14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook is working on bringing a new feature to its Messenger app, one that would allow users to react to the messages they receive. Facebook has officially confirmed for TechCrunch that it’s testing reaction emojis for Messenger.
Facebook is testing a feature that allows users to tap on a little button next to the messages that they receive and pick one of seven possible reactions, including a thumb down, which could be interpreted as a dislike. This particular reaction isn’t available for posts in the News Feed, but it’s a feature that some users have requested in the past.
“We’re always testing ways to make Messenger more fun and engaging. This is a small test where we enable people to share an emoji that best represents their feelings on a message,” said a Facebook official.
The reaction emojis are quite similar to the ones for regular Facebook posts, with the exception that they will be available in the Messenger app. The emojis will appear next to the message, signaling the user’s reaction to a reply.
The feature will be made available to all users
Facebook is reportedly planning on making reaction emojis available to all Messenger users, which means that they could reach 1 billion people worldwide. Sadly, it’s unclear when they will arrive, as Facebook is currently in the testing phase and it’s difficult to say when the rollout will begin.
Facebook first introduced Reactions last year, expanding the functionality of the Like button and adding more options for users. The feature generated approximately 300 billion responses since it was launched, more than half of reactions accounted for the Love emoji. Users in Mexico, Chile and Suriname provide the most reactions on Facebook.
Facebook has recently said that it builds news feeds based on user reactions to certain posts. If users react with the Love or Sad emoji to a certain post, Facebook’s algorithm shows similar posts first.