▶️

Play Button

play buh-tn
Unicode: 25B6
Added: 0,6
Category: الأعلام
#761
Global Ranking
accessible
Accessibility
common
Usage Level

Definitions

1
Media · Controls Very Common
A triangular symbol pointing right that indicates the function to start or resume playing audio, video, or other media content.
Commonly used in digital contexts to reference starting media or beginning an activity.
Hit ▶️ when you're ready to watch the video!
Social media sharing
Check out my new podcast ▶️ link in bio
Instagram profile
Universal symbol recognized across digital platforms and physical media devices worldwide.
2
Communication · Action Common
Metaphorically indicates moving forward, taking action, or continuing with something that was paused.
Used to signal resuming an activity or encouraging someone to proceed.
After the break, we're ready to ▶️ the meeting again.
Work chat
Has evolved beyond media controls to represent forward movement or progress in conversations.

Evolution Timeline

2015
Evolved from purely functional media control to conversational shorthand for 'let's continue' or 'moving forward'.
Increase in messaging apps and social media platforms with embedded media.

Cultural Context

The play button is one of the few emoji symbols that maintained its original meaning from physical media players to digital interfaces.
Has evolved into a metaphorical shorthand for 'continue' or 'proceed' in digital conversations, extending beyond its literal media control function.

Regional Variations

United States Often used in gaming contexts to indicate starting a game or stream.

Generational Usage

Gen_X: Primarily used for its literal meaning to indicate playing media content.
Gen_Z: Frequently used in streaming announcements and to signal the start of content on TikTok and YouTube.
Older: Less frequently used, mostly in the context of sharing videos or audio with family members.
Millennials: Common in work contexts to indicate resuming activities and in social media to share media content.

Common Combinations

▶️🎮
Starting a game or gaming stream
Used by gamers to announce beginning of gameplay sessions
▶️🎵
Playing music or starting a playlist
Used when sharing music recommendations
▶️🎬
Starting a video or movie
Used when discussing films or videos

Related Emojis