In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for providing access to digital media content within a conversational messaging environment, through the use of a conversational agent, generally referred to as a “bot”. A media content bot leverages a user's interaction with the bot, to access a media server, which in turn can determine one or more recommended items of media content that are appropriate for the user and/or their interaction. The recommended media content can be provided to the user, or to a media device, in the form of a link, playlist, or other type of reference by which the user can stream, download, access, or otherwise use the recommended media content. In accordance with various embodiments, the media content bot and media server can support atypical or other user inputs in addition to text inputs, for example the use of emojis, and respond accordingly.