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Instagram emoji are pictograms, icons, or small images used to express an emotion or idea. Some are universal while others have unique interpretations.
Hannah Macready September 21, 2023
![Instagram Emoji Guide: Meanings, Reactions, Ideas (1) Instagram Emoji Guide: Meanings, Reactions, Ideas (1)](https://i0.wp.com/blog.hootsuite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/instagram-emoji-556x556.png)
Instagram Emoji Guide
Instagram emoji translator
What are Instagram emoji?
What are Instagram reactions?
Where can you use Instagram emoji
How to change your emoji reaction
Instagram reaction meanings
Popular Instagram emoji meanings
Instagram emoji caption ideas
Ever seen an Instagram emoji fail IRL? Maybe your grandma used an eggplant emoji in aโฆ compromising place. Or, your uncle was trying to be funny and added the poop emoji to his bio.
Yikes.
Whatever the case, emoji etiquette exists. Understanding the meaning and placement of emojis is essential to avoiding terrible, embarrassing communication mistakes.
Hereโs everything you need to know about Instagram emoji meanings.
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Instagram emoji translator
Pro tip: if youโre stuck with emoji translation, weโve got the perfect tool for you. Hootsuiteโs emoji translator is free to use and will help you crack the code on any emoji string.
Not only does the translator break down each pictogramโs meaning, but it also details how viewers typically react to the combo. Super helpful if you donโt want to send an unintended message!
Please note: This tool may display inaccurate or offensive material that doesnโt represent Hootsuiteโs views. Youโre solely responsible for use of any content generated using this tool, including its compliance with applicable laws and third-party rights.
What are Instagram emoji?
Instagram emoji are pictograms, icons, or small images used to express an emotion, idea, or feeling. Some emoji are universal (most people know that the heart symbol means love), while others have their own unique interpretations based on regional culture and language.
Popular emoji symbols include:
- Smiley face
- Sad face
- Clapping hands
- Thumbs-up
- Heart
- Fire
There are literally thousands of emoji characters available on Instagramโfrom dragons and lizards, people exercising, and even ice cream cones. You can find Instagram emojis in two places: your native Instagram app and the world of third-party keyboard extensions.
What are Instagram reactions?
Instagram reactions are a way to quickly express your feelings without typing out a response. For example, if someone posts a funny meme, you can tap the laughing face emoji reaction instead of typing out โlolโ or โhaha.โ
Instagram reactions are generally used as a reply to Instagram Stories and Instagram direct messages.
When watching a Story, click on the Send a message box to reply. Youโll then see a pop-up of six popular emoji to choose from.
You can also choose your own emoji by clicking on the small smiley face icon on your keyboard.
To use Instagram emoji reactions for direct messages, hold your finger down on the sent message, and a list of emoji will pop up. Choose from this list, or click the plus button to use your own emoji.
Where can you use Instagram emoji
You can use Instagram emoji in comments, captions, direct messages, as replies to Stories, and even in your Instagram bio. Basically, anywhere that allows for text input.
When youโre in a comment thread or writing a caption, a list of your most-used emojis will appear at the top of your reply.
If you want more, tap the smiley face icon to access Instagram emojis. If youโve recently used an emoji, it will usually appear at the top of the list so you can easily select it again.
Bonus: Download a free checklist that reveals the exact steps a fitness influencer used to grow from 0 to 600,000+ followers on Instagram with no budget and no expensive gear.
Stuck at home thinking, โWhy canโt I react to Instagram messages with emojis?โ No worries. You may need to update your messaging app. Follow Instagramโs easy how-to here.
How to change your emoji reaction
Wondering how to react with emoji on Instagram? There are six default Instagram emoji reactions:
- Crying face
- Wow face
- Heart eyes
- Laughing face
- Clapping hands
- Fire
If you use custom emoji, they will show up in your reactions, allowing you to choose from a larger selection.
