Published Feb 7, 2025
Microsoft Teams will introduce a new feature allowing users to insert emojis by typing a word surrounded by colons (e.g., :smile:). The rollout will occur from early May to late July 2025 across various platforms. This feature will be enabled by default with no admin action required.
Updated March 19, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon: We are excited to announce a new feature in Microsoft Teams that allows users to insert emojis in the compose box by typing a word surrounded by colons. For example, :smile: will turn into the smiling face emoji. Users can soon add any emoji, including custom ones, for faster and easier personal expression.
This feature applies to Teams for Windows desktop and Windows for Mac desktop.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 369345.
When this will happen:
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by mid-May 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out late May 2025 and expect to complete by early June 2025.
General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out mid-June 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025.
General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out late June 2025 and expect to complete by early July 2025.
General Availability (Gallatin): We will begin rolling out mid-July 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025.
General Availability (USSec, USNat): We will begin rolling out mid-July 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025.
How this will affect your organization:
This feature will be available by default.
Watch the video: Use colons to insert emojis (0:04 minutes)
What you need to do to prepare:
This rollout will happen automatically by the specified date with no admin action required before or after the rollout. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.
Learn more: Send an emoji, GIF, or sticker in Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support (will be updated before rollout)