Picture-perfect emotions: Google introduces Photomoji for truly personalised chats

In a recent stride towards revolutionising the realm of messaging, Google has rolled out an exciting update to its Messages app, known as ‘Photomoji’. This innovative functionality, initially exclusive to beta testers, is poised for a widespread release to all users in the coming weeks.

What is Google’s Photomoji?

Google Messages introduces Photomoji, an innovative feature allowing users to craft and dispatch personalised emoji reactions using their images. This feature empowers individuals to capture a moment of their facial expressions, immortalise their beloved pets, or even snap a photo of an object encapsulating their precise reaction to a message.

Diverging from conventional emojis, which often fall short in capturing nuanced emotions, ‘Photomoji’ harnesses the power of one’s facial expressions, personal photos, or objects that echo your sentiments. This elevates the messaging experience by enabling users to convey emotions in a manner that transcends the limitations of standard emojis.

Unveiling the Photomoji experience

To acquaint users with this exciting feature, Google is keen to share key insights about Photomoji. Presently operational exclusively in RCS chats, users can create and preserve up to 30 Photomoji at a time. These can be effortlessly managed, allowing for alterations or removals, all within the dedicated "Photomoji" section in the app.

While the feature is gradually being rolled out to all users, not everyone may have access immediately. To check availability, consider updating your Google Messages app or exploring the beta program for an early glimpse.

Unlock the creative fun of Photomoji on Google Messages

Follow these simple steps to bring your photos to life in emoji form.

Access Google Messages: Open the Google Messages app on your smartphone to get started.

Initiate a conversation: Choose an existing conversation or kick off a new one with the person you'd like to engage with.

Creating Photomoji from emoji picker:

a. Tap the emoji icon in the typing area.

b. Press the "+" button adjacent to the emojis.

c. Opt for "Create" and select a photo from your gallery or take a new one.

d. Crop the photo if necessary, then tap "Done" to save your Photomoji.

Method 2 - From reaction bar:

a. Long-press on a message within the conversation.

b. An emoji bar will appear; scroll to the end and tap the "+" icon.

c. Choose "Create" and proceed with the same steps mentioned above to select and create your Photomoji.

Sending Photomoji:

a. Open the chat where you want to send the Photomoji.

b. Tap the emoji icon in the typing area.

c. Navigate to the "Photomoji" tab.

d. Select the Photomoji you wish to send.

Your Photomoji will be dispatched as a small image accompanying your message.

Recipient's view:

a. The person receiving your Photomoji will see it as a petite image attached to the message.

b. They can tap on the image to view the full photo and the emoji preview.

User experience

Early adopters of Photomoji have expressed delight at the level of personalisation it offers. From sharing goofy facial expressions to showcasing adorable pet photos, users find joy in customising their emoji reactions. This feature not only adds a fun element but also strengthens the emotional connection between users.

Photomoji in social context

Beyond one-on-one messaging, Photomoji opens the door to social media integration. Imagine sharing your creatively crafted emoji reactions with a broader audience. Google might consider expanding Photomoji to platforms like Google Photos or even other messaging apps, allowing users to showcase their expressive creations beyond the confines of a single chat.