Tech Desk 
Nov 24, 2024
In an effort to augment users' messaging experience, WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to quickly open the reaction tray through a double-tap gesture.
The feature was spotted in the Android beta 2.24.24.24 version. It is currently available to limited beta testers via the Google Play Store programme.
Earlier, users could only access the reaction tray by tapping and holding the message they wanted to react to.
Double-tap gesture in WhatsApp chats
The feature comes as an alternative way to open the reaction tray. Notably, this new feature hasn’t replaced the previous feature. With the availability of both features, WhatsApp aims to cater to different user preferences.
This new double-tap gesture will improve the speed of the reaction process, eliminating the need to tap and hold the message bubble.
Now, users can tap on a message twice to open the reaction tray and pick their preferred emoticon.
It can be useful in situations when users want to quickly send a reaction without interrupting the flow of their ongoing conversation.
Although it’s a minor change but can significantly enhance user convenience, specifically for those who frequently engage in chats and use message reactions.
WhatsApp will likely roll out the double-tap gesture feature to the public through a stable release over the coming days.
