Message Reactions - Me SDK Docs

Overview

Message reactions allow you to respond to any message with an emoji, providing a quick and expressive way to acknowledge, appreciate, or react to content without sending a full message. This feature enhances user engagement and reduces message clutter.

Key Features

Emoji Reactions: React with any emoji to any message
Predefined Constants: 14 commonly used emoji reactions
Convenience Methods: Dedicated methods for popular reactions
Remove Reactions: Ability to remove reactions from messages
Universal Support: React to any message type (text, media, interactive, etc.)

How Reactions Work

When you send a reaction, it appears as a small emoji overlay on the original message, similar to social media platforms. Users can see who reacted and with which emoji. Visual Example:

[Original Message]
📸 Here's the photo from our meeting

[With Reaction]
📸 Here's the photo from our meeting  👍  ❤️  🔥
    ↳ You reacted with 👍

Reaction Interface

export interface ReactionMessage extends BaseMessage {
  type: WhatsAppMessageType.REACTION;
  reaction: {
    message_id: string;  // ID of message to react to
    emoji: string;       // Emoji to use as reaction
  };
}

export interface ReactionResponse {
  success: boolean;
  messageId?: string;
  error?: string;
}

Available Emojis

Predefined Emoji Constants

export const REACTION_EMOJIS = {
  LIKE: '👍',
  LOVE: '❤️',
  LAUGH: '😂',
  WOW: '😮',
  SAD: '😢',
  ANGRY: '😠',
  THUMBS_UP: '👍',
  THUMBS_DOWN: '👎',
  HEART: '❤️',
  HEART_EYES: '😍',
  FIRE: '🔥',
  CLAP: '👏',
  CHECK: '✅',
  CROSS: '❌'
} as const;

export type ReactionEmoji = typeof REACTION_EMOJIS[keyof typeof REACTION_EMOJIS] | string;

Reaction Methods

Primary Reaction Method

// Send any emoji reaction
async sendReaction(to: string, messageId: string, emoji: ReactionEmoji): Promise<ReactionResponse>

// Remove a reaction
async removeReaction(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>

Convenience Methods

// Common reactions
async reactWithLike(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithLove(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithLaugh(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithWow(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithSad(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithAngry(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>

// Gesture reactions
async reactWithThumbsUp(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithThumbsDown(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithClap(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>

// Emotion reactions
async reactWithHeart(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithHeartEyes(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithFire(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>

// Status reactions
async reactWithCheck(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>
async reactWithCross(to: string, messageId: string): Promise<ReactionResponse>

Usage Examples

Basic Reactions

import { WhatsAppClient, REACTION_EMOJIS } from 'whatsapp-client-sdk';

const client = new WhatsAppClient(accessToken, phoneNumberId);

// React with a thumbs up
await client.reactWithLike('+1234567890', messageId);

// React with a custom emoji
await client.sendReaction('+1234567890', messageId, '🎉');

// React using predefined constants
await client.sendReaction('+1234567890', messageId, REACTION_EMOJIS.FIRE);

// Remove a reaction
await client.removeReaction('+1234567890', messageId);

Convenience Method Examples

// Positive reactions
await client.reactWithLike(userPhone, messageId);        // 👍
await client.reactWithLove(userPhone, messageId);        // ❤️
await client.reactWithFire(userPhone, messageId);        // 🔥
await client.reactWithClap(userPhone, messageId);        // 👏
await client.reactWithCheck(userPhone, messageId);       // ✅

// Emotional reactions
await client.reactWithLaugh(userPhone, messageId);       // 😂
await client.reactWithWow(userPhone, messageId);         // 😮
await client.reactWithHeartEyes(userPhone, messageId);   // 😍

// Negative reactions
await client.reactWithSad(userPhone, messageId);         // 😢
await client.reactWithAngry(userPhone, messageId);       // 😠
await client.reactWithThumbsDown(userPhone, messageId);  // 👎
await client.reactWithCross(userPhone, messageId);       // ❌

Webhook Integration

Automatic reactions based on message content:

const webhookProcessor = client.createWebhookProcessor({
  onTextMessage: async (message) => {
    const text = message.text.toLowerCase();

    // Auto-react to positive messages
    if (text.includes('awesome') || text.includes('amazing')) {
      await client.reactWithFire(message.from, message.id);
    }

    // React to gratitude
    else if (text.includes('thank') || text.includes('gracias')) {
      await client.reactWithHeart(message.from, message.id);
    }

    // React to questions
    else if (text.includes('?')) {
      await client.reactWithWow(message.from, message.id);
    }

    // Default positive reaction
    else {
      await client.reactWithLike(message.from, message.id);
    }
  },

  onImageMessage: async (message) => {
    // React to images with heart eyes
    await client.reactWithHeartEyes(message.from, message.id);
  },

  onVideoMessage: async (message) => {
    // React to videos with fire
    await client.reactWithFire(message.from, message.id);
  },

  onAudioMessage: async (message) => {
    // React to audio with thumbs up
    await client.reactWithThumbsUp(message.from, message.id);
  }
});

