WhatsApp test feature to use any emoji as a response

WhatsApp is testing a feature on Android and iOS to use each emoji in response to someone else’s message. Now in the stable version of the app it is only possible to choose from a limited number of emojis selected by WhatsApp.

Those pre-selected emojis will continue to exist, but a + sign will also be added to select your own emoji, says WABetaInfo† On Android, the + sign opens the keyboard, where users can select their own emoji. On iOS, an emoji window pops up with the ability to search for an emoji and choose from a more extensive list.

The feature is available to a limited number of testers with the beta app, the site says. More users will be added in the coming weeks. WhatsApp started testing the reaction emojis in the app in March and released it in its stable version in May. It is unknown if and when the ability to choose your own emojis as comments will come in the stable version of the chat app.

WhatsApp: custom reaction emojis. Source: WABetaInfo, June 2022