. Many websites offer themed collections.Type colon followed by emoji name to use custom emojis. Discord auto-suggests as you type.

LinkedIn Emojis

LinkedIn supports professional emoji use. Stick to subtle reactions in professional contexts.The platform offers reaction emojis on posts. Choose from like, celebrate, support, love, insightful, and funny.Use emojis sparingly in LinkedIn messages. One or two emojis keep communication friendly without looking unprofessional.

Messaging Apps and Their Emojis

Messaging apps each handle emojis differently. Some add animations while others keep things simple.

WhatsApp Emojis

WhatsApp uses your device’s native emojis. The app doesn’t create custom designs.Recent updates added animated emojis. These play when you send certain emojis in chats.WhatsApp supports all standard Unicode emojis. Your messages look consistent across devices.

Slack Emojis

Slack allows custom emoji uploads for workspaces. Admins control upload permissions.Create Slack emojis from any image. Keep them work-appropriate for professional environments.Common Slack custom emojis include company logos, inside jokes, and reaction faces.Use custom emojis by typing colon plus the emoji name. Slack shows suggestions as you type.

Microsoft Teams Emojis

Teams offers built-in reaction emojis for messages. Click the smiley face to see options.The platform supports standard keyboard emojis in messages. Type them directly from your device keyboard.

Teams updates emoji options with new Microsoft releases. The selection grows with each update.

How to Use Emojis on Chromebook

Chromebooks have multiple ways to access emojis. You don’t need special apps or extensions.

• Press Search plus Shift plus Space. This opens the emoji picker instantly.
• Right-click in any text field. Select “Emoji” from the menu that appears.
• The emoji picker shows all available options. Click any emoji to insert it.
• Search for emojis using keywords. Type “heart” to find all heart emojis quickly.
• Chromebook emojis work without a touchscreen. The keyboard shortcut method works on all models.
• School Chromebooks might restrict emoji access. Ask your teacher if emojis don’t appear.

How to Use Emojis on Mac

Mac computers have a built-in emoji picker. Apple makes it easy to access.

• Press Command plus Control plus Space. The emoji picker appears wherever you type.
• You can also click Edit in the menu bar. Select “Emoji & Symbols” from the dropdown.
• The emoji window shows all categories. Click tabs to browse different sections.
• Search emojis by typing in the search box. Mac finds emojis matching your keywords.
• Double-click any emoji to insert it. Your recently used emojis appear first for quick access.
• Add emojis to your favorites. Right-click an emoji and select “Add to Favorites.”
• The Mac emoji picker works in all apps. Use it in Messages, Mail, Safari, and more.

How to Use Emojis on Windows PC

Windows includes an emoji keyboard in recent versions. Windows 10 and 11 both support it.

• Press Windows key plus period. You can also use Windows key plus semicolon.
• The emoji panel appears over your current window. Click any emoji to insert it.
• Browse categories using the icons at the top. Find faces, animals, food, and more.
• Search for specific emojis using the search box. Type keywords to filter results.
• Windows emoji panel includes GIFs and kaomoji. Switch tabs to access these options.
• Recent emojis appear first for convenience. Windows remembers your frequently used emojis.
• Older Windows versions need alternative methods. Copy and paste from online emoji websites.

How to Use Emojis on iPhone

iPhones come with an emoji keyboard built in. You need to enable it first if it’s not active.

• Go to Settings and tap General. Select Keyboard, then Keyboards.
• Tap “Add New Keyboard” and choose Emoji. The emoji keyboard is now available.
• Open any app where you type. Tap the globe icon on your keyboard to switch to emojis.
• Browse categories by swiping left or right. Tap any emoji to add it to your text.
• Hold certain emojis to see skin tone options. Release on your preferred tone to select it.
• Search emojis using the search bar. Type “smile” to find all smiling faces.
• iOS 18 introduced emoji mixing features. Combine two emojis to create new ones.
• Recent iOS updates added AI-generated custom emojis. Create unique emojis from text descriptions.
• Delete custom emojis by holding them in your keyboard. Tap the X that appears to remove them.

