Emoji reactions are fairly polarising, but that has not stopped the likes of Facebook and more recently YouTube from adding it to their platforms.

Now Google Docs has gotten in on the action, with emoji reactions being rolled out for those who would rather send an emoji when collaborating on Docs.

“Giving and receiving feedback is a key collaborative workflow in Google Docs. The new emoji reactions feature provides a less formal alternative to comments to express your opinions about document content,” explained a Google in a blog post summarising the finer elements of the announcement.

As far as the set of emoji is concerned, Google confirms that it will feature the 14.0 version as defined by Unicode.

Added to this is the fact that the new feature will be accessible by default in Google Docs, with the option appearing on the right hand side of documents akin to “Add Comment” and “Suggest Edits” currently, with an “Add reaction” option being added to the mix.

In terms of availability, emoji reactions will rollout gradually starting this week, but there are a few exceptions in terms of workplace environments.

To that end, Google says Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus will get access, while Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers will not.

While we doubt this feature will revolutionise the experience on Google Docs, it might offer some respite from long days spent staring at the screen and editing.

[Image – Photo by Domingo Alvarez E on Unsplash]