WhatsApp working on its own version of emoji animation

WhatsApp, in tough competition with Telegram, is experimenting with its own version of emoji animation, replacing the ones from iOS and Android.

WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp Web already included different emoji animations that seemed similar to those in Telegram.

The emojis are larger in size in the chat and are sent automatically when the animated version of emojis is available, thus, granting the user the freedom to choose the regular emojis or the animated WhatsApp version.

The beta version of WhatsApp, unlike Telegram, lacks the option to disable the animated emoji versions which can be bothersome for some users. The feature is still under development and it isn't clear when it will be released for iOS and Android apps.

WhatsApp has also been working on short video messages, another feature inspired by Telegram, as well as a new Expiring Groups feature.