The latest Instagram update now allows users to include emoji in their hashtags.
The image-sharing service announced the change, described as a ‘bonus update’, to improve the searchability of the platform.
“Over the past few years, emoji have become part of a universal visual language, and nearly half of Instagram captions already feature an emoji,” wrote an Instagram spokesperson.
“Just as we share photos and videos,
Emoji hashtags can be used on both photos and videos, are searchable on the Explore page, and tappable when you see them in captions.”
The emoji-friendly build is Instagram version 6.11.0 on the iOS App Store and version 6.20.0 on Android’s Google Play store.
iOS users were on the receiving end of over 300 new emoji earlier this month; the majority of these were expanding the roster of skin tones for human characters.
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Currently, the top Instagram emoji caption is the crying with laughter face, shortly followed by the hearts-for-eyes emoji.
Kissy-face is a close third, while the rest of the top ten is filled out by the ‘OK’ symbol, double hearts, clapping hands, crying face, thumbs-up, blushing smile, and lipstick kiss.
Honestly, we’re surprised the top spot wasn’t the poo…
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
