WhatsApp is in the process of developing a feature that will enable users to respond to messages and media with stickers. Currently, the platform allows emoji reactions, letting users show their feelings by choosing from a variety of supported emojis. The expected addition of “sticker reactions” is notable, particularly for the Android version of the app. This feature has been discovered in the most recent beta update, version 2.25.13.23, available through the Google Play Beta program; however, it remains in development, and testers do not yet have access to it.
WhatsApp Expands Options for Message Reactions
As reported by WABetaInfo, a site dedicated to tracking new features, WhatsApp is planning to introduce a sticker reaction option for messages and media. This functionality aims to allow users to convey responses quickly without the need for typing. It is anticipated that the feature will include the full array of stickers found in the sticker keyboard, encompassing those retrieved from WhatsApp’s official Sticker Store.
Additionally, users will be able to utilize third-party stickers imported from external applications, as well as stickers saved previously. Animated stickers will also be included, particularly those created with the Lottie Framework. This incorporation aims to provide more engaging and lively reactions than the static emojis currently available.
The development of sticker reactions was noted in the Android beta version 2.25.13.23; however, the feature is not available for testing at this stage. Similar functionality is already offered by competing messaging platform iMessage.
The report also features a screenshot that reveals what the sticker reaction interface may look like upon its eventual launch. According to the image, pressing and holding a message will prompt a pop-up menu displaying six emojis alongside the sticker option. At present, users can only react with the range of emojis available on their smartphones.
The sticker reactions feature is not yet accessible to beta testers and is subject to change prior to its official rollout. It is likely to be first introduced to beta users before eventually being made widely available to all users on the main app.
