WHATSAPP looks set to borrow one of Facebook's best features.
The new trick would let you react to messages – rather than having to always reply.
Clues about the feature have been popping up in WhatsApp beta tests.
The WhatsApp beta is a trial version of the app that lets owner Meta (formerly Facebook) test new features.
WhatsApp super-sleuths at WABetaInfo regularly scour the beta to uncover changes – big or small.
And one key change is the addition of message reactions.
It's expected to work just like Facebook, letting you react to individual messages.
A previous tweet from WABetaInfo suggests the reactions include "thumbs up", "love heart", "crying with laughter", "shocked", "tearful" and "pray" or "high five".
The advantage is that you'll probably end up texting less.
Rather than having to type out a reply, you can simply react to something someone has said.
This might mean you get more response from die-hard anti-texters who often leave you on read.
A recent beta update suggested that you'll be able to tap on a message to see who has reacted – and with what emoji.
The bad news is that there's no word on when (or even if) WhatsApp will roll this out.
It could take months or even years before WhatsApp is happy with it.
And the feature could simply be scrapped before it ever sees the light of day.
Still, it seems likely.
Both Facebook and Instagram already have message reactions in some form.
So it makes sense that Meta would add them to WhatsApp eventually too.
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see "Become a Beta Tester".
Tap the "I'm In" button and then click "Join" to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…
In other news, Google Chrome users have been urged to delete their browser.
Facebook recently rebranded to Meta.
Check out the best iPhone 13 deals.
And take a look at your hidden Facebook rejection folder.
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