Emojis and online dating: What works and what doesn't

Tinder shared new data on how emojis are being used by singles on the app. According to internal data, about 20 per cent of first messages contain at least one emoji. In India, Gen Z and Millennials are using emojis in their bios to express themselves, show intent, and start conversations.

The most popular emojis in India in 2025 are the red heart (❤️), winking face (😉) and sparkles (✨) for Gen Z. For users aged 26 and above, the red heart, winking face, and smiling face with smiling eyes (😊) top the list. Globally, the United States, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain and the UK lead in emoji use. Popular emojis in messages include 😂, 😅, 😊 and 😁.

Not all emojis work the same. Some, like 😤, 😗, 😴, 😖 and 🥺, are linked to ghosting. Tinder data also shows that sending 🍑 or 🍆 reduces the chance of exchanging contact details.

Tinder’s findings show that while emojis may be used differently than before, they remain a key part of online dating. Using them carefully can help singles communicate intentions and add personality to their messages without sending the wrong signal.