Important points
- WhatsApp is testing a personalized emoji reaction list similar to what Instagram already offers.
- Users are initially shown the top seven emojis, followed by other top emojis that can be accessed by swiping left.
- This update also includes a video autoplay feature for channels that will be rolled out to beta testers.
Acquired by the Facebook giant two years after Instagram, Mehta-owned WhatsApp has over the years acquired a powerful collection of modern communication app tools and features. This includes communities, group chats, channels, end-to-end encryption, message reactions, status updates, and more.
It is already known that the messaging giant is working on adding additional features to the latter, with music support for upcoming WhatsApp status updates also in the pipeline. But this isn’t the only page that WhatsApp appears to be borrowing from Instagram.
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As spotted by WABetaInfo in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.24.22.16, currently available as part of the platform’s Google Play Beta program, the messaging giant is now allowing users to respond to messages with recently used emojis. It looks like they are doing a public test. This is how message reactions work on Instagram, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and even Slack. Display frequently used items at the top of the list.
The feature was first discovered during the development of WhatsApp beta version 2.24.21.15 in early October.
Swipe to see more reactions
Source: WABetaInfo
WhatsApp’s default reaction emoji list includes 👍, ❤️, 😂, 😮, 😢, and 🙏, in that order. While it’s not a huge change, seeing a personalized reaction list with the emojis users use most is a quality update that brings WhatsApp more in line with its competitors.
In addition to displaying the top seven most used reactions at the top, users can also swipe left to see the next set of emojis, making it easy to find emojis that aren’t at the top of the list. will be able to access. I still use it sometimes. a + The button will remain visible, allowing you to further explore the complete emoji list.
In addition to faster and more personalized emoji responses, the beta update also includes new video autoplay features exclusive to channels and status mentions, which started rolling out earlier this month. Personalized emoji reaction lists and video autoplay for channels will be gradually rolled out to more beta users. At this time, it is unclear when these features will make their stable debut.
