As noted by TechCrunch, Facebook has added the ability for its users to use profile pictures as emoticons in Facebook Chat. Profile pictures of any user on the social network, any Page, or any Event can all be used in Facebook Chat. The pictures appear only on the web interface of Facebook, but can be sent on the mobile side of things. Hovering over the image will bring up a tooltip with the username of whatever is shown.
Due to the fact that profile pictures are public on Facebook, there is no way to block others from using specific images in Chat.
Steps to use profile pictures as chat emoticons on Facebook are below:
- Go to any profile, official Page, or event that you want to use as an emoticon.
- Look at the URL. Find the username or profile ID at the end of the URL such as “VinDiesel” from http://www.facebook.com/VinDiesel, “JoshConstine”, “cocacola”, or “45197362282″
- Place that name or number in double brackets like [[VinDiesel]]
- Enter that into a Facebook Chat or Message field. When you send it, the bracketed number or letters will appear as that person, Page, or event’s current profile picture.
