WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.17.24: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.22.17.24.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to allow users to react to status updates using an emoji, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.16.10 update, we reported on a highly anticipated feature that has been under development for some time: status reactions. This functionality will introduce a new way for users to engage with each other's temporary updates on WhatsApp, making the platform feel more interactive and aligned with social media trends seen on apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. Until now, the only way to respond to someone's status was by sending a direct text message, which often felt like a heavier form of interaction for something that might otherwise deserve a simple, quick reaction. This is where the new status reactions feature comes into play. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.17.24 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to allow users to react to status updates using an emoji!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is giving users the ability to respond more casually, instantly, and expressively to status updates. Instead of typing out a reply, users can now send an emoji reaction directly to a status. The process is straightforward: when viewing a status update, simply swipe up on the screen, and you’ll be presented with a selection of emojis to choose from. The current set of available reaction emojis includes: 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.

These eight options are designed to cover a broad range of common emotional responses, from admiration and joy to surprise, sadness, gratitude, encouragement, celebration, and approval. When someone reacts to a status update, the emoji is not just displayed passively on the update itself. Instead, it is sent as a message in the chat with the person who posted the status. This ensures that the original poster always receives a notification about the reaction and can continue the conversation if they wish. This design choice makes the feature both expressive and interactive while staying consistent with WhatsApp's messaging-centered ecosystem.

It's worth noting that not all users will see this option immediately, as WhatsApp tends to roll out new features in phases. This staged release approach allows the company to test stability, monitor user feedback, and resolve any unexpected issues before expanding the rollout more widely. Over the coming weeks, more beta testers are expected to gain access, and if everything goes smoothly, the feature will eventually be released to all users on the stable version of the app.

In conclusion, the release of status reactions is a highly practical and user-friendly addition to WhatsApp, streamlining the way people interact with status updates while making the overall experience more fun and engaging. Although the feature is only available to select beta testers for now, its gradual rollout suggests that it will soon become a standard part of WhatsApp for everyone.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X where you can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

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