Do Emojis Actually Boost Click-Through Rates? Here's What the Data Says

Emojis might seem like a cute add-on, but they’re proving to be serious performance drivers in ad copy, email subject lines, and social posts. Across multiple platforms and formats, the numbers show that when used well, these small visuals can deliver big results.

Let’s start with ads. Facebook ads with emojis see an average click-through rate of 9.2%, far above the industry benchmark of 0.4%. One A/B test found that a headline with just a single emoji outperformed its plain-text version in both clicks and overall engagement. 

Tweets from brands and influencers show a similar pattern, posts with emojis often pull in 30–40% more clicks and cost 20% less per click.

In email, the impact is even more dramatic. Emojis in subject lines have been shown to increase open and click-through rates by as much as 56%, with some campaigns seeing up to a 93% lift. They help messages stand out in crowded inboxes and tap into emotional triggers, if used thoughtfully. It’s not a one-size-fits-all tactic, though. 

Highly formal or B2B audiences may be turned off by emoji use, which makes segmented testing essential.

When it comes to social media, posts with emojis consistently earn more interaction, about 48% more, according to several reports. Brands that use emojis well appear more human and relatable. They grab the eye, convey tone instantly, and can subtly reinforce the emotional message of a post. 

This is especially effective when promoting lifestyle or consumer products, where tone and visual rhythm matter just as much as the offer.

But here’s the catch: results depend on relevance and tone. Emojis that feel random or forced can come off as gimmicky or disingenuous. They work best when they feel like a natural extension of your brand’s voice and content strategy.

So, are emojis just fluff? Not at all. They can be a powerful tool to boost engagement and CTR, if you know your audience and use them with intention.

If you are interested in taking your business to the next level, schedule a free 30-minute info session with us. By the end of this video call, you will have a clear understanding of the next steps you can take to start generating consistent and reliable results online with Organic & Paid Advertising: Schedule your session.

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