Google Meet Now Has Emoji Reacts

After announcing the update last year, Google is finally rolling out emoji reactions for its video communication service, Meet.  

This new creative feature allows users to react silently during video conferences. They can do this by clicking the smile icon, where they’ll find the emoji bar and choose their preferred reaction. Familiar emojis like the clapping hands, crying face, heart and thumbs up are just some of the many reactions to choose from. 

After clicking an emoji, it’ll pop up as a small icon in the top left corner of the sender’s video tile. Users can also choose an emoji skin color that they best identify with and it will automatically be saved to their profile. 

However, if users don’t want to see reactions in their video calls, meeting hosts can also opt to turn off the default feature by clicking "Host controls." On the corner under "Meeting moderation," turn on host management, where the switch to turn off "Send reaction" will be seen.  

Apart from the emoji update, Google is also upgrading its Workspace, where users can easily choose whether to start individual or group conversations. An upcoming Meet feature also allows users to choose from 360 backgrounds that tilt as they turn their camera.  

Emoji reacts are now available in Google Meet on Web, Meet Hardware Devices, iOS and soon on Android.