Gmail has introduced a more interactive feature. Google is adding emoji reactions to its email service, enabling users to infuse their messages with a bit of personality.
These reactions encompass various emojis, including a thumbs-up, a sparkling heart, a celebratory party popper, a laughing face, praying hands, the classic smiley face, and more. This feature has started rolling out on Android devices and will be available on iOS devices and the web in the coming months.
Much like emojis in instant messaging, these new Gmail reactions provide a convenient alternative for emails that may not necessarily require a written response.
Every participant in the email conversation can see the emoji reaction you’ve chosen, some of which even include animated effects.
For example, selecting the party popper emoji will shower your screen with digital confetti. You can send up to 20 reactions in response to a single Gmail message.
However, there are certain limitations to keep in mind. For instance, if you’re using a work or school account, you won’t have the option to send emoji reactions, and each emoji will arrive as a separate email, as explained on Google’s dedicated support page.
The same applies if you’re using a third-party email client like Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, Gmail won’t allow you to send reactions if you’re in BCC, if the message is encrypted, or if the sender has a custom reply-to address.
Reports about the introduction of emoji reactions in Gmail were initially circulated on the industry insider blog AssembleDebug and were subsequently covered by TheSpAndroid and The Tape Drive with Steve Moser. AssembleDebug even provided a demonstration of this feature in a YouTube video.