WhatsApp testing new feature that makes it easy to react to images and videos

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users quickly reply and react to images and photos without having to long press on them. Here's how it works.

WhatsApp react bar | WhatsApp reply bar | WhatsApp

WhatsApp recently introduced the ability to pin up to 3 messages in a chat. (Express Photo)

WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform used by billions worldwide, is testing a new functionality that lets users quickly react to images and videos shared on the platform. Currently, the only way to react to an image or video is by long tapping on it and choosing your reaction from the bar that appears.

However, WhatsApp seems to be testing a new functionality that lets users quickly reply and react to media. In September last year, the developers introduced a new reply bar to the app’s media viewer, but the latest beta takes it a step further by adding a react bar to the

media viewer.

As you can see in the screenshot below, when viewing an image or watching a video in WhatsApp, users now have the option to reply to it directly. You can also press the emoji button on the right side of the bar to react to the media. In case your favourite reaction isnt visible, simply tap the ‘+’ button to choose the emoji of your choice.

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The new react and reply bar is highlighted in red. (Express Photo)

This is better than the current implementation where you need to either long press or swipe right to react or reply to any media. And while you can sideload the latest WhatsApp beta, WABetaInfo suggests that the functionality is currently available to a handful of users, meaning it might involve a server-side element.

In the last few weeks, WhatsApp developers added a bunch of new features to the app. This includes the ability to pin up to 3 messages per chat, passkey support for iPhones, and chat filters to find important messages to name a few.

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