WhatsApp is testing custom emoji reactions on Android
WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users replace default emojis in the reaction tray. Instead of the six emoji that WhatsApp picks, users will be able to choose the ones that better fit how they communicate. WhatsApp plans to include it in the second set of features for WhatsApp Plus.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Feature: | Custom reaction emoji for WhatsApp Plus |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp officially announces usernames as a major update! |
How message reactions work on WhatsApp
Users can react to messages using emojis for a quick response without sending a full message. To react to a message, users can tap and hold it until the app shows the reaction tray. It displays 6 emojis by default, and users can tap one to send a reaction instantly. If none of the six fit the moment, users can tap the "+" button to open the full emoji keyboard and pick any emoji they want. The reaction shows up right below the message, and it is visible to everyone in the chat.
WhatsApp is planning to let users customize their reaction tray
The 6 emoji in the default tray are the same for everyone, and users have no way to change them. This means that users are forced to open the full emoji keyboard to find a different emoji. But now, WhatsApp is developing a feature that would let users replace those six with ones they prefer. We discovered the news with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.29.3 update, which is available on the Google Play Store. Specifically, WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to customize the emoji that appear in the reaction tray by default.
How users will be able to customize the reaction tray
WhatsApp is building a dedicated section where users will be able to manage the reaction tray. In this screen, users will be able to tap any of the six default emoji and replace it with one from the full emoji keyboard. Any slot in the tray can hold a different emoji, and users can change as many as they want. The reaction tray will then show whatever the user decided to put there. Users will be able to update the reaction tray at any time, making it easier to adjust it if they prefer a different emoji.
Why being able to change the reaction tray is useful
The 6 default emoji cover common reactions, but they do not fit every situation. Someone who uses WhatsApp primarily for work might prefer more neutral or professional emoji over the ones WhatsApp picked by default. Instead, someone who chats mostly with family might want emoji that better reflect their conversations. The current tray forces everyone into the same six choices, even though the full keyboard makes it clear that the choices go far beyond six. A customizable tray removes that limitation and lets users build a shortcut to the reactions they often send.
This feature is coming as part of WhatsApp Plus
At the moment, it seems that the ability to customize the reaction tray will not be available to all users. In particular, WhatsApp plans to include it as part of WhatsApp Plus, the optional subscription plan that already offers new features. In this case, it will be part of the second set of features that WhatsApp is working on for the plan. The first set introduced themes, custom icons, premium stickers, and pinning up to 20 chats. WhatsApp will add custom emoji reactions to the plan as one of the next features for subscribers. As a result, WhatsApp is making the premium plan more attractive for users who want to improve their personal experience.
Custom emoji reactions fit naturally into WhatsApp Plus
Personalization is already the core idea behind WhatsApp Plus. Subscribers can change the app's accent color, pick a custom app icon, and access exclusive sticker packs. Custom emoji reactions will follow the same logic. They give users more control over how the app fits their habits. With a customizable reaction tray, users will no longer have to open the full emoji keyboard just to find a different emoji. For users who react to messages multiple times, the reaction tray should reflect the emoji they use most.
WhatsApp is still developing this feature for Android
The feature that will allow users to customize the reaction tray is currently under development on Android. WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers yet. WhatsApp will release this feature to beta testers in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared an official timeline for its public release.
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