Now you can use any emoji as a reaction on WhatsApp, learn how

O WhatsApp is releasing a new update that will allow you to use any emoji as a reaction within the messenger. First announced in April, the feature initially allowed the use of just six emojis: thumbs up, heart, cry of joy, amazement, worried face and joined hands. The news was shared by the CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, this Monday morning (11).

Through its official page on Facebook, the executive says that “after some beta testing, today we are releasing the ability to use any emoji as a reaction to messages on WhatsApp”. The company also said that it is making the extended emoji reaction feature available to everyone starting today (both Android and iOS smartphones), but some users may still not be able to enjoy it right away, as it takes some time before the update arrives for everyone.

How to use any emoji as a reaction on WhatsApp

To use any emoji for reaction, just press and hold a message, tap the + button e choose an emoji from the full list. You will see the emoji you chose below the message. In addition to the huge variety of symbols, users will also be able to select different skin tones for emojis that represent people. In tests carried out by showmetech, reactions with any emoji are now available for mobile platforms, but not yet in the web version of WhatsApp.

With the novelty, the company tries to overcome the Telegram, a competitor that allows an infinitely greater range of reactions compared to what we had before in the WhatsApp. Recently, the blue messenger launched its premium subscription, which unlocks more reaction options for users

Tribute to emojis

The update is part of the celebrations of World Emoji Day, celebrated on the 17th of July. The idea is to encourage the use of lesser-known emojis in conversations, especially recent ones. In addition to releasing the new feature, the WhatsApp teamed up with the creators of World Emoji Day, Emojipedia, to explain some of the latest and most debated emojis you might see popping up in your conversations and keep you from getting lost on the subject.

• face melting (🫠): is a new and very popular emoji, which is often used with a touch of sarcasm. It can be used when you're melting in the summer heat (like the Hot Face) or when you show a sign of embarrassment, shame or even when you've made a faux pas - just like the Upside Down Face. Regardless of how you wear Face Melting, it's sure to be a popular reaction this summer.
• Blue cap/hat (🧢): In English, the expression 'cap' (cap) or 'capping' (wearing the cap), and the emoji in question, are often used when someone is lying or exaggerating a story. If someone reacts to a message with this emoji, it probably means they don't believe what is being described. In Portuguese, we can say that someone is 'giving a hat'.
• Skull (💀): usually expresses figurative death, but nowadays it is often used to react to a particularly funny message, i.e. “die of laughter”. While it may seem bleak at first, it is being used intentionally as an alternative to  Tears of joy e ROFL/ Rolling with laughter.
• Crying a lot (😭) and Throwing up (🤮) may seem negative at first, but these dramatic emojis can be used to express extreme positive reactions: Crying a lot of joy or of laughter, and Throwing up for being overly excited, shocked, or amazed.
• O pleading face (🥺) has several uses as this emoji can indicate “puppy” eyes, as if begging or pleading for something, but it can also represent adoration or a touching moment, either by a gesture or affectionate message. It can work as an expression of thanks.
• Eyes open (👀): This emoji is sometimes used to indicate some hidden meaning behind a message/content posted online; or 'agitated look' to convey suspicion or surprise.
• Sparkles (✨ ): While this emoji oozes positivity, and many use it to show support, love and happiness, it is also used to show sarcasm and irony or even when exaggerating a word, message or emotion.

It is worth remembering that the Reactions feature, like all interactions carried out via WhatsApp, also has end-to-end encryption. To see if the new feature is already available for you, go to your app store and make sure the app is updated to the latest version.

See also:

Accidentally deleted your WhatsApp chats on iPhone? Find out how to get them back in this cool post we prepared for you.

Sources: TechCrunch, Engadget.