WhatsApp has finally announced that it is rolling out a new update that expands on its emoji reactions tool. The feature, released just a couple of months ago, previously limited users to reacting with only a set of six selected emojis, but now allows users to choose any emoji and any skin tone.
The release of the feature to the stable version of WhatsApp is surprisingly quick, as the expansion of the reaction tool was only released to beta testers in late June. While the app has started to push out the update, not everyone might get it just yet, but for those who have received it, they should see a new plus icon next to the six emojis.
Since you asked…
… all emoji Reactions are here! We’re feeling 🤩😎🙌🤸🎉💚 about it.
Starting to roll out now to Android and iOS pic.twitter.com/Opk7x0n0VP
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) July 11, 2022
If you are not familiar with the reactions tool, it only requires you to tap and hold any message for it to pop up. To react with emojis other than the ones provided, tap on the new plus icon to open up the menu and add any emoji of your choice.
The options include emojis with different skin tones as well as any new additions such as lip biting, melting face, and more. All users should eventually have access to the feature in the coming weeks, with it being rolled out to WhatsApp on Android, iOS, and the desktop app.
As noted by WABetaInfo, the feature will bring up the keyboard when you try to react with another emoji on Android. On iPhones, however, it will bring up a draggable section with a dedicated row for recently used reactions.
WhatsApp also recently upgraded some of its privacy features by letting users pick and choose who to hide certain information from. It was also discovered that the messaging platform is working on finally allowing users to hide their online status, though it is unclear when this will be released.
(Sources: WhatsApp, WABetaInfo)
