World Emoji Day

World Emoji Day History

World Emoji Day is an annual observance that aims to promote and celebrate the use of emojis, the digital icons and symbols that have become an essential part of our everyday communication. These vibrant and expressive images help people convey their emotions, actions, and reactions in a quick and playful manner, transcending language barriers and enhancing our digital interactions.

The idea for World Emoji Day was brought to life in 2014 by Jeremy Burge, a London-based Emojipedia founder, who recognized the growing impact and popularity of emojis in our daily lives. For the United Kingdom, this observance holds a special connection as it was a British software engineer, Shigetaka Kurita, who invented the first set of emojis in 1999 for a Japanese mobile platform. Emojis have since become vital tools in modern communication, particularly for young people, and the United Kingdom has played a key role in driving their growth and development.

In the United Kingdom, World Emoji Day is observed by individuals, businesses, and organizations alike, all showcasing their favorite emojis in creative and engaging ways. From social media campaigns to community events, various programs are held to highlight the importance of emojis in today's digital age. It is a day to appreciate the cultural phenomenon that has transformed the way we express ourselves online. World Emoji Day takes place annually on the 17th of July, inviting people all across the nation to join in celebrating these colourful icons of digital communication.

World Emoji Day facts

• According to worldemojiday.com, the first phone known to contain emojis was the SkyWalker DP-211SW. It was a mobile telephone manufactured by J-Phone in 1997. It supported a set of 90 emoji.
• Emojis are used by 92% of the online population daily.
• Studies have shown that using emojis in communication can help convey nuance and emotions, which are often lost in text-based conversations.
• British landmarks such as London's Tower Bridge and the famous red telephone booth have been featured as emojis, showcasing the significance of these iconic British symbols.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Emoji Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Emoji Day

• Use emojis today. Whoever you text or message today, be sure to add in some emojis. They may even respond with some of their own.
• Listen to Jonathan Mann's World Emoji Day Anthem. It is a fun tune written and produced by Mann that celebrates emojis.
• Watch The Emoji Story (2019), a documentary that explores the origin, impact, and evolution of emojis.
• Read How Emojis Conquered the World by Christopher Young. This book explores the global rise of emojis and their effect on modern communication, with a focus on their use and impact in the United Kingdom.