Emojis have become an integral part of online communication. They allow us to express emotions and ideas in a visual way. LinkedIn, being a professional social media platform, also allows the use of emojis in posts, comments and messages.
While you can always click on the emoji icon to select one, it can disrupt your typing flow. That’s where keyboard shortcuts for emojis come in handy. They allow you to quickly insert emojis without moving your hands away from the keyboard.
So what are the keyboard shortcuts for emojis on LinkedIn?
Using Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you are accessing LinkedIn on a Windows PC, you can use the standard Windows keyboard shortcuts to insert emojis:
- Press the Windows key + . (period) to open the emoji panel.
- You can then either click on an emoji to insert it, or use arrow keys to navigate and Enter to select.
- You can also directly type the emoji short code and it will be replaced. For example, typing 🙂 will be replaced with 🙂.
This works for any Windows app including LinkedIn opened in a browser. The full list of Windows emoji shortcodes is available on Microsoft’s support site.
Using Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
For Mac users, the process is slightly different but still straightforward:
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji picker.
- You can then either click on an emoji or use arrow keys to navigate and hit Enter to insert.
Again this will work on any Mac app including LinkedIn on browser.
Using LinkedIn Mobile App
If you are using LinkedIn mobile app, the emoji insertion process is even simpler:
- Just tap on the emoji icon in the text/post box to open the emoji panel.
- Scroll and tap on the emoji you want to insert.
The mobile app remembers recently used emojis so you can easily access them again.
Using Gboard on Mobile
Many Android users prefer using Gboard keyboard over the default phone keyboard. Gboard provides a very quick way to access emojis:
- Tap and hold on the Enter key on the keyboard.
- This will open up the emoji panel. Tap on the emoji you want to insert.
Gboard also suggests emojis based on what you type. For example, typing “smile” will pop up a 😃 emoji suggestion.
Copy-Pasting Emojis
Another option is to copy emojis from another source and paste them into LinkedIn. For example:
- Open a emoji directory website or app on another device.
- Browse and copy the emoji you want.
- Switch to LinkedIn and paste the emoji where you want it.
This allows you to insert more unique or custom emojis that may not be available on the standard emoji keyboard.
Using LinkedIn Emoji Keyboard Extensions
There are browser extensions like LinkedIn Emoji and LinkedIn Emoji Keyboard that add a dedicated emoji keyboard to LinkedIn for easy insertion. After installing them, you get options like:
- Clicking the extension icon to open emoji keyboard.
- Using dedicated shortcut keys to open emoji panel.
- Seeing emoji suggestions as you type words.
These extensions provide a smoother emoji input experience tailored for LinkedIn.
Why Use Emojis on LinkedIn?
Now that you know how to easily use emojis on LinkedIn, you may be wondering when to use them.
Here are some appropriate ways to use emojis on LinkedIn:
- React to someone’s post or comment using a relevant emoji like 👍 or ❤️.
- Express excitement, celebration or appreciation in your own posts.
- Break up long blocks of text and add visual interest.
- Convey tone and meaning that may be lost in text-only messages.
- Strengthen your brand personality by using branded emojis.
However, don’t go overboard and make sure your emoji usage is balanced and professional. Maintain the context of a business/career-oriented platform.
Tips for Using Emojis on LinkedIn
To ensure you use emojis appropriately on LinkedIn, keep these tips in mind:
- Use sparingly, 1-2 per post/message is usually enough.
- Don’t use emojis in headlines/titles.
- Don’t use emojis in professional summaries or bios.
- Be mindful of emoji meanings – make sure they convey your intent.
- Don’t overuse emojis to seem friendly – it can come across as unprofessional.
- Avoid using laughing/crying emojis excessively.
- Don’t use emojis to convey difficult conversations or apologies.
Check the reaction your emoji usage receives and adjust accordingly. Take cues from top profiles and influencers on how to tactfully use emojis.
Conclusion
Emojis can be a fun way to express yourself on LinkedIn, provided they are used judiciously. Use the keyboard shortcuts, extensions and tips outlined above to seamlessly integrate appropriate emojis into your LinkedIn content.
With the right emoji strategy, you can make your LinkedIn posts and messages more engaging! Just don’t overdo it.