How to Use Emojis on Android

Android phones include emoji keyboards by default. Access varies slightly between manufacturers.

• Tap the smiley face icon on your keyboard. This switches to emoji mode.
• Browse categories using the icons at the bottom. Swipe through pages of emojis.
• Long-press certain emojis for variations. Choose different skin tones or gender options.
• Search emojis on newer Android versions. Look for the search icon in the emoji keyboard.
• Samsung phones have additional emoji features. Galaxy devices offer AR emojis and stickers.
• Stock Android uses Google’s Gboard emoji picker. Third-party keyboards have their own layouts.

New Emojis in 2025

New emojis arrive regularly through Unicode updates. Platforms roll them out at different times.

iOS 18.4 New Emojis

Apple added 8 new emojis in iOS 18.4. These include practical and fun options.The fingerprint emoji represents security and identity. Use it for privacy-related conversations.A harp emoji joins the musical instrument collection. Musicians can now represent their craft better.The shovel emoji helps with gardening and construction topics. It fills a gap in tool emojis.Other additions include a splatter emoji and root vegetable. Apple chose these based on user requests.

iOS 18.5 Updates

iOS 18.5 brought refinements to existing emojis. Apple updated designs for better clarity.Some emojis received minor color adjustments. These changes improve visibility on different screens.

Looking Ahead to iOS 26

Reports suggest iOS 26 will introduce more custom emoji features. Users may gain better creation tools.Apple might expand emoji mixing capabilities. Combining emojis could become more intuitive.New emoji categories may appear in future updates. Apple responds to cultural trends and user feedback.

Android Emoji Updates

Google updates Android emojis with major releases. Pixel phones get new emojis first.Android 15 introduced several redesigned emojis. Google refined their visual style across the board.Samsung pushes emoji updates through One UI. Galaxy phones sometimes lag behind stock Android.

Understanding Emoji Meanings

Emojis mean different things to different people. Context changes how people interpret them.

Heart Emoji Meanings

• Heart emojis come in many colors. Each color carries different implications.
• Red heart shows classic love and romance. Use it for significant others and deep affection.
• Yellow heart represents friendship and happiness. Send it to close friends without romantic intent.
• Blue heart suggests peace, loyalty, and trust. It works for platonic relationships.
• Green heart connects to nature and health. Some use it for environmental topics.
• Purple heart relates to compassion and understanding. The military also uses it as a medal symbol.
• Black heart can mean dark humor or sorrow. Context determines whether it’s edgy or sad.
• White heart symbolizes purity and new beginnings. Use it for fresh starts and clean slates.
• Orange heart shows enthusiasm and energy. It sits between friendship yellow and romantic red.
• Pink heart represents sweetness and care. It’s softer than the red heart’s intensity.

Face Emoji Meanings

Face emojis express countless emotions. Subtle differences change their meanings.

• The slightly smiling face appears polite but distant. People use it for awkward situations.
• Grinning face shows genuine happiness. It’s more enthusiastic than a simple smile.
• Face with tears of joy means something is hilarious. It’s one of the most popular emojis worldwide.
• Rolling on the floor laughing takes humor further. Use it for exceptionally funny content.
• Smiling face with hearts shows love and adoration. It’s less intense than the heart eyes emoji.
• Heart eyes emoji expresses strong attraction. People use it for crushes and things they love.
• Thinking face suggests contemplation or skepticism. Add it when considering options.
• Face with raised eyebrow shows doubt or disapproval. It questions what someone said.
• Neutral face indicates indifference or disappointment. The flat expression speaks volumes.
• Crying face shows sadness and upset feelings. It’s straightforward emotional expression.
• Loudly crying face amplifies sadness. Use it for dramatic or humorous exaggeration.
• Pleading face begs for something. The big eyes make requests seem innocent.

Hand Emoji Meanings

Hand gestures translate to emojis with various meanings. Some differ across cultures.

