WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform owned by Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, has introduced several quality-of-life improvements including double tap reactions, to make chatting faster and more convenient. The idea behind the new update(s), is to bring more creative ways to chat, WhatsApp said.
There are broadly four features to talk about. The ability to react to messages with just a double tap is perhaps the most sought-after, considering how it’s available across multiple chatting platforms including Apple’s iMessage. You can say that WhatsApp is a little late to the party even if it is seemingly kicking off the new year with a “variety of new features and design improvements.”
WhatsApp double tap reactions update
So, what is this new feature? To streamline message reactions, WhatsApp has added a double-tap functionality. You can now double tap a message to react with an emoji, and quickly scroll through your most frequently used reactions that pop up. An accompanying plus icon lets you expand these options in case, you want a different emoji. It’s a neat little trick that brings a world of convenience, for a more natural and faster interaction. Previously, you had to press and hold a chat to be able to do this.
Additionally, WhatsApp is expanding the scope and scale of video calling effects it brought last year, by brining those effects directly to general texts. The instant messaging platform is adding new camera effects, selfie stickers, and easy sticker pack sharing.
Here’s a quick rundown of these features for a quick read:
- WhatsApp now allows you to apply the same 30 backgrounds, filters, and effects from video calls to photos and videos shared in chats.
- For those who enjoy using custom stickers, WhatsApp now gives you the option to turn your selfies into stickers. This feature is currently available on Android devices, with an iOS release expected soon.
- Lastly, WhatsApp now allows you to share entire sticker packs directly within your chats.
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