WhatsApp personalizes emoji reactions and enhances channel features

Meta-owned WhatsApp, a key player in global messaging, continues expanding its feature set to offer a richer, more customized user experience. Since being acquired by Facebook just two years after Instagram, WhatsApp has added a range of communication tools, from Communities and group chats to Channels and end-to-end encryption. Now, WhatsApp is enhancing its emoji reaction functionality and introducing a smoother, more personalized experience.

Recently, a new feature was discovered in WhatsApp’s beta for Android version 2.24.22.16, available through the Google Play Beta Program, as spotted by WABetaInfo. This update lets users see their most frequently used emojis when reacting to messages, aligning WhatsApp’s reaction system more closely with platforms like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Slack, where recent or frequently used emojis are displayed first.

Earlier testing of this feature began in October with WhatsApp beta version 2.24.21.15, and it builds on WhatsApp’s original default emoji reactions, which include 👍, ❤️, 😂, 😮, 😢, and 🙏. This new update introduces a swipe function to expand emoji reactions, letting users swipe left to access more of their most-used emojis easily. A “+” button at the end allows users to browse the full emoji library, providing quicker access to frequently used reactions without scrolling through the entire list.

In addition to personalized reactions, WhatsApp’s latest beta includes a video autoplay feature for Channels, making it easier to keep up with new content without needing to tap each video manually. This addition, along with Status mentions, which began rolling out earlier this month, aims to streamline user interaction with WhatsApp Channels, improving accessibility and engagement.

These features are currently in the beta phase and will gradually be available to more beta users. While no exact date is set for their official release, WhatsApp’s enhancements signal its ongoing efforts to deliver a modern, customized messaging experience that keeps pace with other leading platforms.