To choose a custom emoji, tap the smiley face icon on your mobile keyboard. Scroll through the list of options and tap to select the emoji you want. Once selected, it will appear in your reaction selection.
BONUS: Check out our full list of Snapchat emoji to snazz up your snaps.
Instagram reaction meanings
To avoid any potential misinterpretations, itโs important to remember the meanings behind Instagram reactions.
Hereโs what each emoji reaction stands for:
- Crying face (๐ข) = Sadness, disappointment
- Wow face (๐ฎ) = Surprised or amazed
- Heart eyes (๐) = Love or admiration
- Laughing face (๐) = Funny or humorous
- Clapping hands (๐) = Encouragement or applause
- Fire (๐ฅ) = Approval or agreement
Remember, the reactions you use should be appropriate for the context. For example, donโt express sadness at a funny meme. Similarly, donโt use a fire emoji to comment on your teacherโs vacation beach photo.
Popular Instagram emoji meanings
Tired of deciphering the meanings of emoji for Instagram? Hereโs a quick reference sheet to keep on file.
- Thumbs up (๐) = Positive sentiment.
- Thinking face (๐ค) = Curiosity, pondering ideas.
- Laughing with tears (๐) = Something is so funny youโre crying.
- Red heart (โค๏ธ) = Love, affection.
- Puke face (๐คข) = Disgust or disapproval.
- Skull (๐) = Death, danger, or something is so funny you died.
- Hot face (๐ฅต) = Passion or admiration.
- Smirk face (๐) = Flirting, teasing.
- Poop (๐ฉ) = Joking around.
- Party popper (๐) = Celebration.
- Cat (๐ธ) = Cuteness or someone acting like a cat.
- Drooling face (๐คค) = Desperation, wanting something badly.
- Nail polish (๐ ) = Girl power.
- Sunglasses (๐) = Coolness, acknowledgement of a job well done.
- Eyes (๐) = Watching or paying attention.
- See-no-evil monkey (๐) = Embarrassment or hiding something.
- Money bag (๐ฐ) = Wealth, success, or materialistic desires.
- Smiling devil face (๐) = Naughtiness or reckless behavior.
- Hugging face (๐ค) = Appreciation, affection.
- Wink (๐) = Flirting or playful teasing.
- Silly face (๐คช) = Fun or being goofy.
- Nerd face (๐ค) = Intelligence, nerdiness.
- Confused face (๐) = Bewilderment or uncertainty.
- Money mouth (๐ค) = Greed or wealth.
- Handshake (๐ค) = Agreement, making a deal.
- Fist bump (๐) = Support or agreement.
- Woman dancing (๐) = Joy or celebration.
- Man dancing (๐บ) = Letting loose, having fun.
- Tropical island (๐๏ธ) = Relaxation or vacation.
- Plane (โ๏ธ) = An upcoming journey.
- Rainbow (๐) = Optimism, happiness, pride.
- Globe (๐) = Unity, the world coming together.
- Praying hands (๐) = Asking for blessings or help.
- Rocketship (๐) = A great success or achievement.
- Disco ball (๐ชฉ) = Partying or having a good time.
- Peace sign (โ๏ธ) = Affirmative, agreement, or a sign of peace.
- Heart (๐) = Love, care, and affection.
- Cat with heart eyes (๐ป) = Happiness due to love.
- Birthday cake (๐) = A celebration of life.
- Star (โญ๏ธ) = Stardom, achieving greatness.
- Four-leaf clover (๐) = Luck or fortune.
- Sparkles (โจ) = Magic, beauty, and awe.
- Trophy (๐) = Accomplishment or success.
- Shooting star (๐ ) = Wishes coming true.
- Lightning bolt (โก๏ธ) = Power, energy, and excitement.
Looking for fun emoji to use on Discord? Check out our full list of Discord emoji, complete with customizations and tricks.
