In the ever-evolving world of digital communication, emojis have become an integral part of our online language. They add a touch of personality, humor, and emotion to our texts, emails, and social media posts. But did you know that you can take your emoji game to the next level by sending emojis that move? That’s right, animated emojis are here to stay, and in this article, we’ll show you how to send them.
What are Animated Emojis?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly cover what animated emojis are. Simply put, animated emojis are special emojis that come to life on your screen. They can move, spin, or change color, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement to your online conversations. You might have seen them on social media platforms, messaging apps, or even in email marketing campaigns.
The Rise of Animated Emojis
Animated emojis have been around for a few years now, but they’ve gained significant popularity in recent times. This is largely due to the increased adoption of emojis in our daily online interactions. As more people use emojis to convey emotions and ideas, the need for more dynamic and engaging emojis has grown. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and operating systems have responded by introducing animated emojis to their platforms.
How to Send Animated Emojis
Now that you know what animated emojis are, let’s get to the fun part – sending them! The process differs slightly depending on the device and platform you’re using. Here are some popular methods:
iOS Devices
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, you can send animated emojis using the built-in Emoji keyboard. Here’s how:
- Open the Messages app or any other app that supports emojis.
- Tap the smiley face icon on the keyboard to access the Emoji keyboard.
- Browse through the emoji categories and find the animated emojis section.
- Tap on the animated emoji you want to send.
- The emoji will automatically animate when sent.
Compatible Devices
Make sure your iOS device is running iOS 10 or later to access animated emojis. Also, ensure that the recipient’s device supports animated emojis, or they might not be able to see them.
Android Devices
On Android devices, sending animated emojis works a bit differently. You can use the Google Keyboard or other third-party keyboards that support animated emojis. Here’s how:
- Open the Messages app or any other app that supports emojis.
- Long-press the emoji you want to send to open the emoji menu.
- Tap on the “Animated” or “GIF” option next to the emoji.
- The animated emoji will be sent to the recipient.
Compatible Devices
Most Android devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later support animated emojis. However, it’s essential to check if the recipient’s device is compatible.
Facebook and Other Social Media Platforms
On social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can send animated emojis using the built-in emoji picker or by copying and pasting the emoji code. Here’s how:
- Open the Facebook or other social media platform’s messaging or commenting section.
- Click on the emoji icon to open the emoji picker.
- Browse through the emoji categories and find the animated emojis section.
- Click on the animated emoji you want to send.
- The emoji will automatically animate when sent.
Platform Limitations
Keep in mind that not all social media platforms support animated emojis. Also, some platforms might have limitations on the types of animated emojis you can send.
Designing Your Own Animated Emojis
While there are many pre-made animated emojis available, you can also design your own custom animated emojis. This requires some graphic design skills and knowledge of animation principles. Here are the basics:
Graphic Design Skills
To design your own animated emojis, you’ll need a graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. You can create a static emoji design and then animate it using animation software or online tools.
Animation Tools
There are several online tools and software that allow you to create animated emojis without extensive animation knowledge. Some popular options include:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Giphy | A popular online platform for creating and sharing animated GIFs. |
| Adobe Animate | A powerful animation software that allows you to create complex animations. |
| Moovly | An online animation platform that offers a range of templates and design tools. |
Integrating Custom Animated Emojis
Once you’ve designed your custom animated emoji, you’ll need to integrate it into your messaging app or social media platform. This might require some coding knowledge or using third-party APIs. Here are some general steps:
- Convert your animated emoji into a compatible format (e.g., GIF or PNG).
- Upload the animated emoji to your server or cloud storage.
- Use APIs or coding to integrate the animated emoji into your messaging app or social media platform.
Developer Tools
If you’re not familiar with coding, you can use developer tools like Emoji Mart or EmojiOne to integrate custom animated emojis into your platform. These tools provide pre-made APIs and code snippets to make the process easier.
The Future of Animated Emojis
As we move forward in the world of digital communication, animated emojis are likely to play an increasingly important role. With the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, we can expect to see even more immersive and interactive emojis.
AR and VR Emojis
Imagine sending an animated emoji that comes to life in 3D space or interacts with your surroundings. This is the future of emojis, and it’s already happening. Companies like Apple and Facebook are investing heavily in AR and VR technologies, which will likely lead to more advanced and interactive emojis.
Emoji Evolution
Animated emojis are just the beginning. As emojis continue to evolve, we can expect to see more complex and dynamic designs. This might include emojis that respond to user input, adapt to different situations, or even learn your preferences over time.
