• By Vikas Yadav
  • Sat, 17 Aug 2024 11:59 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

WhatsApp, a Meta-owned messaging application, tests new features at regular intervals. In the latest move, the company is now rolling out a 'like' reaction option for status updates with beta testers, according to WABetaInfo. The feature is undergoing testing in the Android beta '2.24.17.21' version. While reportedly rolling out to testers, the feature is expected to expand to more users in the upcoming weeks.

According to the report, the 'like' reaction feature for status was undergoing development in April and is now expanding to the testing group after being initially spotted in the works. This will allow users to express appreciation for a status quickly while keeping the chat screen less cluttered with status reactions.

Also Read: WhatsApp Status Feature: You May Soon Get Option To React To Status Of Contacts; How This Will Be Different From Messages?

Based on the image in the report, some testers may see a heart icon on the status screen while viewing the status of contacts. Once a viewer taps this icon, the uploader receives the notification that a viewer liked their status update. The shared reactions will be visible within the viewers sheet. This can ensure users remain aware of the contacts who liked their status.

The list will allow users to check both viewers who viewed and the ones who liked the status update in a single place. As per the report, users may get the option to disable the like notification from the notification settings. This would be helpful for people who may receive notifications in large numbers. However, they can still keep track of the likes from the viewers sheet.

Also Read: Meta AI on WhatsApp: You May Soon Get To Interact With 10 Different Voices Of AI Chat Assistant; Details Here

WABetaInfo noted these reactions will be private and remain end-to-end encrypted. Only the uploader of a status will be able to access these reactions. Meanwhile, the company is also working on chat themes to let users customise the chat bubble colour and wallpaper in chats on Android. WhatsApp may offer at least 10 options to choose from in future.