Definition:
An emoji is a Japanese term that refers to small images or ideograms used in digital media, such as computers and cell phones, to represent emotions, ideas, feelings and other concepts quickly and directly. These graphics, usually 12×12 pixels, have evolved to include a wide range of expressions and objects, enriching digital communication.
What are emojis for?
The use of emojis has grown exponentially in recent years, especially with the rise of social networks and messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Telegram. Their popularity has reached such a level that, in many conversations, emojis outnumber written words. Emojis are used for:
- Express emotions and feelings: They allow to communicate emotions in a more visual and direct way than text, adding an emotional nuance to messages.
- Simplify communication: They facilitate the transmission of ideas and concepts in a concise manner, reducing the need for long explanations.
- Adding context: They help to clarify the tone of a message, avoiding misunderstandings in written communication.
Difference between emoji, emoticons and stickers
Although they are often confused, there are clear differences between emojis, emoticons and stickers:
- Emoticons: These are combinations of typographic characters that represent basic facial expressions, such as 🙂 for a smile. They are limited to expressing simple emotions.
- Emojis: They are images or graphic icons that represent a wide variety of objects, emotions and concepts, beyond the basic emotions. They are an evolution of emoticons, offering a richer and more detailed representation.
- Stickers: These are larger and more detailed graphics than emojis, without a predefined size. They can represent concepts with greater depth and are often used in messaging applications to add a personal and creative touch to conversations.
Emojis in digital marketing
Emojis have caught the attention of digital marketing professionals, who have recognized their potential to improve communication and engagement with customers. Their use in digital marketing offers several benefits:
- Attraction and engagement: Emojis make content more entertaining and visually appealing, capturing users’ attention and encouraging interaction.
- Message reinforcement: Emojis can complement and reinforce the main message, helping the content to settle better in the user’s mind.
- Differentiation: They add a touch of originality and creativity to communications, helping brands stand out in an information-saturated environment.
However, it is important to use emojis judiciously. In formal or professional contexts, they may be considered inappropriate and detract from the seriousness of the message. Brands should carefully evaluate when and how to use emojis to maintain consistency with their image and tone of communication.
Popular resources for emojis
- Unicode Emoji Charts: Provided by Unicode, this resource offers an exhaustive list of all standard emojis, organized by categories. It is an excellent reference for developers and designers interested in the implementation of emojis.
- Emojipedia: A comprehensive source for exploring and discovering the meaning of all emojis. It offers detailed descriptions of each emoji, along with usage examples and updates on new emoji releases.
- Get Emoji: A simple site that allows you to easily copy and paste emojis on any platform. Ideal for users who want quick access to a wide range of emojis without the need to install additional applications.
- EmojiCopy: Offers a clean interface for selecting and copying emojis, allowing users to customize the size and background color before copying. Useful for those looking for a little more customization in their use of emojis.