Kakao has launched a new reaction feature on KakaoTalk chat rooms that responds in real-time to emotional expressions such as congratulations and gratitude, as announced on May 6, 2025. This innovative addition aims to enhance user interactions by adding a visual flair to everyday conversations.
The reaction feature automatically recognizes specific keywords related to positive sentiments within user conversations. When a user types messages containing phrases like 'Happy Birthday' or 'Thank you, Mom and Dad,' the system identifies these keywords and triggers visual effects, such as fireworks or flower scattering, within the chat room. This not only enriches the conversation but also adds an element of fun and excitement.
In celebration of Parents' Day, which falls on May 8, 2025, the feature includes temporary visual effects for messages expressing gratitude towards parents. Users can expect to see these effects in action until the end of the day on May 8. Meanwhile, visual responses for birthday congratulations will be a permanent feature, allowing users to celebrate their friends' birthdays with engaging animations at any time.
When users send messages that include the aforementioned keywords, they will see banners in the chat room offering options like 'fireworks in the chat room' or 'flower scattering in the chat room.' By clicking these banners, all participants in the chat will experience the visual effects simultaneously, making the interaction more communal and lively.
Moreover, this new feature is seamlessly integrated with KakaoTalk's gift-giving service. Users can easily access this service directly from the chat room without needing to navigate away or interrupt their conversations. This is facilitated by a mini web view optimized for mobile environments, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.
The reaction feature is available across all types of chat rooms, including one-on-one chats, group chats, and team discussions, without requiring any additional settings or configurations. This accessibility is part of Kakao's broader strategy to foster richer and more engaging communication experiences among its users.
Kakao has a history of enhancing user interactions through seasonal events, where entering specific keywords during holidays would trigger visual effects in the chat window. This new reaction feature builds on that tradition, expanding the scope of keyword-based interactions to include everyday emotional expressions. The company aims to provide users with a more natural and special communication experience.
A representative from Kakao stated, “We will continue to connect various emotions and contexts expressed through messages to provide a warmer and more meaningful communication experience.” This commitment reflects the company's dedication to improving user engagement and satisfaction.
As digital communication becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life, features like Kakao's new reaction tool are likely to resonate with users who seek more interactive and visually engaging ways to express their feelings. Whether celebrating a birthday or simply expressing gratitude, this feature is designed to make those moments more memorable and enjoyable.
In summary, Kakao's introduction of the reaction feature on KakaoTalk marks an exciting development in enhancing digital communication. By recognizing keywords and providing real-time visual feedback, the company is setting a new standard for interactive messaging. As users embrace this new functionality, Kakao is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive landscape of messaging apps.
