WhatsApp is set to roll out a new feature called “double-tap message reaction,” according to WABetainfo. This upcoming function, reminiscent of the reaction feature in Instagram DMs, will soon be integrated into WhatsApp, another platform under Meta’s umbrella.
At present, this feature is undergoing testing on Android devices with the latest beta version. To access it, users must be part of the WhatsApp Android beta program, which can be joined through the Play Store page—availability is limited and spaces tend to fill up quickly.
The double-tap reaction feature allows users to quickly reply to messages with a heart emoji by simply double-tapping. This functionality extends to photos, videos, and GIFs directly from the media viewer screen, providing a quicker response time compared to the traditional long press and emoji selection process.
While a double-tap will automatically use a heart emoji, users who prefer a different emoji will still need to long press on a message to open the reaction tray and choose their desired emoji. It’s important to note that there will be no option to disable this double-tap reaction feature, which might lead to accidental reactions on older messages when scrolling through chat histories.
As the feature is still in beta testing, it is anticipated to be available to all users in the coming weeks or months.
