WhatsApp’s long-awaited Reactions feature is now live after months of testing. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced the announcement in a Facebook post. For iOS and Android users, this means that they can respond to a message in the same way as Instagram users can.
Note that Reactions have just begun rolling out, so it may take several days or even weeks for the feature to begin working for all of your friends and family members. Currently, six different emojis are available for use: a thumbs up, a red heart, a laughing face, an astonished face, a teary-eyed hand, and hands joined in thanks or prayer.
In the FAQ, WhatsApp explains how to use the Reactions feature:
- Send a message with a long press.
- Select an emoji by swiping your finger over the screen.
By long-pressing the same message and changing the emoji, users can alter their reactions, much like on Instagram. They can also erase an emoji by clicking on it once again.
- There are a few things WhatsApp mentions about this new feature, including:
- Only one reaction can be added per message.
- Reactions to messages that have vanished will vanish along with the message.
- Responses and reaction counts cannot be hidden.
Prior to removing it, or if removal fails, recipients may see your reaction. If eliminating a reaction fails, you won’t be informed.
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is planning to allow users to respond to messages with any emoji in the near future.