World Emoji Day - Best Practice Guide

😄🎂 Happy World Emoji Day 🎂😄

Today we're celebrating all of the fun and creativity that emojis can bring to the way we communicate. With the wide variety of emojis now available, you can tell entire stories in pictograph. Although these small images can enhance communication when used thoughtfully, it’s important to consider best practice for using emojis, especially when using them in posts to promote your brand. 

Use Sparingly 👍

Avoid “emoji-happy” messages, especially in professional settings. While they can add a touch of personality and help convey emotions, it’s important not to distract your audience by overusing them. Excessive use or bad selection can make your brand appear unprofessional and dilute your message. Ensure your posts remain clear, consistent and keep your emoji selection appropriate for your audience. 

Double Check Meanings ✅

Be aware of potential cultural differences in emoji meanings and avoid ambiguous or potentially offensive choices. Younger generations are often speaking an entirely different language when it comes to emojis so it’s important to check any double meanings and spend some time decoding the emojis that you use regularly. 

Accessibility 🗣️

Consider that some users may have visual impairments and rely on screen readers that cannot always communicate emojis effectively, as they will be read aloud as text descriptions. While screen readers can interpret and vocalise emojis, overuse or poorly placed emojis can create a confusing experience for those relying on text-to-speech. Ensure that emojis are not the sole means of communication and that they are used in a way that does not create accessibility issues. 

Differentiate Between Networks 📱

Emojis can often appear differently across networks due to variations in font designs and rendering. Each operating system (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.) and social media platform (Facebook, X, etc.) has its own unique designs for emojis. This means the same emoji might look slightly different on an iPhone compared to an Android phone. Differences can lead to misinterpretations, so it’s important to check emojis across devices and platforms. 

While keeping all of these things in mind, remember that emojis can be beneficial for your brand and help to increase engagement, convey emotion, save space and connect with your audience on a more human level. 

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