Instagram uses the standard emoji keyboard built into iOS or Android. When in the Stories interface, swiping up from the middle of the screen reveals a set of stickers, and under that, recent emojis.

In February 2020, Instagram began using emoji designs from parent-company Facebook in the Android version of the app, for a subset of users. However, this change was ultimately not implemented and as of late 2023, Instagram continues to use a device's default emoji design set.

The Facebook emoji designs have since begun to be used within the Direct Message feature of the Instagram web site on Microsoft devices.

In March 2024, Instagram introduced a secret emoji game within its direct messaging feature on mobile devices. When a user sends an individual emoji in a DM, they can then press the emoji to access a pong-like game using the sent emoji as the ball.

Instagram also permits browsing photos via emoji hashtags. Examples:

• ☃️ Snowman
• 🍕 Pizza
• 👙 Bikini
• 🎺 Trumpet