WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.36.6: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.36.6.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to react to status updates using a reaction sticker, and it's available to some beta testers!

WhatsApp launches new features to interact with status updates

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.30.2 update, we announced that a feature that lets users react to status updates using a reaction sticker was under development. This functionality will allow creators to place a customizable emoji sticker directly on their status before sharing it. It will also let viewers react instantly by tapping that sticker, sending a private response to the author. This feature is designed to offer a more visible and intuitive interaction point that encourages higher engagement with status updates.

It appears that WhatsApp is finally testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers reported that the option to react to a status update using a sticker is available. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.36.6 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to react to status updates using a reaction sticker!

WhatsApp introduces a new way to add reaction stickers to status updates

With the latest update, some beta testers can now add a reaction sticker to their status updates, giving them a more expressive and visually engaging tool that instantly captures attention. This feature closely mirrors Instagram Stories, where creators can position an emoji sticker directly on a photo or video so that viewers immediately understand how to interact with the content. By adapting this familiar mechanic, WhatsApp offers a smoother and more intuitive experience that eliminates any confusion about how reactions can be sent. The addition of this tool brings a familiar but enhanced experience to the platform, strengthening the connection between creators and viewers.

Advanced emoji customization for reaction stickers

Although the reaction sticker starts with the Smiling Face with Heart Eyes Emoji as the default option, users gain complete artistic freedom through a full emoji customization interface. Before posting a status update, creators can browse the complete emoji set and select the one that best reflects the mood, theme, or emotional intent of their photo or video. This carefully designed customization flow helps users establish a tone that viewers instantly pick up, creating a stronger link between the content and the reaction mechanism. By letting creators align the emoji with their personal style or the atmosphere of their media, WhatsApp transforms a simple sticker into a meaningful form of self expression.

How viewers experience status updates enhanced by reaction stickers

When viewers open a status update that includes a reaction sticker, the emoji appears directly on the shared image or video, making it impossible to miss and encouraging immediate interaction. The prominent placement helps viewers understand that a single tap is all it takes to communicate their reaction, which dramatically simplifies the engagement process. Once the viewer taps the sticker, WhatsApp instantly sends a reaction to the author, creating a smooth, immediate feedback loop that feels both natural and enjoyable. This quick interaction translates into a more lively experience, since users can express feelings without navigating hidden menus or extra steps.

Every reaction sent through the sticker remains fully private, which means that only the creator of the status can see the feedback. This privacy protection reassures viewers who want to respond sincerely without making their reactions visible to their entire contact list. By combining intuitive placement with confidential delivery, WhatsApp creates an atmosphere where participation feels effortless and emotionally safe. As a result, viewers are more inclined to interact frequently, turning each status update into a space that encourages genuine and spontaneous engagement.

How status creators receive and organize reactions sent through stickers

When someone reacts to a status by tapping the reaction sticker, the creator immediately receives a notification that identifies both the contact and the emoji selected. This detailed notification helps the creator interpret the context of the reaction quickly without needing to reopen the entire status. Inside the status activity sheet, the app places all sticker reactions in a dedicated area that remains separate from the standard view count, ensuring absolute clarity. This separation prevents confusion and gives creators a more organized understanding of who simply viewed the status and who actively engaged with it.

By presenting reactions in a structured layout, WhatsApp allows creators to review feedback in a clean and informative dashboard that feels easy to navigate. This uncluttered view is particularly valuable for users who regularly share multiple updates and need an efficient way to track engagement patterns. The dedicated reaction section also enables creators to analyze which content types attract more interaction, helping them refine future updates. As a result, the notification system and activity sheet organization work together to offer a controlled and insightful overview of audience behavior.

Reaction sticker can boost engagement more than standard emoji reactions

The reaction sticker has the potential to significantly increase engagement because it appears directly on the image or video, which makes it far more visible than the traditional reactions hidden behind the upward swipe gesture. When viewers encounter an emoji that has been intentionally chosen by the creator and strategically placed in the center of the visual scene, they feel a stronger invitation to tap it. The sticker is designed to become a prompt that adds emotion to the moment and makes the interaction faster.

Since the reaction appears as an interactive element inside the content rather than a secondary option, it creates a sense of immediacy that makes engagement feel more natural. This approach helps turn passive viewers into active participants, since tapping a sticker requires less effort and feels more rewarding than performing a swipe to reveal hidden emojis. Over time, this mechanic can reshape how users interact with status updates by creating more moments of spontaneous response. The feature elevates engagement by combining visibility, simplicity, and emotional clarity into a single accessible tool.

Reaction sticker feature is rolling out on Android beta

The feature that allows users to react to status updates using a reaction sticker is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. It's worth noting that some users on the stable channel have also reported receiving access, which indicates that the rollout may be expanding to gather broader feedback. Including stable users in the experiment allows the company to observe how the feature behaves across different device configurations and usage patterns. In the coming weeks, more Android users will gradually gain the ability to add a reaction sticker to their status updates, ensuring a steady expansion that helps WhatsApp monitor performance while delivering a smooth and carefully managed rollout to all eligible users.

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