Conclusion
Sending animated emojis is a fun and engaging way to add personality to your online conversations. With the rise of animated emojis, we’re seeing a new level of creativity and expression in digital communication. Whether you’re using pre-made animated emojis or designing your own custom animations, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, get animated, and take your online conversations to the next level!
What are animated emojis, and how do they differ from regular emojis?
Animated emojis are a new generation of emojis that bring a whole new level of expression and fun to our digital communication. Unlike regular emojis, which are static and unchanging, animated emojis come to life with movement and action. This can be as simple as a winking face or as complex as a dancing character. Animated emojis use a combination of illustrations and animations to convey a more dynamic and engaging emotional tone in our messages.
The advantage of animated emojis over regular emojis lies in their ability to convey more nuanced emotions and reactions. While regular emojis can sometimes come across as flat or misleading, animated emojis can add a layer of depth and personality to our digital interactions. Whether you’re trying to be playful, sarcastic, or enthusiastic, animated emojis can help you get your point across in a more engaging and attention-grabbing way.
What devices and platforms support animated emojis?
Animated emojis are supported by most modern devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, the extent of animated emoji support can vary depending on the specific device and operating system you’re using. For example, Apple devices running iOS 13 or later support a wide range of animated emojis, as do Android devices running Android 10 or later.
In addition to mobile devices, many popular messaging platforms and social media sites also support animated emojis. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among others. Even some email providers, like Gmail, allow you to send animated emojis in your messages. If you’re unsure whether a particular platform supports animated emojis, you can always try sending one to see if it works.
How do I access animated emojis on my device?
Accessing animated emojis on your device is relatively straightforward. On Apple devices, you can find animated emojis in the same place as regular emojis – just tap the smiley face icon on your keyboard to open the emoji menu. From there, you can browse through the various categories to find the animated emoji you want to use.
On Android devices, the process may vary slightly depending on the specific keyboard app you’re using. Some Android keyboards, like Gboard, have a dedicated emoji menu where you can find animated emojis. Others may require you to tap the “plus” symbol or another icon to access the emoji menu. In any case, you can usually find animated emojis by scrolling through the emoji categories or using the search function to find a specific emoji.
Can I use animated emojis in formal or professional communication?
While animated emojis can be a fun and effective way to add tone and personality to your digital communication, they may not be suitable for all situations. In general, it’s best to reserve animated emojis for informal, personal communication with friends and family. In more formal or professional contexts, such as work emails or business communications, it’s usually better to stick with more traditional, static emojis or avoid emojis altogether.
That being said, there may be certain industries or workplaces where animated emojis are more commonly used or accepted. For example, in the world of marketing or social media management, animated emojis can be a useful tool for adding a playful, engaging touch to brand communications. Ultimately, the decision to use animated emojis in formal or professional communication should be based on your knowledge of your audience and the tone you’re trying to convey.
Can I create my own animated emojis?
Yes, it is possible to create your own animated emojis, although the process may require some technical expertise and creativity. One way to create custom animated emojis is to use a graphic design or animation program like Adobe After Effects or Blender. These programs allow you to design and animate your own emojis from scratch, giving you complete control over the look and feel of the final product.
Alternatively, you can use online tools or apps that allow you to create custom animated emojis without needing to know how to code or design. These tools often provide a range of templates and customization options, making it easy to create your own unique animated emojis. Some popular options include Emoji Maker and Moji Edit.
Are animated emojis accessible to people with disabilities?
Accessibility can be a concern when it comes to animated emojis, as they can sometimes pose challenges for people with certain disabilities. For example, animated emojis can be distracting or overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, animated emojis may not be compatible with all assistive technologies, such as screen readers or magnification software.
That being said, many device manufacturers and platform developers are working to improve the accessibility of animated emojis. For example, some platforms allow users to disable animations or customize their emoji experience to better suit their needs. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop more accessible and inclusive emoji designs that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Will animated emojis eventually replace regular emojis?
It’s unlikely that animated emojis will completely replace regular emojis in the near future. While animated emojis offer a more dynamic and engaging way to communicate, regular emojis still have their own unique benefits and uses. For example, regular emojis can be more versatile and easier to use in certain contexts, such as in formal communication or when a more subtle emotional tone is required.
In addition, regular emojis have a nostalgic appeal and are still widely recognized and supported across different devices and platforms. Instead of replacing regular emojis, animated emojis are likely to continue to evolve and coexist alongside them, offering users a range of options for expressing themselves in digital communication.