Twitter’s #HappyNewYear emoji goes live

A new firework emoji has been introduced by Twitter to mark the arrival of the new year.

It appears when users include the hashtag #HappyNewYear in English, or one of over 35 other languages, including Arabic, Twitter announced.

“As millions of people usher in 2016 across many time zones, they will turn to Twitter to share their wishes, resolutions, and celebrations with a bang,” said a statement by the social media network.

“This year, we are spreading the festivities to the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop and beyond.”

Twitter partnered with the Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, the co-organisers of the Times Square New Year’s Eve in New York City, to showcase the global conversation.

Tweets and videos will be on display for the first time on the large screens directly underneath the Times Square Ball and other screens in the area.

More than one billion people are expected to watch the ball drop on television.