• Thumbs up shows approval and agreement. It’s universally positive in most contexts.
• Thumbs down indicates disapproval. Use it carefully as it’s quite direct.
• Waving hand says hello or goodbye. Direction doesn’t matter in emoji form.
• Raised hand can mean stop or high-five. Context determines which meaning applies.
• OK hand gesture shows agreement. Some regions interpret it differently.
• Victory sign represents peace or success. It’s popular for casual positive messages.
• Crossed fingers shows hope or good luck wishes. People use it when wanting positive outcomes.
• Pointing fingers direct attention. Use them to emphasize specific points.
• Praying hands can mean thank you or actual prayer. Many cultures use this gesture.
• Clapping hands celebrate achievements. They show appreciation and support.

Outlook Emoji Guide

Outlook supports emojis in email messages. Adding them differs between platforms.

Adding Emojis in Outlook on Windows

Click where you want to insert an emoji. Look for the emoji icon in the formatting toolbar.

• If you don’t see the icon, use Windows emoji picker. Press Windows key plus period.
• Select your emoji from the panel. It inserts directly into your email.
• You can also use Outlook’s built-in emoticons. Type colon plus close parenthesis for a smile.
• Outlook converts these text emoticons to emojis automatically. Disable this in settings if preferred.

Adding Emojis in Outlook on Mac

Click in your email body where emojis should go. Use the Mac emoji picker shortcut.

• Press Command plus Control plus Space. The emoji window appears over Outlook.
• Choose your emoji and click it. Outlook inserts it at your cursor position.
• Outlook for Mac also supports text emoticon conversion. Type emoticons and they become emojis.

Outlook Emoji Best Practices

• Use emojis sparingly in professional emails. One or two emojis maintain professionalism.
• Avoid emojis in initial client contact. Wait until you establish a relationship.
• Match emoji use to your recipient’s style. If they use emojis, you can too.
• Never replace words entirely with emojis. Always include clear text communication.
• Test emails before sending to important contacts. Make sure emojis display correctly.

Themed Emoji Collections

Find emojis quickly for specific occasions. These collections save time when you need the right emoji.

Christmas Emojis

• Christmas tree emoji is the holiday staple. Add it to festive messages.
• Santa Claus emoji brings Christmas cheer. Use it in holiday greetings.
• Snowman emojis work for winter themes. They’re not exclusively Christmas but fit the season.
• Present emoji shows gift-giving spirit. Combine it with other holiday emojis.
• Christmas wreath emoji adds decorative flair. It’s perfect for holiday invitations.

Halloween Emojis

• Jack-o-lantern emoji is Halloween’s icon. Every spooky message needs one.
• Ghost emoji keeps things playful. It’s not too scary for all audiences.
• Skull emoji adds darker vibes. Use it for edgier Halloween content.
• Spider and web emojis set spooky scenes. They’re classic Halloween imagery.
• Candy emoji represents trick-or-treating. Kids especially love this one.

Birthday Emojis

• Birthday cake emoji is essential. No birthday message is complete without it.
• Balloon emojis add celebration energy. Use multiple colors for festive effect.
• Party popper emoji shows excitement. It’s perfect for birthday surprises.
• Confetti ball emoji celebrates joyfully. Add it to enthusiastic birthday wishes.
• Gift emoji represents presents. Combine it with cake for full birthday energy.

Valentine’s Day Emojis

• Rose emoji symbolizes romantic love. It’s a Valentine’s Day classic.
• Heart emojis in all colors work. Red hearts are most traditional.
• Chocolate emoji represents sweet treats. Valentine’s Day and chocolate go together.
• Cupid emoji adds mythological romance. Use it for playful Valentine messages.
• Kiss mark emoji sends affection. It’s flirty without being too forward.

Custom Emoji Creation

Creating custom emojis lets you express unique ideas. Different platforms offer various creation tools.

