Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese designer, introduced the world to emojis in 1999. Since then, upwards of 3600 emojis have been created. Is that too many? Have we become saturated with emojis?
So the question is, are we over emojis, or are they being used more than ever?
Why Do People Use Emojis?
Emojis have become a universal language. They're quick and fun, and they allow us to share emotions, reactions, and even entire stories with just a single character—or completely confuse people who don't get the gist of your message.
But when it comes to meaning, emojis can help you say what you mean. Emojis add a layer of emotional context that plain text sometimes lacks. How often do you add a laughing emoji to a message to ensure the recipient knows you're joking?
Emojis are everywhere, from casual text conversations with friends to professional messages on platforms like Slack.
To put it bluntly, emojis are a staple of online communication--even for brands.
Should Brands Use Emojis?
Absolutely, but with caution. Emojis can help brands appear more relatable and engaging, especially when targeting younger audiences. A well-placed emoji can humanize a brand, making it feel less like a faceless entity and more like a friend.
Emails that include emojis in the subject line perform 60% better than those with plain subject lines.
44% of users are more inclined to purchase items that use emojis in advertising.
Using emojis in email subject lines can boost unique open rates by 29%.
However, you shouldn't add emojis to your comms willy-nilly.
Brands Beware: Emoji Misinterpretation
You have to understand your audience and the context of your emoji before you put it out there. One of the pitfalls of using emojis is the potential for misinterpretation. Different cultures, age groups, and even individuals can interpret emojis differently.
Want an example? The thumbs-up emoji (👍) is generally seen as a positive gesture, but it has also been embroiled in cancel culture. Gen Zers out there perceive it as passive-aggressive or dismissive, especially in workplace communications. Brands should only use emojis that they know their target audience understands to avoid any unintended negative connotations.
Another issue is overusing emojis. This can backfire, making a brand seem unprofessional or out of touch. It's all about balance and ensuring that the emojis align with the brand's voice and message.
Is Emoji Use on the Incline or Decline?
Contrary to what some might think, emoji use is not declining. In fact, these little images are on the upswing.
According to reports, over 10 BILLION emojis are sent every day, and 92% of the online population uses them. These little images don't seem to be losing steam—they're gaining momentum.
Emojis continue to grow and evolve. With each new update, we see the introduction of new emojis, reflecting the changing ways we communicate. The Unicode Consortium, the organization responsible for approving new emojis, regularly adds new characters to ensure inclusivity and representation.
Platforms like Apple, Google, and Twitter frequently update their emoji libraries, keeping them fresh and relevant. This constant evolution ensures that emojis remain an integral part of digital communication.
Emojis Are Here to Stay
So, are emojis still a thing? Absolutely! They continue to play a significant role in how we communicate personally and professionally.
For brands, emojis offer a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in a fun and engaging way. If you're not using emojis, perhaps it's time to consider it.
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