Emojis have become an everyday feature in our digital communication, seamlessly used in texting, social media interactions, and even private messages without hesitation. Over the years, these digital pictograms have smoothly fused into our online conversations, magnifying the joy of communication in conveying ideas, expressing emotions, and representing objects.
Originally, the term 'emoji' derived from two Japanese words: 'e,' meaning 'picture,' and 'moji,' meaning 'written character.' And although initially expressed through symbols, emojis have evolved into a universally standardised form, allowing people with different languages and backgrounds to interpret them at just a glance.
This article lists the 10 most popular emojis used across 12 platforms, including Instagram, X and others based on data from Meltwater, an analysis and social intelligence tool. Read on to discover whether your favourite emoji made the list.
1. Face with tears of joy (😂)
This emoji is frequently used to express intense laughter, typically in response to something exceptionally hilarious that makes you laugh uncontrollably until tears fill your eyes.
2. Loudly crying face (😭)
A ‘loudly crying face’ a.k.a ‘bawling’ or ‘crying’ or ‘sobbing’ - the list goes on! It’s commonly used to convey extreme sadness or suffering, and therefore, it practically can be used in any sad situation.
3. Rolling on the floor laughing (🤣)
It can be used in response to a joke, a funny post on your Instagram Story, or a humorous situation that makes you laugh uncontrollably, causing you to fall to the ground.
4. Red heart (❤️)
“I heart you, and you heart me” kinda situation, so you get the gist!
It's a powerful gesture that can be used without having to say a word. Use with caution!
5. Fire (🔥)
The emoji appears as a yellow flame with a touch of red at the top, symbolising that something is cool and exciting, or colloquially, 'on fire'! In today's language, it's frequently used by Gen Z to express something attractive and lit!
6. Folded hands (🙏)
The emoji appears very simple - two hands placed firmly together - however, its interpretation is highly debatable. Some say it means thank you or please, while others use it as a gesture of praying hands. It's also occasionally used as a high-five, but that's quite rare.
In the previous version of the emoji, iOS displayed a yellow burst of light behind the two hands, while Android showed a blob-character with closed eyes and folded hands.
7. Smiling face with heart eyes (😍)
Open smile; checked! Teeth; checked! Heart-shaped eyes; checked! The emoji conveys enthusiastic feelings of adoration and love. It carries the same meaning with the red heart emoji, so you can express all the ‘I Love Yous’ with this emoji, too!
This emoji has a cat variant; a cute cat with heart-eyes obviously means cuteness overload! Awwww!
8. Smiling face with hearts (🥰)
A yellow face with smiling eyes, a closed smile, rosy cheeks, and hearts floating around - there's no need for further explanation. Whether it's a happy expression, affectionate feelings, or being in love, this emoji is perfect for expressing your adoration.
However, the placement of the hearts varies with different platforms and devices. Though it may appear differently from an Apple device to an Android device, its meaning is still intact. That's all that matters!
9. Sparkles (✨)
The three four-point yellow stars sparkling emoji, featuring one large and two small stars on either the left or right, is commonly used to depict various sentiments. It can express feelings of happiness, beauty, excitement, a glow-up, or even cleanliness. Additionally, this emoji may also be employed to convey sarcastic or mocking tones.
10. Smiling face with smiling eyes (😊)
Similar to the 'smiling face with hearts' emoji, the 'smiling face with smiling eyes' emoji often expresses genuine happiness and warm positive feelings. You can alternate between using either emoji to convey your emotions.
A fun feature for all ages
Emojis are an ever-changing feature, and how you interpret them depends on you! Nevertheless, these emojis add fun to our interactions and contribute to engaging online dialogue across various platforms and smart devices.
Speaking of platforms and smart devices, if you're ever looking to join this ever-changing emoji community (if there's such a thing ;p), Shop.CompAsia is a platform where you can get smartphones at affordable prices.
At Shop.CompAsia, you’ll find an awesome selection of second-hand devices that guarantee seamless online interactions. We perform a thorough 32-step quality check to ensure 100% functionality and provide a one-month free warranty, extendable up to 12 months. Don’t forget to comment with your favourite emoji here!