As part of the motion mirroring features promoted by Instagram, WhatsApp is set to introduce a new tap reaction feature
Currently in beta testing on Android devices, this enhancement is designed to streamline message interactions and offer users a more efficient way to express quick reactions.
The new feature, as reported by WABetainfo, allows users to reply to messages with a single heart emoji using a double-tap gesture. This development follows WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience by integrating features similar to those found on Instagram’s direct messaging platform.
Currently, the tap-to-reply tool is only available to WhatsApp beta participants for Android. Interested users can join this program through the WhatsApp page on the Google Play Store; however, due to the limited number of invitations, slots are expected to fill up quickly.
Adding double-tap reactions aims to speed up user interactions by allowing reactions to photos, videos and GIFs directly from the media browser screen. This feature is expected to save users valuable time by eliminating the need for a long press to access the reaction dish.
For those who prefer other emoticons, the option to long-press a message will remain available to choose from a wider range of reactions. However, users should note that there is no option to disable the double-tap feature, which could lead to unwanted responses to older messages while scrolling through the chat history.
Anticipated Release
As the feature is still in testing phase, it is expected to be widely available in the coming weeks or months. The introduction of this feature by WhatsApp underlines its commitment to improve user experience and interaction within its platform.
For further updates and detailed information about the rollout of the features, users are advised to follow the official WhatsApp channels and watch for announcements regarding the wider release of the feature.