Making AI Emojis

AI tools now generate custom emojis from text. Describe what you want and AI creates it.Several websites offer free AI emoji generators. Upload reference images or type descriptions.iOS 18 includes built-in AI emoji creation. Describe your emoji idea and iPhone generates options.Quality varies between AI emoji generators. Try multiple tools for best results.

Creating Discord Custom Emojis

Discord servers support custom emoji uploads. Server admins and members with permissions can add them.

• Prepare images at 128×128 pixels. This size displays clearly without pixelation.
• Keep file sizes under 256KB. Discord rejects larger files.
• Use PNG format for static emojis. Choose GIF for animated versions.
• Upload through server settings. Navigate to emoji settings and click upload.
• Name your emoji carefully. Users type this name to insert it.

iPhone Custom Emojis

• Recent iOS versions allow custom emoji mixing. Combine existing emojis to create new ones.
• Open Messages and tap the plus icon. Select “Stickers” from the menu.
• Choose two emojis to combine. iOS generates a merged version.
• Save your custom emoji to use later. It appears in your sticker collection.
• Delete unwanted custom emojis easily. Long-press and tap remove.

Copy and Paste Emoji Resources

Sometimes you need emojis your keyboard doesn’t show. Copy and paste from these collections.

Heart Emoji Collection

❤️ Red Heart 🧡 Orange Heart 💛 Yellow Heart 💚 Green Heart 💙 Blue Heart 💜 Purple Heart 🖤 Black Heart 🤍 White Heart 🤎 Brown Heart 💗 Growing Heart 💓 Beating Heart 💕 Two Hearts 💖 Sparkling Heart 💝 Heart with Ribbon

Smiley Face Collection

😀 Grinning Face 😃 Grinning Face with Big Eyes 😄 Grinning Face with Smiling Eyes 😁 Beaming Face 😅 Grinning Face with Sweat 😂 Face with Tears of Joy 🤣 Rolling on Floor Laughing 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes 😇 Smiling Face with Halo 🙂 Slightly Smiling Face 😉 Winking Face 😌 Relieved Face 😍 Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes 🥰 Smiling Face with Hearts

Seasonal Emoji Collections

Spring: 🌸 🌼 🌷 🌹 🌺 🦋 🐝 🌱 Summer: ☀️ 🌊 🏖️ 🍉 🍦 🌴 🏄 😎 Fall: 🍂 🍁 🎃 🍄 🌰 🦃 🌾 🧣 Winter: ❄️ ⛄ 🎄 🎅 🤶 ⛷️ 🎿 🧤

Emoji Usage Tips

Using emojis effectively improves your messages. Follow these guidelines for better communication.

Professional Settings

Limit emojis in work communication. One emoji per message maintains professionalism.Match your workplace culture. Some offices embrace emojis while others avoid them.Avoid emojis in formal documents. Reports and proposals should stay emoji-free.Use emojis to soften difficult messages. A slight smile can ease tension.Never use inappropriate emojis at work. Keep all emoji choices workplace-appropriate.

Personal Messages

Emojis add emotion to text messages. They clarify tone that text alone might miss.Use emojis to show enthusiasm. They make messages feel warmer and friendlier.Don’t overuse emojis in serious conversations. Balance playfulness with respect.Consider your recipient’s emoji habits. Mirror their level of emoji use.Combine emojis with words for clarity. Never rely solely on emojis to communicate.

Social Media Posts

Emojis boost social media engagement. Posts with emojis get more likes and comments.Use 1-3 emojis per caption. Too many emojis look cluttered and desperate.Place emojis strategically in your text. Put them where they emphasize key points.Match emojis to your brand voice. Consistency builds recognizable social media presence.Test different emoji combinations. Track which ones perform best with your audience.

Emoji Shortcuts Reference

Keyboard shortcuts speed up emoji access. Learn these for faster typing.

