WhatsApp to add double-tap reactions, like Instagram

WhatsApp is set to introduce a new feature called double-tap message reactions, similar to those on Instagram DMs, according to WABetainfo.

The feature is still in the testing phase with Android currently using the latest beta. To use it, you have to join the WhatsApp Android beta program, which you can do via the Whatsapp page on the Play Store, as invitations are limited and slots fill up quickly. 

The new feature is a basic tool that allows the recipient to reply to any message with an equally quick reply by doing a double tap on the screen. 

It willbe possible to reply to photos, videos, and GIFs right from the media viewer screen, thus gaining milliseconds with each action made. You can also use double tapping on the message to make a reaction as opposed to the time required to long press and then select the reaction.

A double tap will react with a heart emoji, just like on Instagram. If you want to use a different emoji, you'll still need to long press on the message to open the reaction tray and select your preferred emoji.

Notably, there will be no way to disable the double tap to react feature. This could be problematic for some users who might accidentally react to old messages while scrolling through their chat history.

Since it's currently in the beta phase, expect this feature to be available to all users in the coming weeks or months.