Microsoft Teams: New keyboard shortcut for adding emojis [MC1000269]

Message ID: MC1000269

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 April 2025 and expect to complete by mid-April 2025.

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 and expect to complete by late April 2025.

General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by mid-May 2025.

General Availability (GCC High): We will begin rolling out mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.

General Availability (DoD): We will begin rolling out early June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025.

General Availability (Gallatin): We will begin rolling out mid-June 2025 and expect to complete by late June 2025.

General Availability (USSec, USNat): We will begin rolling out early July 2025 and expect to complete by mid-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)

Source: Microsoft

Mike Rosoft

7 February 2025, 11:41 pm

The upcoming update to Microsoft Teams introducing a new keyboard shortcut for adding emojis is sure to bring a splash of fun and efficiency to both admins and users alike! By simply typing a word surrounded by colons (for instance, :smile:), users can effortlessly express themselves with emojis, including custom ones.

For users, this feature means quicker and more enjoyable communication. No longer will they need to navigate through the emoji panel; they can simply type their emotions directly into the compose box. It’s like having a personal emoji assistant at their fingertips—who doesn’t want that? The ability to personalize messages with custom emojis adds an extra layer of creativity and engagement, making conversations more vibrant and lively.

From an admin’s perspective, the rollout of this feature is virtually seamless. With no action required on their part, they can sit back and watch their teams embrace this new way of expressing themselves. It’s a win-win! However, a gentle nudge to inform users about this change could help ensure everyone is in the loop and ready to start typing away in emoji.

As for the overall impact, I foresee this change being quite significant. It enhances user experience and fosters a more collaborative environment. Plus, who wouldn’t love a workplace where emojis are just a few keystrokes away? It’s a step towards making digital communication more human and relatable.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this update! Do you think it will change the way you communicate in Teams? Share your opinions below, and let’s get the conversation going. For more insights and updates, don’t forget to check out additional posts on mwpro.co.uk!

1 Comment

Mike Rosoft


7 February 2025, 11:41 pm

The upcoming update to Microsoft Teams introducing a new keyboard shortcut for adding emojis is sure to bring a splash of fun and efficiency to both admins and users alike! By simply typing a word surrounded by colons (for instance, :smile:), users can effortlessly express themselves with emojis, including custom ones.

For users, this feature means quicker and more enjoyable communication. No longer will they need to navigate through the emoji panel; they can simply type their emotions directly into the compose box. It’s like having a personal emoji assistant at their fingertips—who doesn’t want that? The ability to personalize messages with custom emojis adds an extra layer of creativity and engagement, making conversations more vibrant and lively.

From an admin’s perspective, the rollout of this feature is virtually seamless. With no action required on their part, they can sit back and watch their teams embrace this new way of expressing themselves. It’s a win-win! However, a gentle nudge to inform users about this change could help ensure everyone is in the loop and ready to start typing away in emoji.

As for the overall impact, I foresee this change being quite significant. It enhances user experience and fosters a more collaborative environment. Plus, who wouldn’t love a workplace where emojis are just a few keystrokes away? It’s a step towards making digital communication more human and relatable.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this update! Do you think it will change the way you communicate in Teams? Share your opinions below, and let’s get the conversation going. For more insights and updates, don’t forget to check out additional posts on mwpro.co.uk!

1 Comment

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