Highlights

• WhatsApp is developing a feature allowing users to react to messages, media and documents using stickers instead of just emojis.
• Users will be able to pick stickers from the Sticker Store, third-party apps, and saved stickers including animated stickers.
• The feature is still in development with no confirmed release date yet.

Caption – (Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash)

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users react to messages, media files, and documents using stickers, offering more ways to express themselves beyond just emojis.

Currently, WhatsApp reactions are limited to a set of seven emojis including common ones like the heart, thumbs up, and folded hands, along with recently used emojis. But according to a new report by WABetaInfo, this is about to change.

Caption – WhatsApp users can soon react to messages with stickers. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)

A recent report by trusted WhatsApp Beta source WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow users to react with stickers, not just emojis. Once the feature rolls out, users will be able to pick stickers from the sticker keyboard including those downloaded from WhatsApp’s official Sticker Store.

WhatsApp news of the week: Android update to react to messages using stickers is under development!

This weekly summary can help you catch up on our 8 stories about WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, and Desktop!https://t.co/L82nyBdMdd pic.twitter.com/5PXmMl6AaW

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) April 26, 2025

The feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.23 update.

That’s not all, users will also be able to react using third-party stickers they’ve imported from other apps available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, as well as any saved stickers they already have in the app.

Animated stickers will be supported too, giving users more fun and personalised ways to respond in chats, whether it’s a message, photo, video, or document.

WABetaInfo writes, “users will be able to use third-party stickers imported via external apps, as well as stickers they have previously saved. It’s worth noting that animated stickers will also be supported as reactions. This includes stickers designed using the Lottie Framework, which enables smooth and lightweight animations while maintaining high visual quality and ensuring efficient performance across different devices.”

“The inclusion of animated stickers aims to make the reaction experience even more dynamic, as these visuals can convey emotions and reactions in a more expressive way than static emojis,” the report adds.

As for when it’ll launch, the report says the sticker reaction feature is still in development, and there’s no confirmed release date for users worldwide yet.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature is WhatsApp developing for message reactions?

Answer. WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to react to messages, media, and documents using stickers, expanding beyond the current emoji-only reactions.

Q2 Will WhatsApp users be able to use third-party stickers for reactions?

Answer. Yes, users can import stickers from third-party apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, as well as use animated stickers and saved stickers.

Q3. When will sticker reactions be available on WhatsApp?

Answer. The feature is still in development, and there is no confirmed release date for worldwide users yet, according to reports from WABetaInfo.

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