Instagram emoji caption ideas
If you want to get creative with your Instagram bio, here are a few cute emojis for Instagram bios:
- Chasing dreams and sunshine. โ๏ธ๐
- On a seafood diet: I see food and I eat it! ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฐ
- Lifeโs a game ๐ฎ, and Iโm the master of figuring out the rules as I go ๐คทโโ๏ธ.
- Bringing a little sparkle wherever I go. โจ
- Hoping for a year where all my socks find their soulmates. ๐งฆโค๏ธ๐
- Sunkissed and heart full of joy. ๐โค๏ธ
- Nature doesnโt hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ๐ฒ๐ฐ๏ธ๐ณ
- Collecting memories like seashells. ๐๐ธ
- Plotting world domination ๐, one project ๐ at a time.
- Lifeโs a blend of chaos โก, caffeine โ, and a pinch of serendipity โจ.
- Lost in the pages of a good book and a happy heart. ๐โค๏ธ
- Radiating good energy, one smile at a time. ๐๐
- Exploring new places with a skip in my step. ๐บ๏ธ๐
- Happiness blooms from within. ๐ป๐ฑ
- Living life unapologetically and loving it. ๐๐
- Sunset state of mind. ๐ ๐งก๐ด
- Embracing adulting likeโฆ wait, how do you adult again? ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐ฉโ๐ผ
- I take mirror selfies because my reflection understands me. ๐คณ๐ฏโโ๏ธ๐ช
- Wearing my invisible crown and ruling the day. ๐๐โโ๏ธ๐
- Professional napper and aspiring world traveler. ๐คโ๏ธ๐ด
- Dressed to impress ๐, ready to conquer deadlines ๐ and dance floors ๐บ.
- Spreading positivity like glitter โ it gets everywhere! โจ๐๐ซ
- Slaying the day one caffeine molecule at a time. โโก๏ธ๐
- Living that โIโm not a morning personโ stereotype proudly. ๐ โ๐ด
- Exploring the world, one food coma at a time. ๐๐๐๐ฆ
- Absolutely loving the sunshine on my face. โ๏ธ
- Embracing the little moments that make life big. ๐
- Laughing at my own jokes likeโฆ ๐
- Dancing through lifeโs ups and downs. ๐๐บ
- Finding joy in the simplest things. ๐ผ
- Balancing dreams ๐ญ, goals ๐ฏ, and the occasional pizza slice ๐.
- Hiking trails and chasing sunsets โ thatโs my kind of therapy. ๐ฅพ๐ ๐๏ธ
- Adventures and smiles, thatโs my kind of therapy. ๐
- Savoring the sweetness of today. ๐ญ
- Lifeโs a puzzle ๐งฉ, and Iโm collecting moments ๐ธ to complete the picture
- Living life with a little bit of sugar, spice, and everything fried. ๐๐๐ฆ
- Spreading positivity like confetti. ๐
- Collecting memories around the world, one destination at a time. ๐ธโค๏ธ
Lifeโs too short for a boring adventure. Letโs get lost! ๐๐ - Living in a world of filters, but my personality is 100% real! ๐๐ธ๐
- Lost in a world of good vibes. ๐
- Living for the moments that steal my smile. ๐
- City lights and late nights. ๐๐ Chasing waves and dreams. ๐๐
- Living life in full bloom. ๐ธ๐ผ
- In a world full of trends, be a classic. ๐๐
- Sweatpants enthusiast with a PhD in Netflix. ๐บ๐๐
- Taking each day one cup of coffee at a time. โโค๏ธ
- Exploring art, one brushstroke at a time. ๐จ๐๏ธ
- Adventures are calling, and I must go. ๐๐
- Counting memories, not calories, on this vacation. ๐๏ธ๐๐ธ
- Finding joy in the rhythm of everyday life. ๐ถ๐
- Living life like a work of art in progress. ๐จ๐
- Weekend warrior on a quest for relaxation. ๐ด๐ด
- Capturing moments that make my heart skip a beat. ๐๐ท
- Trying to adult, but my snacks keep distracting me. ๐๐๐ค
- Chasing goals and catching smiles along the way. ๐โโ๏ธ๐
- Iโm not procrastinating, Iโm just giving my ideas time to marinate. ๐ค๐ณ๐ง
- Flipping my hair and conquering the day. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ช
- Exploring the great outdoors and my own backyard. ๐๏ธ๐ก
- Celebrating lifeโs beautiful mess one day at a time. ๐๐คนโโ๏ธ
- Making my own sunshine because I canโt find the remote. โ๏ธ๐บ๐คทโโ๏ธ
- Happiness is homemade, and Iโm the chef. ๐ณ๐ฉโ๐ณ
- When life gives you lemons, add tequila and have a party! ๐๐น๐
- Living life like a perpetual DIY project โ mostly Pinterest fails. ๐ ๏ธ๐๐
- The only drama I enjoy is in my lashes. ๐๏ธโ๐จ๏ธ๐
- Current status: Coffee in one hand, confidence in the other. โ๐
- Facing challenges with the determination of a honey badger ๐ฆก โ fearless and a little bit sassy ๐โโ๏ธ.
