WhatsApp is not as popular in North America as it is in most parts of the world. However, it remains the top messaging app globally. Unsurprisingly, Meta-owned WhatsApp continues to add new features and develop others. In a recent app teardown, it seems the firm may be working on emoji reactions and a “raise hand” feature for video calls.
WhatsApp video calls may gain emoji reactions and a raise hand feature
According to AssembleDebug (via Android Authority), WhatsApp is working on new video call features, as spotted in beta v2.25.5.21 on Android. These features include support for emoji reactions and an option to “raise hand” in video calls. If you use multiple video calling apps, you might already be familiar with how these features work.
Essentially, as the name suggests, you can share your live reaction by tapping an emoji during a video call. Additionally, if you’re in a group video call on WhatsApp and want to be a bit more polite or look sophisticated, you can tap the “Raise hand” button instead of interrupting your friends.
These features could be arriving soon in WhatsApp’s stable version. For now, they appear to be available only in the latest beta build v2.25.5.21. Hopefully, it won’t take the company long to roll them out publicly. While not groundbreaking, they are certainly useful.
In the screenshots shared by the publication, we can see some emoji reactions, including common ones such as a thumbs-up, red heart, laughing face, surprised face, crying face, and folded hands. Currently, you can’t add additional emoji reactions beyond these six. However, WhatsApp may introduce more options or even allow users to create a custom set. We’ll likely find out in the coming weeks.
