WhatsApp to Introduce “Message Reaction Feature for Channels”

You might not have seen the WhatsApp Channels feature yet, but I want to give you a heads-up before Channels arrive on your app! The Meta-owned platform has plans to introduce the ability to react to messages within channels, similar to how you react to regular chat messages. This development comes as WABetaInfo recently spotted the feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.15.18 update from the Google Play Store.

The upcoming feature will introduce a new section called “Channel settings,” where channel administrators will have the ability to manage certain options for their channels. Among these options, WhatsApp plans to enable admins to control which reactions followers can send to the channel. This move aims to give administrators greater control over the interaction and dynamics within their channels.

Notably, this feature bears a resemblance to Telegram’s Channel feature, where users following specific channels can also react to messages. Although WhatsApp’s move may appear to be a minor update, it indicates the platform’s endeavor to keep up with competitors, especially in terms of channel functionalities.

According to WABetaInfo, this feature could prove useful in situations where a certain level of seriousness is necessary, as adding specific emojis to certain messages might potentially bother other channel followers. To address this concern, WhatsApp offers the “Default only” option, which disallows the use of any emoji for reactions. By doing so, WhatsApp aims to prevent misunderstandings and minimize potential annoyance. However, the platform acknowledges that this option might limit the variety of emojis available for use. As a result, channel admins will also have the flexibility to enable the “any emoji” option, offering more freedom in reactions.

Similar to Telegram’s Channel settings, WhatsApp will grant channel admins the ability to disable reactions for their channels if they wish to do so.

As of now, the message reaction feature is still under development for channels, and WhatsApp plans to release it in a future update of the app. Users can look forward to enhanced interaction and engagement within channels as this new functionality becomes available.

Yesterday, WhatsApp experienced a widespread outage for reasons that are still unknown. The outage caused disruptions in message delivery, prompting an official statement from WhatsApp on Twitter at 21:46 (WAT). Fortunately, the platform has resolved the issue, and normal functionality has been restored. Users may still experience minor delays in message delivery unrelated to their internet connection, but these issues are expected to be resolved soon.