Facebook has introduced several new ways users can quickly access emojis in Messenger chats plus a new background chat option to indicate upcoming sponsored background features.
New Emoji Features
This is Facebook’s main addition. It is a new emoji search bar at the top of the reaction picker panel that allows users to quickly find the emoji they want to add by entering a search term.
As you can see in the above image, when you type “Taco,” you get the Taco emoji. This can actually be a very useful update. Instead of scrolling through many tiny images on the screen trying to find the one that fits the right expression, you can now search for keywords and get what you want faster.
Recent reactions have also been added to the emoji reaction picker. This is where those emojis you use on a regular basis are stored for later use, however, are not on your list of top reactions.
Facebook added a customisable emoji quick response bar, highlighting the top five most popular emojis in its feed last September. The new list expands on other frequently used responses.
Finally, Facebook has also added a new ‘Space Jam’ themed background to complement the custom background set.
Facebook says whether you are an old school fan or a new member of Space Jam fans, you can try the new Space Jam chat theme now available on Messenger and Instagram DM. The social site adds, “Change up your chat experience, indulge in some nostalgia and ball out with the Bugs Bunny-inspired chat theme 🏀.”
Regardless, this new update to Messenger depends on the use. If no one is paying too much attention to customising their chat background, it won’t make much sense. It’s possible Facebook is using this customising feature as a kind of test to figure out what it can be used for in the future. Either way, this is another way to spice up chats on Messenger app, and the additional emoji option will save you time while adding visuals to your responses.
