One of the new features that Whatsapp has introduced is message reactions. Much like the iOS-based iMessage service, this reaction feature allows users to respond to a message by putting in an emoji-based reaction. Not only does this freshen up the Whatsapp platform as a whole, but it also gives users a whole new way of interacting with messages. Now, when we say emoji-based reactions, you need to understand that there are certain limitations. For instance, there are currently six reactions available for you to use namely – Thumbs up, Heart, Laughing, Surprised, Sad, and Folded hands.
This is how you can react to Whatsapp messages
Whatsapp developers believe that these are the primary reactions that users generally have to different kinds of messages and while this reaction response is good, we firmly believe that it is useful in situations where you don’t really have the time to send a fully typed out reply to the message. If you are someone who is expressive or on very good terms with the person you are currently talking to, you may want to follow up the reaction with a more intimate, personal reply.
Now, with the introduction out of the way, let’s take a look at how you can react to Whatsapp messages.
Step 1. Open the Whatsapp messenger on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
Step 2. Open a conversation where you want to react to a message.
Step 3. Long press on the message that you want to react to and you will see a pop-up window with the emoji reactions.
Step 4. Tap on the reaction that you want to give to the particular message.
Once confirmed, a small reaction thumbnail will appear near the message indicating that you have reacted to it. This thumbnail will be visible to you as well as the recipient. It is unclear whether the Whatsapp developers will be including more reactions in the future, and even if they do, this feature will not completely replace the conventional typed in responses.
The reactions feature is available for the latest build of Whatsapp – Android version 2.22.10.74 and iOS version 22.9.76. If you have a compatible smartphone and the feature is not available to you yet, we suggest you update the Whatsapp messenger on your device and if the feature is still not visible, consider re-installing the app from the app store or play store.