Mac Shortcuts

Command + Control + Space: Opens emoji picker Works in all applications No additional setup required

Windows Shortcuts

Windows + Period: Opens emoji panel Windows + Semicolon: Alternative emoji shortcut Both work identically

Chromebook Shortcuts

Search + Shift + Space: Opens emoji picker Right-click menu: Select emoji option Works in all text fields

Mobile Shortcuts

iPhone: Tap globe icon on keyboard Android: Tap smiley face icon Both switch to emoji keyboard instantly

Emoji History and Evolution

Emojis started in Japan in the late 1990s. Shigetaka Kurita created the first emoji set.He designed 176 emojis for a mobile internet platform. These simple pixelated images started a revolution.Apple brought emojis to iPhone in 2011. Initially only available in Japan, they soon went worldwide.Unicode standardized emojis in 2010.

This allowed consistent emoji use across all platforms.New emojis are proposed and approved annually. The Unicode Consortium reviews submissions from around the world.Platform designs vary but represent the same concepts. An apple emoji looks different on iPhone versus Android.Emojis continue evolving with culture. New emojis reflect changing social values and technology.

Platform Comparison

Different platforms display emojis uniquely. Understanding these differences helps with cross-platform communication.

Design Styles

Apple emojis use realistic, glossy designs. They look three-dimensional with careful shading.Google emojis prefer flat, minimalist styles. They use simple shapes and bold colors.Samsung emojis appear cartoon-like and rounded. They’re playful compared to other platforms.Microsoft emojis look clean and modern. They balance realism with simplicity.

Update Schedules

Apple releases emoji updates with iOS versions. New emojis arrive 2-3 times yearly.Google ties emoji updates to Android releases. Updates reach Pixel phones first.Samsung follows their own schedule. Galaxy devices sometimes lag behind standard Android.Windows updates emojis through system updates. Microsoft generally releases new emojis annually.

Cross-Platform Issues

Emojis might not display identically across devices. What you send may look different to recipients.Newer emojis won’t show on older devices. Recipients see empty boxes or question marks instead.Some emojis have completely different appearances. The gun emoji changed from realistic to water gun on some platforms.Always consider your recipient’s device. Check if they can see the emojis you send.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 8 new emojis in iOS 18.4?

iOS 18.4 added fingerprint, harp, shovel, splatter, root vegetable, leafless tree, hair pick, and landslide emojis.

How do I get emojis on my Chromebook?

Press Search + Shift + Space to open the emoji picker. You can also right-click in text fields and select emoji.

What do the Snapchat friend emojis mean?

Yellow heart means best friends, red heart shows two weeks of best friendship, and pink hearts indicate two months. Fire emoji tracks your snap streak.

How do I combine emojis on iPhone?

Open Messages, tap the plus icon, select Stickers, then choose two emojis to merge. iOS generates a combined version.

What’s the keyboard shortcut for emojis on Mac?

Press Command + Control + Space to open the emoji picker instantly.

How do I add emojis in Outlook?

On Windows, press Windows + Period. On Mac, press Command + Control + Space. You can also use the emoji icon in Outlook’s toolbar.

What do the different colored heart emojis mean?

Red means love, yellow shows friendship, blue represents trust, green connects to nature, purple suggests compassion, black indicates dark humor, white symbolizes purity, and orange displays enthusiasm.

How do I use TikTok secret emojis?

Type specific emoji codes in comments to trigger special animations. Look for TikTok emoji code lists online for current working combinations.

Can I create custom emojis on Discord?

Yes. Server admins can upload custom emojis through server settings. Create 128×128 pixel images under 256KB in PNG or GIF format.

What are the newest emojis in 2025?

Apple added 8 new emojis in iOS 18.4 including fingerprint, harp, and shovel. Check your device’s latest update for the newest additions.

Conclusion

Emojis are essential to modern communication. They add emotion and clarity to digital conversations.This guide covered emojis across all major platforms. You learned how to access them on any device.Understanding emoji meanings prevents miscommunication

. Context always matters when interpreting emojis.Bookmark this page for future reference. Emoji features and meanings continue evolving with each platform update.Start using emojis more effectively today. Better emoji use leads to clearer, more engaging communication.