Will this new Microsoft Teams feature make you grin, sigh, or cry? Custom emojis are now in testing.
Microsoft 365 Insiders can now test custom emojis on Microsoft Teams.
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What you need to know
Microsoft Teams will soon support a new way to express yourself. Custom emojis are now in testing among Microsoft 365 Insiders and will ship to everyone in the near future. Custom emojis have been in the works for a while and were formallyannounced at Build 2024. Now, Insiders can upload and use custom emojis.
Custom emojis are a small touch that can make a business channel feel more personal. We use Slack at Windows Central, and the platform already supports custom emojis. There are several inside jokes and playful emojis in our channels. Soon, Teams will have similar functionality.
To use custom emojis at the moment, you have to be a member of Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Target release. The feature is also limited to Teams on Windows, Mac, or the web. Microsoft noted in its blog post that custom emojis cannot be uploaded on Android devices at this time, but it’s safe to assume Android support is on the way.
If you have access to the feature, you can follow these stepsoutlined by Microsoftto access and upload custom emojis:
How to access custom emojis in Microsoft Teams
How to upload custom emojis in Microsoft Teams
A big year for Microsoft Teams
When Microsoftannounced that custom emojis were on the way, the company also unveiled a lengthy list of new features for the communication platform. Build 2024 featured several AI-focused items, and Microsoft Teams was no exception. Microsoft Teams Premium users will be able to use intelligent recap, manage who can record and transcribe meetings, and prevent users from sharing content in externally hosted meetings.
Those who do not subscribe to Microsoft Teams Premium will still get plenty of new features to try out this year. In addition to custom emojis, which are now in testing among Microsoft 365 Insiders, Teams will support Slash commands in the compose box, unfurling permalinks, Loop-supported Code Blocks, Mermaid integration into Loop Code Blocks, and adaptive Card-based Loop components.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
