Oliver Haslam on February 3, 2022, 1:06 am

WhatsApp Readies Message Reactions Just Like iMessage

WhatsApp is testing a change that will bring iMessage-like reactions to iPhone and Android users, according to a tweet shared by WABetaInfo.

The move, which has been expected for some time, will allow people to react with icons that mean “Like,” “Love,” “Laugh,” “Surprised,” “Sad,” and “Thanks.”

As the tweet’s screenshot shows the reactions will appear beneath a WhatsApp message once they have been made. Making a reaction will be similar to iMessage — users will tap and hold on a message and then select the reaction that they want to use.

There is no indication of when this feature will be available to everyone or what the situation will be in terms of the web and desktop versions of WhatsApp. WABetaInfo only mentions the iPhone and Android versions of WhatsApp but it will surely only be a matter of time before reactions also come to the rest of the WhatsApp platform.

Reactions are quick and easy ways to acknowledge a message although it appears only with six different emoji icons. It’s possible that the six icons will change or expand before the final feature is made available to the public, however.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging platforms around, especially for those who want to communicate across platforms. The addition of features like reactions will only help cement the app’s place on Home screens around the world.