WhatsApp just added something very quirky, additionally giving users another way to respond to messages in their WhatsApp threads. WhatsApp officially announces the launch of Emoji reactions! That’s right, everyone’s beloved Emojis will now be available as WhatsApp message reactions, essentially bringing it closer to another one of its Meta siblings – Messenger.
Gonna Emote
Yes, you heard right, WhatsApp just expanded its reactions offering, with users now able to select any Emoji that they like as a reaction option within chat threads. The concept itself isn’t new at all, but the functionality is at least new on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp initially launched reactions within group chats back in May. It has gradually expanded access to the option ever since. While it may feel like a copy of other apps, reactions have become a habitual response for many, meaning that it would be in WhatsApp’s best interest to lean into such behavior within its engagement options.
The new process allows users to add extra reactions by tapping the ‘+’ button at the end of the reactions display. From there, you’ll be able to add any emoji that you wish as a response. Oh boy, the poop response during a group acknowledgment message from that admin you’re at odds with? Perfect!
Remember how LinkedIn’s ‘Funny’ react made headlines when they first announced it? It’s basically the same concept here, except that instead of a single reaction, you get access to hundreds of them, which can potentially open up all kinds of conversations. So, unorthodox, yes, but it also says something about perspectives, more specifically, how we can use elements that seemingly have only one function for various things.
The Wrap
It’s a relatively small update, but, as noted, with reactions becoming a more habitual and instinctive response option for many, this expanded capacity should help facilitate more engagement options within the app. It could also open up new considerations for brand interactions, helping to make them a little more interesting.
Likewise, you can also ask customers to respond to you with different types of Emojis within your outreach, prompting varied responses. You can also use Emojis creatively, although we leave that task to you.
The update is rolling out from today to all WhatsApp users.
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