# Branded Keyboard Brands launch emoji keyboard apps to create organic reach. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Dec 17, 2015 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branded-keyboard ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Branded Keyboard trend? **Branded Keyboard:** Speaking to the need for brands to tap into the elasticity of meaning associated with the illustrative symbols, branded emoji keyboards engage consumers in spaces they are already communicating. This development demonstrates the pervasiveness of emojis as a cultural tongue that replaces words, rather than a passing fad, and speaks to society's evolving relationship with technology. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 13 to Nov 26, 2015 - Published: Dec 17, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Branded Keyboard trend ### Branded Emoji Keyboards Brands creating their own emoji keyboards engage with consumers in a space where they are already communicating, and demonstrates the pervasiveness of emojis as a cultural tongue. ### National Emojis The creation of national emojis is a new way to showcase a country's identity and embrace its culture, which can lead to new marketing and branding opportunities. ### Themed Emoji Keyboards Creating themed emoji keyboards, such as for breakfast or furniture, can specifically target niche demographics and provide a unique and engaging way for consumers to interact with the brand. ## What the Branded Keyboard trend means for industry ### For Hospitality Emoji keyboards can be a fun way for hotels to enhance customer experience and engagement, in particular with niche-specific keyboards. ### For Tourism National emoji campaigns can help promote a country's brand identity and tourist attractions, creating tourism opportunities. ### For Marketing Emoji keyboards can be a creative and playful marketing tool that can improve digital marketing strategies and bring a fun and engaging element to campaigns. ## Workshop question How can your brand leverage technology to communicate with consumers in spaces that they are already using? ## Trend signals for Branded Keyboard Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 83%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 83% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branded Keyboard trend 5 featured examples from Feb 13 to Nov 26, 2015. - [National Emoji Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-emoji): Finland Tourism Will Release One Emoji Every Day in December (Category: World) Implication: The use of national emojis for tourism purposes presents opportunities for countries to showcase their unique cultures and attractions in a fun and engaging way through the use of… - [Fast Food Emoji Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-emoji-keyboard): The Burger King Emoji Keyboard Celebrates the Return of Chicken Fries (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains can leverage the popularity of mobile apps and emojis to create new and exciting ways to market their products and engage with younger customers. - [Breakfast Emoji Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breakfast-emoji): Holiday Inn Express Turns Morning Meal Items into a Visual Language (Category: Tech) Implication: Hotels and other hospitality industries can create unique and engaging experiences for guests through the use of specialized emojis and visual language keyboards. - [Canadian Emoji Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canada-day-message): Tim Hortons Helps You Send a Canada Day Message Via the Ehmoji Keyboard (Category: Tech) Implication: Integrating branded emojis within food and beverage apps provides unique marketing opportunities and strengthens brand connection with customers. - [Furniture Branded Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-emoticons): The IKEA Emoticons App Hopes to Streamline Domestic Texting (Category: Tech) Implication: The use of branded emojis in the furniture retail industry presents an opportunity for companies to create a more engaging and fun experience for customers, which could lead to in… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)