After Instagram, WhatsApp to get emoji reactions in Status feature

WhatsApp is reported to be working on a new quick emoji reaction on Status bar similar to the one that Instagram stories have.

WhatsApp will soon get quick emoji reactions on Status. (Bloomberg)

Recently, the photo-sharing platform Instagram enabled a new feature for users to react to stories via quick emojis. And now, WhatsApp emoji reactions are on the way too! The latest report mentioned that WhatsApp is now working on the ability to send quick reactions on Status in a future update of the app.

WabetaInfo, the WhatsApp updates tracker mentioned in its blog post, "While WhatsApp is working on bringing a new version of message reactions by adding the ability to react to messages with any emoji, the company is now developing another new feature: quick reactions!” What will it do? It will simply allow you to quickly send an emoji when viewing a status update on WhatsApp. This is similar to the feature that we use on Instagram to reply to a particular Story via quick emoji reactions, such as Clapping Hands, Party Popper, Hundred Points, Open Mouth, Crying Face, and Fire.

WhatsApp emoji reactions for Status - on the way!

Till now, WhatsApp users could reply to updated Statuses by texting a message. But it seems like the experience is going to change soon! WabetaInfo report has shared a screenshot that gives a glimpse of the expected WhatsApp emoji reactions from Status in the future. It depicts a status update from WhatsApp Desktop, where it shows an option of 8 new emojis to use as reactions. These emojis include - Smiling Face with Heart-Eyes, Face with Tears of Joy, Face with Open Mouth, Crying Face, Folded Hands, Clapping Hands, Party Popper, and Hundred Points.

It further says, “Actually, after reacting to status updates, the reaction is sent in the chat as a simple emoji message, but maybe WhatsApp is planning to develop a proper user interface when receiving reactions to your status updates.” The report also mentions that the shared screenshot is for the WhatsApp desktop version, but the feature is expected to roll out on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS in the future.

However, users should know that WhatsApp quick emoji reaction feature is under development, and when it will hit your WhatsApp accounts is still unknown.