- My bed and I have the perfect relationship โ weโre always in a good sleepover. ๐๏ธ๐ค๐ด
- Iโm not arguing, Iโm just explaining why Iโm right. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ฃ๏ธ๐คฃ
- Taking life one cup of coffee at a time, with a splash of sarcasm. โ๏ธ๐
- โAdultingโ was a typo, and Iโve been trying to โadultโ ever since. ๐คฆโโ๏ธ๐ถ๐ฉโ๐ณ
- When in doubt, add more glitter. And then some more. โจโจโจ
- Living life like itโs a marathon, but Iโm definitely built for sprinting. ๐โโ๏ธ๐๐
- Behind every great person is a pile of laundry theyโve been avoiding. ๐งบ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐
- I put the โelusiveโ in exercise. ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐
- My superpower? Turning pizza into energy. ๐โก๏ธ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ
- If I were a superhero, my power would be finding the last piece of chocolate. ๐ซ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ
- My horoscope said I should do something crazy today. So I wore mismatched socks. โ๐งฆ๐
- Iโm not clumsy, Iโm just participating in the floorโs obstacle course. ๐คธโโ๏ธ๐คฆโโ๏ธ๐
- Too glam to give a damn, but not too glam to eat leftovers. ๐ ๐๐
- When life gives you lemons, trade them for coffee. โ๐๐ค
- My life is basically a series of unfinished DIY projects. ๐ ๏ธ๐๐คทโโ๏ธ
- Life update: Still using โadultingโ as a verb, still unsure how to do it properly. ๐คทโโ๏ธ๐ฉโ๐ผ๐
- Iโm not lazy, Iโm in energy-saving mode. ๐๐ค๐ก
- Currently taking applications for a personal chef, laundry fairy, and motivation guru. Any takers? ๐๐งโโ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ
- Lifeโs a rollercoaster, and Iโm the one screaming in the front seat. ๐ข๐๐คช
- I run on caffeine, chaos, and a dash of lipstick. โ๐๐
- Wander often, wonder always. ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐๐ค
- Trading WiFi for wide-open spaces and unforgettable moments. ๐ถ๐๏ธ๐ธ
- Counting down โณ to Friday like itโs a rocket launch ๐ to the weekend.
- Juggling tasks like a circus performer ๐ช โ except with more coffee โ and fewer acrobatics ๐คนโโ๏ธ.
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By Hannah Macready
Hannah Macready is a freelance writer with 12 years of experience in social media and digital marketing. Her work has appeared in publications such as Fast Company and The Globe & Mail, and has been used in global social media campaigns for brands like Grosvenor Americas and Intuit Mailchimp. In her spare time, Hannah likes exploring the outdoors with her two dogs, Soup and Salad.
Read more by Hannah Macready
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