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.

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