Naming Custom Emojis So People Can Actually Find Them

Keep Names Short and Lowercase

Prefer a short, lowercase description of the image or reaction. Ask a coworker what they would search, then compare that answer with your proposed name. Use two or three clear words when one is ambiguous, and check which separators your platform accepts. These are naming recommendations, not a guarantee about search ranking.

Use Prefixes for Sets

If you upload a whole pack, prefix it: cat-happy, cat-grumpy, cat-keyboard. A shared prefix can help people search related names. Check the actual picker in your platform rather than assuming every matching emoji appears in one view.

Avoid Names That Fight the Defaults

Check the existing picker before choosing a name. Avoid a name that looks identical to a built-in reaction or an unrelated custom emoji. A more specific description helps people distinguish them. Confirm the platform accepts the name instead of relying on duplicate-name behavior.

Prune as You Go

Review confusing names and duplicates periodically. Do not assume you can measure zero usage from the emoji picker. Before deleting an emoji, check who relies on it and whether you have permission. A useful set is easier to maintain than a large collection of near-duplicates.

Test the names before a large upload

Give two coworkers the same few images and ask what they would call each one. Keep their wording when it is clear. If the answers disagree, add a description that separates the images rather than another inside-joke abbreviation. Start with a small set, then write down its naming pattern for the next person who uploads.

For Slack, aliases can provide another code for an existing emoji. That may help when people use different names for the same reaction, without adding another image. Check the official alias and deletion instructions. Source checked October 28, 2026. The naming and review process above is our editorial recommendation.