World Emoji Day: The most loved emojis of the year

Loudly crying face Expresses deep sadness or overwhelming emotion. This emoji became the most used in 2024, surpassing Tears of Joy, which is often used dramatically to emphasise feelings on social media. 

Face with tears of joy Depicts laughing so hard you cry. A longtime emoji favourite, it is still widely used for humour, even if slightly surpassed by its crying counterpart this year. 

Fire Symbolising excitement, heat, excellence or passing attraction, this emoji is massively used on social platforms. It reflects “lit” content and viral enthusiasm, with 534 million mentions in 2024.

Red heart This is the universal emblem of love, warmth and support. With 409 million mentions, it’s a top-tier emoji for affection, gratitude and expression of solidarity in digital chat.

Rolling on the floor laughing Amplified version of LOL. With 286 million mentions, it’s preferred over laughing with tears emoji for extreme reactions reserved for truly hysterical or absurd humour. 

Folded hands Often means ‘thank you,’ a prayer or a high-five. With around 267 million uses, it’s widely accepted in both personal messages and professional contexts.

Sparkles Used for positive emphasis or to highlight special words with sparkle. This became the third most-used emoji globally, now also frequently associated with AI magic. 

Smiling face with hearts This emoji conveys warmth, affection and happiness. Used 116 million times, especially in sweet or loving messages among friends and partners 

Smiling face with smiling eyes This is a gentle smile showing contentment or politeness. With about 70 million mentions, it’s a go-to emoji for a calm and positive tone in conversations.

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