Twitter has introduced a new reaction like emoji  in direct messages, giving users the ability to choose a single emoji response to any message within a thread. Twitter explained how the feature works: “To add a reaction, hover over the message and click the reaction button (heart and plus icon), or double-tap on the message and pick an emoji from the pop-up.” At any time, users can undo a reaction and it will be removed from the message for all participants. In a group conversation, users can view who reacted to the message by clicking or tapping on the reaction in the message thread. Any time a new reaction is added to a message, all conversation participants will receive a notification.

Twitter explained in a tweet saying "It’s quick and easy to add an emoji reaction to a Direct Message – both text and media attachments. To add a reaction, hover over the message and click the reaction button (heart and plus icon), or double tap on the message and pick an emoji

from the pop-up. You can undo a reaction at any time and it will be removed from the message for all participants. Click or tap on a reaction in a conversation to view who reacted to the message. Additionally, all conversation participants will receive a notification any time a new reaction is added to a message."

You can easily react to a DM by clicking or tapping on the heart-plus icon that appears right next to a message. Double-tapping messages brings up the emoji panel, as well. The recipient will get a notification if you react to their DM, and they'll get your reaction as a text reply if they're using an older version of the app that doesn't support the feature. Based on what we've seen, you can add a reaction even to years-old messages, though we'd advise against going that route to not-so-subtly remind your ex that you exist.

Given the availability of similar tools on other messaging platforms, it makes sense for Twitter to move in-step, tapping into habitual messaging behavior in order to facilitate more engagement. Twitter does also note that if people are using an older version of the app (iOS or Android) which doesn’t support message reactions, they'll see reactions displayed as text-based messages.

It could be another way to build connection through your messages, or simply to quickly signify that you've read a note.