NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2015) – The New York Cosmos announced today that the team has partnered with Snaps to launch a customized, Cosmos-branded emoji keyboard or “Cosmojis” that will work on any iOS or Android device. 

“We’re always looking at ways in which we can help improve fan engagement and this is a another fun way for fans to interact with both the team and each other,” said New York Cosmos Director of Licensing and Merchandising Paul White. 

The initial keyboard consists of 18 emojis, 18 stickers, seven gifs and three videos. The “Cosmoji” images are made up of a combination of standard emoticons, along with some fun soccer-specific images including jerseys of current and legendary Cosmos players (including Pelé).  “On the footage side, working with Snaps allows us to upload new video in real time so fans are able to share exciting moments from our game shortly after they happen simply by placing a gif or video in their text,” added Mr. White.

The Cosmos are the first professional soccer team in North America to develop its own customized emoji keyboard. The keyboard is compatible with virtually any mobile messaging app, including iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Kik and Tango, among others and is available for download in Apple’s App Store and Google Play. According to Meeker’s “Internet Trends 2015” report, messaging apps make up 60 percent of the top 10 global apps by usage and the top four messaging platforms have outpaced the top four social networks in terms of monthly active users.

Fans can download the free apps here:

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cosmoji-keyboard/id1053261985?ls=1&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.snaps.cosmoji

Smart-URL: http://bit.ly/nycosmoji

"Every day 250 billion messages are sent globally. The market is expected to triple by 2019 to 100 trillion messages sent," Christian Brucculeri, CEO of Snaps said. "For some of our teams with passionate fan bases, we've seen over 145,000 emojis shared in a single game day, and across our sports network we see engagement increase 10x before and during games. Sports keyboards are the perfect way for audiences to engage with their fellow fans.”

The Cosmos conclude their season schedule with the NASL Championship Final on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium against the Ottawa Fury. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. ET. The game will also mark the final-ever appearance of legendary players Raúl González Blanco and Marcos Senna, who are both set to retire.

About Snaps

The Snaps mobile messaging platform gives media partners access to the 2 billion monthly active users in mobile messaging apps. Viacom, Hearst, NBA, NHL, Warner Bros. Pictures, Victoria's Secret, Pepsi and many other media companies and brands already leverage Snaps' white-labeled branded keyboards, content management tools and partnerships with the biggest messaging apps in the world to publish their content, drive viral sharing and monetize audiences.