WhatsApp launches a new feature that forever changes how you react to messages

In its latest push to enhance the user experience, WhatsApp has unveiled a new way to react to messages that could redefine how we communicate in chats. The messaging giant, with over two billion active users worldwide, is rolling out a feature that allows reactions not only with emojis but also with any sticker available in your collection. This shift marks a significant evolution in how emotions and responses are visually expressed within the app.

Reactions with stickers bring chats to life

With this new update, users can now react to messages using animated stickers, offering a richer and more personalized way to engage. Unlike emoji reactions, which require a long press or double tap, the new sticker reaction feature can be activated with just a single tap, making the process more seamless and intuitive.

The sticker panel appears in a small pop-up, letting users pick from all their stored stickers without restriction. This includes those downloaded from third-party sources or generated through AI. The feature is currently being tested in the beta version 25.16.10.72 for iOS via TestFlight, with no confirmed release date yet for Android or the general public.

A step towards more expressive and efficient messaging

This innovation reflects WhatsApp’s goal to make messaging more expressive, dynamic, and time-efficient. By removing the need to type or swipe for every reply, reactions with stickers allow users to convey complex emotions quickly and visually. It’s a shift that brings the app closer to the interactivity of platforms like Instagram and Facebook, its Meta-owned siblings.

While availability remains limited for now, the new sticker reaction feature is poised to become a favorite among users who value expressive and animated communication in their digital conversations.