WhatsApp, the hugely popular messaging software owned by Meta, is close to launching reactions a la Tapbacks on iMessage, and here’s what they look like.
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UPDATE (February 24, 2022): After this post was published, WABetaInfo reported that Meta also began testing emoji reactions in WhatsApp for Mac, suggesting the feature could launch simultaneously across WhatsApp’s mobile, desktop and web apps.
- The Meta-owned WhatsApp app is gaining message reactions
- If you’ve used Tapbacks in Messages, you’ll feel right at home
- This feature has been in the works since the start of 2022
- WhatsApp may soon launch message reactions publicly
WhatsApp reactions a la iMessage coming soon?
WABetaInfo, a website dedicated to unearthing work-in-progress features in WhatsApp and other messaging and social apps, has shared screenshots of WhatsApp’s upcoming iMessage-style reactions on its Twitter. “WhatsApp is readying message reactions (secured by end-to-end encryption) in a new upcoming update of WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS,” the tweet reads. No further information was provided at press time.
The upcoming WhatsApp feature should feel familiar to anyone who has ever used Tapback reactions in the Messages app on iPhone and iPad. With a long-press, up pops a row with the following six emoji reactions available to choose from:
- Like
- Love
- Laugh
- Surprised
- Sad
- Thanks
Just touch one and it appears at the bottom of the selected message.
According to WABetaInfo, it will also be possible to apply these iMessage-like reactions to group chats, as well as view who has reacted to each message in a group thread. iDownloadBlog doesn’t know when this feature is going to launch for all users, but it shouldn’t be much longer given the polish evidenced by the screenshots.
Boring. What’s up with Telegram and Google Messages?
In related news, the Telegram messaging app for iOS and Android has picked up improved message reactions along with additional new features. For instance, you can now make video stickers right within Telegram. Other perks include interactive emoji, better navigation between chats and more. For the list of changes, new features and fixes, check out a post on the Telegram blog.
As iDB reported, Google’s been working to make the messaging experience between iPhone and Android better, especially when it comes to iMessage Tapback reactions.
Previously, those reactions translated on the Android side as textual SMS descriptions. But now, the latest beta version of the Google Messages app has begun displaying iMessage reactions on Android devices as emoji characters. Basically, Google is mapping iMessage reactions to its own ones.
Android users who are on the latest version of Google Messages can try this out right now by going to the app’s settings section, then choosing “Advanced” and sliding the switch labeled “Show iPhone reactions as emoji” to the ON position.