Advanced Use Cases

Smart Customer Service Reactions

class SmartReactionBot {
  async processCustomerMessage(message) {
    const content = message.text?.toLowerCase() || '';

    // Categorize and react accordingly
    if (this.isComplaint(content)) {
      await client.reactWithSad(message.from, message.id);
      await this.escalateToSupport(message);
    }

    else if (this.isCompliment(content)) {
      await client.reactWithHeartEyes(message.from, message.id);
      await this.thankCustomer(message);
    }

    else if (this.isUrgent(content)) {
      await client.reactWithWow(message.from, message.id);
      await this.prioritizeMessage(message);
    }

    else if (this.isOrder(content)) {
      await client.reactWithCheck(message.from, message.id);
      await this.processOrder(message);
    }
  }

  isComplaint(text) {
    return text.includes('problem') || text.includes('issue') || text.includes('wrong');
  }

  isCompliment(text) {
    return text.includes('great') || text.includes('excellent') || text.includes('perfect');
  }

  isUrgent(text) {
    return text.includes('urgent') || text.includes('asap') || text.includes('emergency');
  }

  isOrder(text) {
    return text.includes('order') || text.includes('buy') || text.includes('purchase');
  }
}

Reaction-Based Feedback System

class FeedbackCollector {
  async sendFeedbackRequest(userPhone) {
    const response = await client.sendText(
      userPhone,
      'How was your experience with our service today?'
    );

    // Store message ID for reaction tracking
    this.pendingFeedback.set(response.messages[0].id, {
      userPhone,
      timestamp: Date.now()
    });
  }

  async handleReactionWebhook(reactionData) {
    const { message_id, emoji, from } = reactionData;

    if (this.pendingFeedback.has(message_id)) {
      const feedback = this.analyzeFeedback(emoji);

      await this.storeFeedback(from, feedback);

      // Thank with appropriate reaction
      if (feedback.rating >= 4) {
        await client.reactWithLove(from, message_id);
      } else if (feedback.rating >= 3) {
        await client.reactWithThumbsUp(from, message_id);
      } else {
        await client.reactWithSad(from, message_id);
      }
    }
  }

  analyzeFeedback(emoji) {
    const feedbackMap = {
      '😍': { rating: 5, sentiment: 'excellent' },
      '❤️': { rating: 5, sentiment: 'love' },
      '🔥': { rating: 5, sentiment: 'amazing' },
      '👍': { rating: 4, sentiment: 'good' },
      '👏': { rating: 4, sentiment: 'satisfied' },
      '😊': { rating: 3, sentiment: 'okay' },
      '😐': { rating: 2, sentiment: 'neutral' },
      '👎': { rating: 1, sentiment: 'poor' },
      '😢': { rating: 1, sentiment: 'disappointed' },
      '😠': { rating: 1, sentiment: 'angry' }
    };

    return feedbackMap[emoji] || { rating: 3, sentiment: 'unknown' };
  }
}

Multi-Reaction Conversation Flow

async function handleOrderProcess(message) {
  const orderId = extractOrderId(message.text);

  if (orderId) {
    // Acknowledge order inquiry
    await client.reactWithCheck(message.from, message.id);

    // Send order status
    const orderStatus = await getOrderStatus(orderId);
    const statusMessage = await client.sendText(
      message.from,
      `Order #${orderId} status: ${orderStatus.status}`
    );

    // React based on status
    switch (orderStatus.status) {
      case 'delivered':
        await client.reactWithCheck(message.from, statusMessage.messages[0].id);
        break;
      case 'shipped':
        await client.reactWithFire(message.from, statusMessage.messages[0].id);
        break;
      case 'processing':
        await client.reactWithThumbsUp(message.from, statusMessage.messages[0].id);
        break;
      case 'cancelled':
        await client.reactWithSad(message.from, statusMessage.messages[0].id);
        break;
    }
  }
}

Custom Emoji Reactions

Beyond the predefined constants, you can use any emoji:

// Custom emojis
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🎉');  // Party
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🌟');  // Star
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '💯');  // 100
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🚀');  // Rocket
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '☕');  // Coffee
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🎵');  // Music
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '📝');  // Note
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '💡');  // Idea

// Seasonal reactions
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🎄');  // Christmas
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🎃');  // Halloween
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '💝');  // Gift
await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, '🌺');  // Flower

Message Structure

A reaction message has this structure:

{
  messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
  recipient_type: 'individual',
  to: '+1234567890',
  type: 'reaction',
  reaction: {
    message_id: 'wamid.HBgLMTY1MDM4Nzk0MzkVAgARGBJDQjZCMzlEQUE4OTJCMTE4RTUA',
    emoji: '👍'
  }
}

