New emoji begin as ideas and, if they meet strict criteria, become part of the Unicode Standard and appear on your devices. This definitive guide explains how emoji proposals are created, reviewed by the Unicode Consortium, encoded, and implemented across platforms. You will learn the roles of vendors, submission requirements, review stages, and typical timelines. Use this reference to understand how each new emoji reaches keyboards worldwide and how stakeholders can navigate the process.
How emoji proposals are submitted and assessed
Any organization or individual working through an endorsing member can submit a proposal for new emoji. Submissions require detailed documentation, including expected glyph designs, proposed Unicode code point allocation, and evidence of expected usage. Proposers must demonstrate need, compatibility, and distinctiveness to avoid duplicates. After submission, the Emoji Subcommittee reviews candidates against criteria such as completeness, compatibility, and expected adoption. Only proposals meeting these standards proceed to the next stages of standardization and review.
Key requirements for proposals
- Complete proposed designs that show each skin tone and gender combination
- Evidence of real-world demand and usage scenarios
- Technical justification covering rendering, interoperability, and fallback behavior
- Compliance with Unicode policies and existing emoji property guidelines
Unicode review stages and timelines for new emoji
The Unicode Consortium follows a multi-stage review cycle that aligns with its quarterly meetings and annual technical reports. Proposals receive initial feedback, enter a formal review phase, and may be accepted into the draft candidates stage before final approval. Multiple review checkpoints help ensure consistency, stability, and quality. Vendors such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung then take approved code points and begin platform-specific implementation. Timelines vary, but the cycle emphasizes accuracy, stability, and cross-platform compatibility.
Stage progression overview
| Stage | Approximate timing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted proposal | Quarter N | Under initial review by the Emoji Subcommittee |
| Candidate status | Quarter N+1 to N+2 | Accepted for encoding with conditions possible |
| Final approval | Quarter N+2 or later | Included in an upcoming Unicode release |
| Platform implementation | Variable, generally following Unicode version launch | Design, testing, and shipping on operating systems and keyboards |
Technical standards and vendor implementation
Once Unicode assigns code points, vendors integrate new emoji into their operating systems, keyboards, and rendering engines. Each platform enforces its own design language, accessibility features, and fallback strategies while maintaining interoperability. Key standards include Unicode Standard Annexes, emoji variation selectors, and guidelines for skin tones and genders. Cross-platform testing helps reduce visual and behavioral inconsistencies. Organizations involved in implementation monitor specification updates to ensure correct handling of sequences, metadata, and future compatibility.
Implementation essentials
- Respect skin tone and gender modifiers by testing combinations and defaults
- Provide clear fallback visuals when a glyph is unsupported
- Follow accessibility guidance regarding labels and screen reader support
- Track Unicode versioning to plan updates and deprecations
Release, adoption, and communication
After implementation, new emoji roll out through operating system updates, keyboard apps, and messaging platforms. Adoption depends on discoverability, documentation, and user demand. Teams communicate upcoming releases through developer portals, release notes, and support resources. Feedback channels allow users and creators to report issues and request improvements. Ongoing monitoring helps stakeholders understand usage patterns and refine future proposals.
Adoption checklist
- Update apps to support new string handling and rendering rules
- Test messages and content that include new sequences and modifiers
- Inform users about availability across devices and regions
- Provide guidance on correct usage and expected appearance
Impact on users, creators, and platforms
New emoji expand expressive capabilities for users and open opportunities for creators, marketers, and researchers. Consistent implementation ensures reliable communication, while thoughtful submission processes improve quality and reduce redundancy. Platforms must balance innovation with stability, performance, and inclusive representation. By following established procedures, stakeholders can contribute to a healthy, interoperable emoji ecosystem that serves global audiences over time.