It’s 2025, and emojis are more powerful than ever. They’re not just fun — they speak for us in texts, comments, captions, and even work messages. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or throwing a little shade, there’s an emoji for it. But have you ever wondered which emojis are used the most?
Let’s take a friendly look at the top 20 most used emojis in 2025, explore what they mean, and find out why they’re so popular this year.
Why Emojis still rule in 2025
Emojis continue to evolve with us. With updates coming from Apple, Android, and social platforms, we’re seeing new symbols that reflect modern emotions, trends, and social movements.
From the good old 😂 to newer expressive ones, people are using emojis to:
- Make conversations fun
- Show feelings without words
- React quickly on social apps
- Express identity and culture
And with Gen Z and Gen Alpha leading digital conversations, emoji use is at an all-time high.
🔝 The Top 20 Most used Emojis in 2025
Here’s what the world is using the most — based on emoji tracking tools, social media analysis, and user trends from early 2025.
1. 😂 Face with Tears of Joy
Still #1! This emoji shows you’re laughing so hard, you’re crying. Used for jokes, memes, and funny fails.
2. 🥹 Face Holding Back Tears
A newer entry, this emoji exploded in 2024 and still rises in 2025. It’s used to show emotional reactions, cuteness, or when someone feels touched.
3. ❤️ Red Heart
A universal symbol of love, care, and kindness. It works in texts, comments, and even professional replies (yes, really!).
4. 🔥 Fire
This one’s on fire — literally. Used to show something is hot, trending, or exciting.
5. 🤣 Rolling on the Floor Laughing
A bigger reaction than 😂 — used for moments that are absolutely hilarious.
6. 😭 Loudly Crying Face
This is either crying from sadness or being overwhelmed — or used dramatically for small things like missing pizza night.
7. 🙏 Folded Hands
Used for saying thanks, prayers, or asking for favors. In 2025, it’s also used to express appreciation or unity.
8. 😍 Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes
For when you’re in love — with people, pets, or your dinner.
9. 🥰 Smiling Face with Hearts
Soft and affectionate. This emoji is popular for expressing warmth or caring responses.
10. 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes
Friendly and humble. It’s the “I’m happy, but not loud about it” kind of emoji.
11. 💀 Skull
Used ironically. People now use 💀 instead of 😂 to say something is so funny they’ve “died” laughing.
12. 🤔 Thinking Face
Still strong in 2025. This emoji is used when you’re confused, being sarcastic, or genuinely curious.
13. 😏 Smirking Face
A little flirty, a little smug. Use it when you know what you’re doing (or pretending to).
14. 💯 Hundred Points
This one’s used to show approval, agreement, or when something’s 100% true.
15. 😎 Smiling Face with Sunglasses
Chill, confident, and cool. Often used when talking about winning or acing something.
16. 👀 Eyes
Still everywhere in 2025. It means “I’m watching,” “Spill the tea,” or “Did you see that?”
17. 🤡 Clown Face
Used to describe yourself or someone else being silly, foolish, or just doing too much.
18. 😭😭 (Double Crying Face Combo)
Yes, two in a row. This is the go-to format in 2025 to express extra emotion — especially online.
19. 🫶 Heart Hands
Newer but super popular — especially on TikTok and Instagram. Shows love and unity.
20. ✨ Sparkles
A favorite for adding magic or highlighting something amazing. Often used with other emojis like 💫🌟.
What makes an Emoji Popular?
There are a few reasons why certain emojis go viral:
- Social media trends: A TikTok trend can skyrocket an emoji overnight.
- Cultural moments: Big events (like the Oscars or a major meme) can shape emoji use.
- Generational style: Gen Z and Gen Alpha are rewriting emoji meanings.
- App design: iOS and Android often suggest emojis as you type — making some used more than others.
Understanding emoji meaning often depends on context, and different cultures or age groups interpret them differently. Platforms like Speakpedia, which break down the latest interpretations and hidden symbolism behind each emoji, have become increasingly useful in making sense of how people communicate online today.
Emoji Trends to watch in 2025
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Here are a few emoji trends growing this year:
- Emoji Combos: Like “😭😭” or “🔥💀,” combinations are used to exaggerate emotion.
- New Inclusive Emojis: Skin tone and gender variants continue to grow.
- AI-Generated Emojis: Custom stickers based on your photos are rising fast.
- Reaction-Only Replies: People are replying just with emojis, especially on Instagram and Threads.
Emojis are here to stay — and they’re only becoming more important in how we communicate. They cross languages, age groups, and platforms. Whether you’re texting friends, posting memes, or commenting on reels, the right emoji makes a big difference.
So, next time you’re about to reply, ask yourself — which emoji are you?
