MC795750 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Custom emojis and reactions

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Teams

Platform:

Android, Education, iOS, Mac, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

80659

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will introduce custom emojis and reactions, allowing users to upload images or GIFs, accessible to all in the tenant. Up to 5,000 can be added per tenant. Rollout updates include revised dates for Targeted Release, Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, and DoD. The feature will be on by default, with admin controls available for management. Roadmap ID: 80659.

Details:
Updated December 17, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
In Microsoft Teams, users will be able to add their own custom emojis and reactions by uploading an image or GIF file, and their emojis and reactions will be accessible to all users in the tenant alongside the standard Teams emojis and reactions. Up to 5,000 custom emojis can be added per tenant.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 80659.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early July 2024 (previously late June) and expect to complete by mid-July 2024 (previously early July).
Worldwide: We will begin rolling out early August 2024 (previously mid-July) and expect to complete by early September 2024 (previously late July).
GCC: We will begin rolling out late January 2025 (previously late December) and expect to complete by early February 2025 (previously early January).
GCC High: We will begin rolling out mid-February 2025 (previously mid-January) and expect to complete by late February 2025 (previously late January).
DoD: We will begin rolling out late February 2025 (previously late January) and expect to complete by early March 2025 (previously early February).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2024-05-25

updated:
2025-01-15

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
If the custom emojis feature is enabled without prior preparation, users may experience confusion or frustration due to an influx of inappropriate or irrelevant emojis, impacting communication clarity.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of custom emojis may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are unsure how to use the new feature or who encounter issues with emoji uploads, straining IT support resources.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Policy Management Challenges
Without proper preparation, admins may face challenges in managing the new emoji feature, leading to potential misuse or security concerns if inappropriate content is uploaded.
   - roles: System Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Engagement
The introduction of custom emojis and reactions can significantly enhance user engagement and communication within Teams. By allowing users to personalize their interactions, it fosters a more inclusive and expressive environment, leading to improved collaboration and team dynamics.
   - next-steps: Conduct a survey to gather feedback on emoji preferences and usage scenarios. Develop guidelines for appropriate use of custom emojis to maintain professionalism while encouraging creativity.
   - roles: Marketing Team, HR Team, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Streamlined IT Administration
The ability to manage custom emoji creation and deletion through the Teams Admin Center allows IT administrators to maintain control over content while empowering users. This can reduce the administrative burden of content moderation and enhance user autonomy.
   - next-steps: Train IT staff on the new admin controls and develop a policy for managing custom emojis. Implement a monitoring system to review emoji usage and ensure compliance with company policies.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Cost-effective User Customization
Custom emojis can serve as a cost-effective way to enhance branding and personalization without the need for additional software or tools. This can be particularly beneficial for marketing and branding teams looking to promote a specific company culture or identity.
   - next-steps: Evaluate existing branding materials and identify opportunities to integrate custom emojis into internal communications. Create a campaign to encourage their use among teams.
   - roles: Brand Managers, Marketing Team, Internal Communications
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=80659

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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