A Guide to the Most Popular Emojis and How They’re Used Online

Just a few years back, using emojis felt pretty new. Adding a smiley face to a work email might have seemed unprofessional, and your parents probably had no clue what those little images meant. But by 2021, emojis had practically become their own language.

You can send a bunch of emojis, and the person you’re texting will understand you without needing words. Your boss or even your grandma might use them now, and it’s rare to send a text or email without slipping in a few emojis.

So, which emojis are the most popular online these days? The list has definitely changed over the years. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders in the emoji world.

**Fire Emoji**
Surprisingly, the fire emoji is a hot favorite on the internet! It’s not just used when you’re sitting by an actual fire. People usually use it to talk about success or feeling great, like when they’re “on fire.” It’s also perfect for those fashion-forward moments when someone is “looking fire.”

**Loud Crying Face**
The loud crying face is the most used emoji online in 2021. While it might seem to express sadness, it’s often used to show being overwhelmed with positive emotions. You really need to be in the know with emoji culture to catch this one!

**Red Heart**
We’ve all sent or received a red heart emoji, which has a pretty straightforward meaning. It’s all about love and positivity or even showing appreciation for support, especially if you’re a celebrity.

**Sparkles**
The sparkle emoji is a big hit, but maybe you haven’t tried it yet! It’s great for showing excitement, magic, or good news. It can also add a bit of irony or sarcasm when paired with dark humor, especially popular among teens and young adults.

**Laughing Face with Tears**
Though it might feel a bit dated to Gen Z, this emoji is still widely used online. Some people think it makes you look older, but social media is still bursting with these faces to show overwhelming laughter, often used ironically.

**Smiling Face Surrounded by Hearts**
A bit more modern than the red heart emoji, this one’s sometimes called the “cloud of love.” It’s used to express feelings of being loved or to show affection towards those you’re chatting with, and it’s been gaining popularity as online communication increases.

**Pleading Face**
The pleading face is versatile. It can convey a pleading look in texts, show concern or sorrow, or express overwhelming affection. Think of the adorable face you make when you see something super cute!

**Chair**
Now, this one’s odd! The chair emoji has been trending, especially on TikTok, where it’s often used to replace the laughing emoji, just because users find it funny. It’s a funny twist that shows how emoji meanings can change. Who knows, maybe we’ll all be laughing with chair emojis soon!

You can see there are tons of popular emojis out there for capturing emotions perfectly. Whether adding informality to an email, sharing exciting news on social media, or just chatting with friends, emojis, much like top fashion and beauty trends, aren’t going anywhere!