You can soon react to WhatsApp messages with emojis

WhatsApp for Desktop is currently developing a new message reaction feature so you can finally reply without having to type back. So far, they’re working on different elements of the feature, like viewing reaction info and using another button to react to messages.

This WhatsApp Beta feature was previously announced to be in development for the WhatsApp Beta for Android and iOS platforms. This particular feature has long been overdue for the popular messaging app, so it’s exciting to finally see progress being made on it.

As reported before, the message reaction feature is planned to be just like what WhatsApp’s rivals have: the ability to react directly to a message using one of the six default emojis available. You can either use the dedicated emoji button that appears next to a message when your cursor hovers over it or the “React to message” option from a drop-down menu on the message bubble.

Additionally, the feature plans to have a reaction info window pop up when you click on an emoji reaction. This will display the number of times the emoji was used and who sent it, which is pretty helpful if you’re in a group chat and many users give out reactions. Currently, it’s the heart emoji being tested for such things. 

Since it’s still in development, beta testers will need to wait a while before they can try it—although it’s expected that the Android and iOS versions will have it out first. Regardless of when it’ll be ready for a beta release, it’s definitely on the list of things Whatsapp users look forward to this year.

Image credit: WABetaInfo