So twitter is experiencing one of the biggest surges in popularity in the history of the internet Twitter emoticons is one of the most searched terms on the web, yet the team at Twitter has not yet implemented any sort of graphical emoticon system for the site. Why not?

There are a couple of main reasons:

• The load on the servers - Twitter is based on a lightweight Ruby on Rails framework, and it tries to save server load by shifting as much text and as little graphical information as possible. A set of emoticons, however small, would mean a big increase in the amount of data sent per-tweet. As we all know, Twitter has recently experienced a number of embarrassing security breaches (including one which accessed the very core information of the company including access to its nameservers and DNS records) – and the money is clearly already stretched thin. Add to that the fact that they have not yet reached a viable agreement with anyone regarding monetizing their product yet...and you can see that they will try to save every cent and penny that they can.

• The simplicity – From an aesthetical point of view, Twitter is like a breath of fresh air in the internet world. There is so much clear, open space – so much white – that people have praised it for its looks as well as its ease of use. Using emoticons and cluttering the screen would be the first step towards creating a Myspace style horror-show of glitter and rainbow that would ultimately drive its core userbase AWAY from the product.

Anyway, I digress.

So, what alternatives exist for the Twitter user who wants to use emoticons? Are there any real Twitter emoticons? How can you add these symbols to your Tweets? Easy...just copy and paste! Here are the top five most popular (usable) emoticons for Twitter:

Number 5 - Twitter music note emoticon - ♫

The music note emoticon is one of the most frequently used on Twitter. Not only is it one of the coolest looking symbols that you can use on the service, but there are many music related websites which use Twitter's API to hook in a send messages and updates on users' behalfs – and they will often use this symbol as a sign of this service. Try adding it when you talk about music – it will get people talking!

Number 4 - Twitter star emoticon - ☆

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No – it's a star Twitter emoticon! Maybe you want to tell someone they are important to you, or maybe you want to point out that someone is a superstar in your own eyes – the star symbol on Twitter is the best way to show it!

Number 3 - Twitter love heart emoticon - ♥

What can we say about the Twitter love heart emoticon that hasn't already been said? One of the most recognizable symbols in the world, the Twitter love heart emoticon is something to send to friends, family and most of all...lovers!

Number 2 - Twitter skull emoticon - ☠

...and just the opposite – the skull and crossbones emoticon! Maybe someone is really getting on your nerves, or perhaps you want to show your love for the pirate movement...either way, the skull and crossbones is a super emoticon that you can show everyone in your tweets!

Number 1 - Twitter smiley face emoticon - ☺

Finally, at number one – the classic, the grandaddy of them all...the smiley face emoticon! Until Twitter imports its own graphical emotes, this will be the one which everyone uses to show that they're happy and smiling!

Stay tuned to my hubs for more info about emotes, smileys and symbols, especially more Twitter emoticons!