WhatsApp is getting a new animated reaction just in time for the new year

WhatsApp has been known to add several new features throughout the year, and now it seems a small addition is coming to the instant communication app just ahead of the new year.

This time, the feature is animated message reactions for a new confetti emoji. Here’s everything you need to know, including when you will be able to use the new feature.

WhatsApp animated confetti reaction: What’s new?

As per a new report by WABetaInfo, the new animated reaction is a confetti emoji in the quick-react bar, which will allow you to react to any incoming messages and media in seconds. The feature also adds a new animation that will automatically trigger in the chat window of both parties when the reaction is used.

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The second feature, in particular, is a lot like the in-app animations on iMessage on iPhones and other Apple products that make otherwise mundane conversations a little more lively. Whether the animated reaction paves the way for more animations coming to WhatsApp chats in general, remains to be seen.

When will you get the new WhatsApp feature?

The new confetti react option, and animated reaction features are currently available only for those on the beta WhatsApp channel, which means stable channel users will still see the stock reaction options – thumbs up, heart, laugh, surprised, crying and praying hands.

However, as the report points out, the feature may be under testing right now, so it can go live before new year, which is when the confetti reaction would be most-used, we assume. So, if you’re waiting to use the new reaction, you may not have a long wait left ahead of you before the feature comes to all Android phones and iPhones.