To remove a reaction:

{
  messaging_product: 'whatsapp',
  recipient_type: 'individual',
  to: '+1234567890',
  type: 'reaction',
  reaction: {
    message_id: 'wamid.HBgLMTY1MDM4Nzk0MzkVAgARGBJDQjZCMzlEQUE4OTJCMTE4RTUA',
    emoji: ''  // Empty string removes the reaction
  }
}

Best Practices

1. Appropriate Reaction Selection

// ✅ Good: Match reaction to content
await client.reactWithFire(userPhone, messageId);     // For exciting content
await client.reactWithHeart(userPhone, messageId);    // For appreciation
await client.reactWithCheck(userPhone, messageId);    // For confirmations
await client.reactWithThumbsUp(userPhone, messageId); // For approval

// ❌ Avoid: Inappropriate reactions
// Don't use sad face for positive content
// Don't overuse fire emoji for everything

2. Reaction Timing

// ✅ Good: React promptly to user messages
webhookProcessor.onTextMessage = async (message) => {
  // Quick acknowledgment reaction
  await client.reactWithLike(message.from, message.id);

  // Then process and respond
  const response = await processMessage(message);
  await client.sendText(message.from, response);
};

// ❌ Avoid: Delayed reactions without context
// Don't react to messages hours later without explanation

3. Reaction Combinations

// ✅ Good: Use reactions + messages for rich communication
async function acknowledgeOrder(message, orderDetails) {
  // React to acknowledge receipt
  await client.reactWithCheck(message.from, message.id);

  // Follow with detailed response
  await client.sendText(
    message.from,
    `Order confirmed! 🎉\n\nOrder #${orderDetails.id}\nTotal: $${orderDetails.total}\nETA: ${orderDetails.eta}`
  );
}

4. Error Handling

async function safeReaction(userPhone, messageId, emoji) {
  try {
    const response = await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, emoji);

    if (!response.success) {
      console.log('Reaction failed:', response.error);
      // Optionally try alternative reaction
      await client.reactWithThumbsUp(userPhone, messageId);
    }
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Reaction error:', error);
    // Don't let reaction failures break the flow
  }
}

Limitations

One Reaction per User: You can only have one active reaction per message
Message Age: Can only react to messages within the last 30 days
Emoji Support: Limited to standard Unicode emojis
Rate Limits: Reactions count toward your messaging rate limits
Remove Only Own: You can only remove your own reactions

Migration Guide

Adding Reactions to Existing Workflows

// Before: Simple acknowledgment
webhookProcessor.onTextMessage = async (message) => {
  await client.sendText(message.from, 'Message received');
};

// After: Reaction + response
webhookProcessor.onTextMessage = async (message) => {
  // Quick reaction for immediate feedback
  await client.reactWithThumbsUp(message.from, message.id);

  // Optional follow-up message if needed
  if (requiresResponse(message)) {
    await client.sendText(message.from, 'Thanks! I\'ll get back to you shortly.');
  }
};

Reaction Analytics

Track reaction patterns for insights:

class ReactionAnalytics {
  constructor() {
    this.reactionStats = new Map();
  }

  async trackReaction(userPhone, messageId, emoji) {
    await client.sendReaction(userPhone, messageId, emoji);

    // Track for analytics
    const key = `${userPhone}:${emoji}`;
    const count = this.reactionStats.get(key) || 0;
    this.reactionStats.set(key, count + 1);
  }

  getTopReactions() {
    return Array.from(this.reactionStats.entries())
      .sort(([,a], [,b]) => b - a)
      .slice(0, 10);
  }

  getUserPreferences(userPhone) {
    const userReactions = Array.from(this.reactionStats.entries())
      .filter(([key]) => key.startsWith(userPhone))
      .map(([key, count]) => [key.split(':')[1], count]);

    return userReactions.sort(([,a], [,b]) => b - a);
  }
}

Next Steps

Contextual Replies

Learn about replying to specific messages

Interactive Messages

Create engaging buttons and lists

Typing Indicators

Show when you’re typing or mark messages as read

Webhook System

Set up automated reaction responses

All Message Types

​Overview

​Key Features

​How Reactions Work

​Reaction Interface

​Available Emojis

​Predefined Emoji Constants

​Reaction Methods

​Primary Reaction Method

​Convenience Methods

​Usage Examples

​Basic Reactions

​Convenience Method Examples

​Webhook Integration

​Advanced Use Cases

​Smart Customer Service Reactions

​Reaction-Based Feedback System

​Multi-Reaction Conversation Flow

​Custom Emoji Reactions

​Message Structure

​Best Practices

​1. Appropriate Reaction Selection

​2. Reaction Timing

​3. Reaction Combinations

​4. Error Handling

​Limitations

​Migration Guide

​Adding Reactions to Existing Workflows

​Reaction Analytics

​Next Steps