The fastest way to add emoji to Slack
You can add emoji to Slack in two ways: by typing a colon and the emoji name (like :smile:), or by clicking the emoji picker icon next to your message box. The colon method is faster once you know the name. The emoji picker is easier when you are not sure what an emoji is called.
On desktop, the emoji picker icon looks like a small smiley face and sits to the right of your message box, just before the send button. On mobile, it is usually in the same area but may require you to tap the plus icon first to see it. Both methods insert the emoji directly into your message before you send it.
You can also add emoji as reactions to messages that are already posted. Hover over any message on desktop (or long-press on mobile), click the emoji icon that appears, and choose the reaction you want. This does not change the message itself — it just adds a small emoji badge below it that others can see.
Key Takeaways
- Type a colon followed by the emoji name (like :thumbsup:) to insert emoji directly into messages without opening the picker.
- Click the smiley face icon next to your message box to open the emoji picker and browse by category or search by keyword.
- Reactions are added by hovering over a message, clicking the emoji icon, and selecting the reaction — they appear as small badges below the message.
- Custom emoji created by your workspace appear in the picker alongside standard emoji and can be used the same way as built-in ones.
Using the colon method for faster typing
When you type a colon in Slack, a dropdown menu appears showing emoji names that match what you are typing. Start with :s and you will see suggestions like :smile:, :sunglasses:, and :sob:. You can scroll through the list or keep typing to narrow it down. Once you see the one you want, press Enter or click it to insert it into your message.
This method works in any message box — direct messages, channels, threads, or anywhere else you type in Slack. The colon method also works for custom emoji that your workspace has created. If your team has added a custom emoji called :company_logo:, you can type it the same way as a standard emoji.
The colon method is worth learning because it is faster than opening the picker once you know a few emoji names. Common ones like :+1:, :heart:, :fire:, and :thinking: become muscle memory quickly.
Opening the emoji picker to browse
The emoji picker is the easiest way to find an emoji when you do not know its name. On desktop, look for the smiley face icon to the right of your message box. Click it and a panel opens showing emoji organized by category: smileys, people, food, travel, activities, objects, symbols, and flags. Scroll through any category or use the search box at the top to type what you are looking for.
On mobile, the emoji picker may be hidden behind a plus icon or other menu depending on your device and Slack version. Tap the area next to your message box until you see the emoji icon, then tap it to open the picker. The layout is the same as desktop — categories on the left, emoji in the main area, and a search box at the top.
Once you find the emoji you want, tap or click it and it appears in your message box. You can add multiple emoji to the same message by clicking the picker again. The picker stays open until you close it or send your message.
Adding reactions to messages already sent
Reactions let you respond to a message with a single emoji without typing anything. On desktop, move your mouse over any message in a channel or thread. A row of icons appears above the message — one of them is the emoji icon (usually a smiley face). Click it to open a small emoji picker showing your most-used reactions at the top, followed by categories below.
On mobile, press and hold (long-press) a message until a menu appears. Look for the emoji icon or a "reactions" option and tap it. The emoji picker opens the same way as it does for typing messages. Select the emoji you want and it appears as a small badge below the message.
Multiple people can add the same reaction to one message. If three people react with a thumbs-up, the badge shows the emoji with a number 3 next to it. Clicking a reaction badge that is already there removes your reaction from it.
Using custom emoji your workspace created
Many Slack workspaces create custom emoji — branded images, inside jokes, or team mascots that only exist in that workspace. Custom emoji appear in the emoji picker alongside standard emoji and can be used in messages and reactions exactly the same way. They also work with the colon method: if your workspace has a custom emoji called :doge:, you can type :doge: to insert it.
Custom emoji are usually created by workspace admins or members with permission to add them. If you want to see what custom emoji your workspace has, open the emoji picker and scroll through the categories — custom ones are often grouped together or marked with a label. You can also search for them by name if you know what they are called.
Custom emoji count toward Slack's emoji limit, which varies by plan. Free workspaces can have a limited number; paid plans allow more. If your workspace has hit the limit, admins may need to remove unused custom emoji before new ones can be added.
Troubleshooting emoji that do not appear
If you type a colon and the emoji name but nothing appears, the name might be spelled differently than you think. Try opening the emoji picker and searching for a keyword instead — search for "smile" and you will see all emoji with that word in the name. The picker is more forgiving than typing because it shows you options as you search.
On some older devices or browsers, certain emoji may not display correctly — they might show as boxes or question marks instead of the actual image. This is usually a device limitation, not a Slack problem. The emoji was sent correctly; it just cannot be displayed on that particular phone or computer. Updating your device or browser often fixes this.
If the emoji picker does not open at all, make sure you are clicking the correct icon. On desktop, it should be near the message box on the right side. If you still cannot find it, try using the colon method instead — it works even if the picker is hidden or not loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use emoji in channel names or my profile name?
Yes. You can type emoji into your display name, profile status, or channel topic the same way you would in a message — either by typing the colon and name or by using the emoji picker. Channel names have some restrictions (they must be lowercase and cannot have spaces), but emoji work fine in the topic or description field.
What is the difference between emoji and reactions?
Emoji are characters you type into a message before sending it. Reactions are emoji you add to a message after it is already posted. Reactions appear as small badges below the message and do not change the message text itself. You can have emoji in your message and reactions on that same message at the same time.
Do I need to update Slack to use emoji?
No. Emoji have been part of Slack for years and work on all current versions. If you are using a very old version of Slack, some newer emoji may not display, but the basic emoji and reaction features work everywhere. Keeping Slack updated ensures you have access to the newest emoji that Slack adds regularly.
Can I create my own custom emoji?
Yes, if your workspace allows it. Most workspaces let members upload custom emoji, though some restrict it to admins only. To add one, open Slack's settings, look for the emoji or customization section, and follow the steps to upload an image. Your workspace admin can tell you whether you have permission to add custom emoji.
Why do some emoji look different on my phone than on my computer?
Different devices use different emoji designs. Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other companies each create their own versions of the same emoji. The emoji you send is the same, but how it looks depends on what device the person viewing it is using. This is normal and does not affect how the message is understood.