Published Feb 7, 2025
Microsoft Teams will soon allow users to insert emojis in the compose box by typing a word surrounded by colons (e.g., :smile:). This feature will be available on Windows and Mac desktops, rolling out from June to September 2025, depending on the release group. No admin action is required.
Updated July 23, 2025: We have updated the timeline. 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 June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early August 2025 and expect to complete by mid-August 2025.
General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out mid-August 2025 and expect to complete by late August 2025.
General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out mid-August 2025 and expect to complete by late August 2025.
General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out early September 2025 and expect to complete by mid-September 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)