I. Introduction
Whether you’re expressing emotions or adding playful flair to your messages, emojis have become an essential part of our digital communication. However, you may have found yourself wanting more diverse, inclusive, or simply fun emojis that aren’t in your current keyboard. This article will guide you through different ways to get new emojis, from submitting requests to the Unicode Consortium to creating custom ones and exploring third-party apps. We’ll also delve into the evolution and cultural significance of emojis and how to expand their meaning and use beyond their intended purpose.
II. How to Request New Emojis from the Unicode Consortium
The Unicode Consortium is the authority that oversees the creation and implementation of new emojis. If you have a compelling proposal for a new emoji, you can submit a request to the Unicode Consortium through their website. The proposal should include a description of the emoji’s intended meaning, potential frequency of use, and how it would complement existing emojis. It should also include a visual design and explain any cultural or linguistic relevance. The Unicode Consortium typically reviews proposals twice a year and makes decisions based on factors such as technical feasibility, expected usage, and consistency with existing emojis. If your proposal is approved, it can take up to 18 months for the emoji to be available on different platforms, such as iOS or Android. One tip to increase your chances of approval is to emphasize how the proposed emoji would benefit a diverse range of users and contribute to a more inclusive platform.
III. Popular Emoji Requests from Users
While the Unicode Consortium reviews various proposals, user requests can influence their decisions as well. Social media and messaging apps often release data on the most commonly used or desired emojis by their users. Some of the popular requests include emojis that represent different disabilities, hairstyles, and skin tones, as well as niche ones like a sloth or garlic. These requests reflect a desire for more diverse and inclusive representation in emojis. Users can also express their opinions on existing emojis, such as the controversial pistol emoji, and push for changes or removals. The Unicode Consortium has demonstrated responsiveness to user requests, such as by adding gender-neutral options or changing the design of the gun emoji to a water pistol. However, there is also a challenge of balancing competing requests and considerations, such as what emojis would have global appeal versus what would be more relevant in specific regions or cultures.
IV. Creating Custom Emojis
If you want more control over your emojis or have a specific branding or personal message you want to convey, you can create custom emojis. There are various ways to do so, depending on your expertise and resources. One way is to use existing templates or software to design your own emojis and then distribute them through messaging apps or social media. Another way is to collaborate with a graphic designer or emoji expert to create a custom set that reflects your vision. Custom emojis have been used effectively by businesses, celebrities, and individuals to engage with their audiences and generate buzz. However, custom emojis are not standardized and may not be recognized or compatible across different platforms or devices. Additionally, creating custom emojis may not address broader concerns of diversity and inclusivity that Unicode Consortium requests aim to do.
V. Evolution of Emojis
Emojis may seem like a recent phenomenon, but they actually have a rich history and cultural significance. Emojis originated in Japan in the late 1990s as a way to express emotions in digital conversations. They quickly gained popularity and spread to other countries, but their meanings and designs differed widely. The Unicode Consortium was created in 1991 to standardize digital characters and scripts, including emojis. Since then, the Consortium has expanded the range of emojis to cover more languages, cultures, and identities. For example, the Consortium added skin tone modifiers in 2015 and gender-neutral options in 2019. Emojis have also become a way to express social and political issues, such as the use of the raised fist emoji for activism and the red heart for solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VI. Top Third-Party Emoji Keyboard Apps
If you’re looking for more variety or customization options in your emojis, third-party keyboard apps can provide a solution. These apps offer a range of features, such as multilingual support, animated emojis, and new designs. Some of the most popular apps include Bitmoji, Gboard, and SwiftKey. Bitmoji is known for its personalized avatars that can be integrated into different messaging apps. Gboard offers a range of languages and voice typing features, as well as GIFs and stickers. SwiftKey allows for customized themes and predictions based on machine learning. When choosing a third-party app, consider factors such as compatibility with your device and apps, privacy policies, and user reviews.
VII. Expanding the Meaning and Use of Emojis
While emojis have a specific meaning and design, they can also be used in creative and unexpected ways. Users have experimented with combining emojis to convey new expressions or using them as analogies or metaphors. For example, the use of the peach emoji to suggest a posterior or the use of the mask emoji to represent social distancing. Emojis can also be used for activism, such as through the use of particular emojis to express solidarity or criticism. Additionally, emojis can be used to express identity and community, such as through the use of emojis representing different flags or food items. The possibilities for expanding and reinterpreting emojis are endless, and can add a new layer of depth to our communication.
VIII. The Social and Cultural Impact of Emojis
Emojis may seem like a lighthearted addition to our digital conversations, but they can also reflect and shape cultural norms and values. Emojis can reinforce stereotypes or biases if they depict certain groups in limited or exaggerated ways, such as with the “geisha” or “foreigner” emojis. On the other hand, emojis can also challenge these norms if they represent diversity and inclusivity, such as with the “person in wheelchair” or “two women holding hands” emojis. Emojis can be powerful tools for communication and visibility, particularly for marginalized groups who may not see themselves represented in other media. However, emojis should also be used with care and awareness of their wider implications.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, getting new emojis is not simply a matter of downloading a new keyboard. It requires engaging with the Unicode Consortium’s process, submitting compelling proposals that reflect diverse user needs, and being creative in customizing existing emojis. Emojis may seem small and simple, but they carry cultural and social weight that deserves attention and responsibility. By exploring different ways to get and use emojis, we can express ourselves in new and dynamic ways and contribute to a more inclusive and expressive digital communication.
