On World Emoji Day, discover the most popular emojis used globally and the story behind their creation. From love to laughter, emojis are shaping the way we communicate.

Celebrating World Emoji Day: The Icons That Speak Without Words


World Emoji Day, marked annually on 17 July, is more than a celebration of tiny digital icons—it's a global recognition of how modern communication has evolved. From joyful laughter to heartfelt emotions, emojis have transcended language barriers and become essential elements of daily interaction. As the world sends an estimated 10 billion emojis every day, we explore which of these miniature expressions dominate the digital landscape.

From Japan to the World: The Birth of Emoji


The emoji phenomenon began in 1999, when Japanese designer Shigetaka Kurita created the first set of icons to simplify digital messaging. What started as a 176-character collection quickly evolved into a global language. By 2015, the term emoji had become so embedded in everyday conversation that the Oxford English Dictionary crowned it Word of the Year—a testament to its cultural impact.

Most Popular Emojis in the World


According to Emojipedia, the online authority on emoji usage and trends, the top three emojis in global communication are:

  • ❤️ Red Heart – a universal symbol of love, warmth, and affection.

  • ? Loudly Crying Face – often used to express deep sadness or overwhelming happiness.

  • ? Face with Tears of Joy – a staple for humor and shared laughter, particularly in digital conversations.

These icons, simple in design but rich in meaning, dominate conversations across messaging platforms, social media, and even corporate communication.

Who Approves Emojis?


Each new emoji undergoes careful scrutiny before it appears on your smartphone. That responsibility falls to the Unicode Consortium, a non-profit organisation that standardises character encoding globally. The consortium reviews proposals and determines which emojis are approved for use, ensuring they are inclusive, relevant, and meaningful.

At present, users have access to over 3,500 emojis, ranging from facial expressions and objects to cultural symbols and inclusive representations of people and communities. The library continues to grow with each Unicode release, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of global expression.

Why World Emoji Day Matters

World Emoji Day is more than a marketing gimmick—it's a celebration of digital expression in its purest form. In a world of rapid communication, emojis serve as emotional cues that transcend text. They enable nuance, bridge language divides, and often say more than words ever could.

From a red heart to a laughing face, each emoji carries a weight of meaning that connects billions of users worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, so too will these tiny digital symbols—ever adapting to reflect our shared human experience.

 The Emoji Era is Here to Stay
Emojis have transformed from quirky illustrations into powerful communication tools. Whether expressing joy, sorrow, or solidarity, these symbols play a vital role in shaping online conversation. As we celebrate World Emoji Day, it's clear that these icons aren’t just passing trends—they are here to stay, one tap at a time.