Emojis remain a dominant form of digital communication despite common criticisms. Recent data from Emojipedia reveals which icons are currently trending, and which ones have consistently topped usage charts since tracking began in 2023.
New Releases: The Distorted Face Leads the Pack
Users on iOS received the Unicode 16 update earlier this year, introducing a new set of emojis. Android users with Google’s NotoColor Emoji already have access, including the highly anticipated Distorted Face emoji. According to Unicode 17.0 voting, Distorted Face was the most requested addition, followed by Fight Cloud and Apple Core. These additions are expected to roll out fully on iPhones in 2026.
The full list of new emojis includes Ballet Dancers, Hairy Creature, Orca, Trombone, Treasure Chest, and Landslide. These updates show how Unicode adapts to meet evolving trends in digital expression.
2025’s Hottest New Emoji: The Tired Face Takes the Crown
The most popular new emoji for 2025 is the Face with Bags Under the Eyes. This icon took first place, followed by Splatter, Shovel, Fingerprint, and Harp. The choice reflects a growing cultural acceptance of self-deprecating humor and relatable exhaustion in digital interactions.
The popularity of these emojis demonstrates that despite the rise of more complex forms of communication, simple visual cues continue to resonate with users.
All-Time Favorites: The Top 10 Emojis Since 2023
Emojipedia’s tracker has identified the most-used emojis since it began monitoring in 2023. The rankings are as follows:
- ❤️ Red Heart
- ✅ Check Mark Button
- ✨ Sparkles
- 🔥 Fire
- 😭 Loudly Crying Face
- 😂 Face with Tears of Joy
- 😊 Smiling Face with Smiling Eyes
- 💀 Skull
- ⭐ Star
- 🫶 Heart Hands
The dominance of the Red Heart emoji shows that emotional expression remains a primary driver of emoji usage. Meanwhile, the inclusion of icons like the Skull and Loudly Crying Face suggests that emojis are not always used for positivity but also to convey irony, sarcasm, or strong emotion.
The consistent popularity of these emojis highlights their role in modern digital language. They are not just decorative; they have become essential for tone, nuance, and efficiency in online communication.
