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WhatsApp Adds Double-Tap Message Reactions and Creative Tools

Highlights

WhatsApp users can now double-tap to react to messages with a scrolling pop-out menu for most-used emojis.
The platform is also introducing filters and virtual backgrounds for photos and videos along with improved sticker functionality

WhatsApp introducing camera effects, selfie stickers and quicker reactions. (Image credit – WhatsApp Blog)

WhatsApp always rolls out exciting new features to make messaging faster and more fun. The latest feature with similar aim is changing the way users can react to messages on the platform. Here’s everything you need to know about the new features.

Double Tap To React To Messages on WhatsApp

WhatsApp users can now double-tap on a message to react instead of tapping and holding. The most-used emojis will now appear in a scrolling pop-out menu replacing the generic selection that was shown before.

This update works similarly to Discord’s reaction feature, where favourite emojis are easy to find saving the hassle of scrolling through hundreds of emojis. If you still want access to the full emoji library, just tap the plus icon on the reaction bar.

Meanwhile, Meta’s Messenger app still only offers the same five emoji reactions for each message. We think it would be great to see this WhatsApp feature carried over to Messenger in the future.

Creative Tools for Photos, Videos and Selfie Stickers

WhatsApp is also introducing filters and virtual backgrounds that debuted for video calls last year to photos and videos taken in chats. Users can choose from 30 different visual effects to edit their shots directly in the app.

Additionally, WhatsApp has improved sticker functionality including –

Sticker packs can now be shared directly in chats.
You can turn your selfies into custom stickers by tapping on the sticker icon in the chat.

Sharing details of the selfie sticker feature in its blog, WhatsApp revealed, “You can now turn your selfies into stickers. To get started, tap the create sticker icon and you’ll see the camera option to take a selfie and create your sticker.”

The selfie-to-sticker feature is currently available for Android with support for iOS expected to arrive “soon,” according to WhatsApp.

These updates are designed to make your WhatsApp experience more personalised and enjoyable.

FAQs

Q1. How can WhatsApp users react to messages now?

Answer. WhatsApp users can now double-tap on a message to react. The most-used emojis will appear in a scrolling pop-out menu and users can access the full emoji library by tapping the plus icon on the reaction bar.

Q2. What new creative tools are available for photos and videos on WhatsApp?

Answer. WhatsApp is introducing filters and virtual backgrounds for photos and videos along with 30 different visual effects to edit shots directly in the app.

Q3. How has WhatsApp improved sticker functionality?

Answer. Sticker packs can now be shared directly in chats, and users can turn their selfies into custom stickers by tapping on the sticker icon in the chat. The selfie-to-sticker feature is currently available for Android with iOS support expected soon.