WhatsApp has been developing a message reactions feature for months, now the latest rumors indicate that the Meta-owned messaging app is ready to release this tool.
WABetaInfo shared some screenshots from Twitter showing what message reactions for WhatsApp will look like both on iOS and Android devices. Users will only be able to react to a message once and there are 6 emojis in total that can be used: “Like,” “Love,” “Laugh,” “Surprised,” “Sad,” and “Thanks.”
WhatsApp is readying message reactions (secured by end-to-end encryption) in a new upcoming update of WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS. 👍❤️😂😮😢🙏 pic.twitter.com/o9CMW6pnsN
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) February 2, 2022
How to use message reactions on WhatsApp?
We are already used to using the message reaction feature on iMessage, WhatsApp’s own tool works just like the same. As can be seen from the screenshot below, users simply have to long-press a message in order to use one of the six emoji alternatives. The response will then be shown at the bottom of the message.
WABetaInfo previously stated that users will be able to identify who responds to each message in a group chat. Despite the fact that it was formerly impossible to react to a message, WhatsApp beta version 22.2.72 added new settings for reactions management two weeks ago.
If we were able to get to see these screenshots, most likely, message reactions will be available to beta testers soon.
Finally, WABetaInfo claims that message replies will also be protected by end-to-end encryption. Facebook Messenger has just begun encrypting GIFs, reactions, and other features.