WhatsApp users to get exciting new feature as updates are being rolled out
Many have been waiting for this for a long time
Anyone who is familiar with Facebook will know that back in 2016, reactions were added to its functionality, allowing people to really express how they felt reading a status, rather than just liking it.
Now, Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, has confirmed reactions will be coming to WhatsApp (also owned by Meta, Facebook's parent company). On 5th May he wrote on Facebook: 'Reactions on WhatsApp start rolling out today 👍❤️😂😮😢🙏', adding in a comment: 'We're including 🙏 to help spread thanks and appreciation. More expressions coming soon.'
In contrast to Facebook's seven reactions, WhatsApp will start with six, and as Mark has mentioned, it will have the praying hands emoji. Also included in the initial rollout is a thumbs up, heart, laughing crying face, shocked face and crying face. Although, both Facebook and WhatsApp now have similar reactions, it seems that WhatsApp users will not get an angry emoji just yet.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp previously shared a video about the new update, confirming although it would start with those reactions, all emojis and skin tones were 'to come'.
In the thread, tweeted on 14th April 2022, Will also revealed they have been working on their 'vision for Communities', allowing admins to 'organise groups under one umbrella, send announcements, and decide which groups can be part of their community to help make group conversations work for their organisation.'
Adding: 'We’ve built the ability for admins to delete messages sent from anyone in a group to address errant or problematic messages.'
However, although the reactions are now beginning to be rolled out, it looks like we will have to wait a little longer for the new community additions, with Will later tweeting: 'Communities will be coming to WhatsApp later this year as a new tab in your app.'
If you don't have the option to use reactions yet then try updating your app in a couple of days as it won't be available for all users straight away.
Now check out all of the emojis that mean something different:
1) Bowing Man 🙇
This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.
2) Sleepy Face 😪
Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.
3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈
While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.
4) Person Gesturing No 🙅
While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.
5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤
In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.
6) Tired Face 😫
This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.
7) Hushed Face 😯
Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.
8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥
Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.
9) Dash Symbol 💨
Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!
10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏
No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
11) Poop emoji
Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.
12) Dancing girls
These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.
13) Sassy Girl
There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.
14) Aubergine emoji
While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.
Now read:
Every WhatsApp user urged to immediately DELETE text