How to Use Animated Reactions in Zoom on Desktop and Mobile

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to send animated reactions (like hearts, thumbs up, and laughter) during Zoom meetings, both on the desktop app and the mobile app. You’ll learn the exact steps for each platform, plus how to customize reactions on desktop. No special setup is required—reactions are built into Zoom and work with the free tier.

What You’ll Need

A Zoom account (free or paid).
The Zoom desktop app (Windows or macOS) or the Zoom mobile app (iOS or Android).
An active or joined meeting.
On desktop, the meeting host must have reactions enabled (they are by default).

Step-by-Step

On Desktop (Windows and macOS)

Join or start a meeting using the Zoom desktop app.
Look for the toolbar at the bottom of the meeting window. If you don’t see it, move your mouse to the bottom edge of the screen to make it appear.
Click the “Reactions” button (it looks like a smiley face with a plus sign or a heart icon). This opens a small menu.
Choose a reaction from the quick list: Thumbs Up, Heart, Clap, Laugh, Celebrate, or Surprise. Clicking one sends it immediately—it appears as an animated overlay on your video tile and briefly on the screen for everyone.
To see more options, click the “+” icon in the Reactions menu. This opens a larger panel where you can pick from additional emoji reactions.
To customize your reactions (desktop only): In the Reactions panel, click “Customize” (or the gear icon). You can select up to 10 emoji that you want to appear in your quick list. Click “Save” when done.
To remove a reaction you’ve sent, hover over your video tile and click the “X” that appears on the reaction, or click the same reaction again in the toolbar.

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

Join or start a meeting using the Zoom mobile app.
Tap the screen to show the meeting controls at the bottom.
Tap the “More” (three dots) button in the bottom-right corner of the controls.
Tap “Reactions” from the menu that appears. You’ll see a grid of emoji reactions.
Tap the reaction you want (e.g., Heart, Thumbs Up, Clap, Laugh, Celebrate). It will instantly appear as an animation on your video tile and on the main screen.
To remove a reaction, tap the reaction icon again on your video tile, or tap the “X” next to it.

Common Mistakes

Not seeing the Reactions button: On desktop, the toolbar may be hidden if you’re in full-screen mode. Move your mouse to the bottom to reveal it. On mobile, you must tap the screen first to show controls.
Using the wrong button: The “Reactions” button is different from the “Emoji” button in chat. Reactions are for the main meeting area, not the chat pane.
Assuming all reactions are available: Some reactions (like Celebrate) may appear only after you scroll in the menu. The quick list shows only a few; use the “+” to see all.
Customizing on mobile: You cannot customize reactions on mobile—only on desktop. Don’t waste time looking for that option in the app.
Sending reactions when host has disabled them: If the host has turned off reactions, the button will be grayed out. You can’t force it.

Tips

Use reactions to avoid interrupting: A quick thumbs up or heart is less disruptive than unmuting to say “yes” or “agree.”
Customize for frequent use: On desktop, put your most-used reactions in the top row so you can click them faster.
Keyboard shortcuts (desktop only): Press Alt+R (Windows) or Option+R (Mac) to open the reactions menu quickly. Then use arrow keys and Enter to select.
Reactions are visible to everyone: Remember that all participants see your reaction, so use them appropriately in professional settings.
On mobile, reactions are one-tap: After tapping “More” and “Reactions,” the reaction sends immediately—no confirmation. Be careful not to tap the wrong one.

Troubleshooting

Reactions button is missing or grayed out: The host may have disabled reactions. Ask the host to enable them in the meeting settings (Security > Enable Reactions). If you’re the host, go to the Security icon in the toolbar and check “Enable Reactions.”
Reactions not appearing on screen: Make sure you’re not in “Hide Non-Video Participants” view. Switch to Gallery or Speaker view to see reactions. Also, check that your Zoom app is updated to the latest version.
Custom reactions not saving: On desktop, after selecting emojis, click “Save.” If it doesn’t stick, close the customization window and reopen it. If still not working, restart Zoom.
Mobile app doesn’t show “Reactions” in the More menu: Update the app to the latest version. If it’s still missing, the host may have disabled reactions.
Reaction animation is choppy: This is usually a network issue. Check your internet connection or switch to audio-only mode to reduce bandwidth usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use animated reactions in the Zoom web client?

No, the web client (browser) does not support animated reactions. You need the desktop or mobile app.

Are reactions visible to everyone in the meeting?

Yes, reactions appear on your video tile and also as an animation on the main screen for all participants to see.

Can I use reactions when I’m sharing my screen?

Yes, you can still send reactions while screen sharing. They will appear on your video tile (if visible) and on the shared screen temporarily.

How do I remove a reaction I accidentally sent?

On desktop, hover over your video tile and click the “X” on the reaction. On mobile, tap the reaction icon on your tile and then tap “Remove.”

Can I add custom emoji as reactions?

On desktop, you can choose from a set of built-in emoji (up to 10) but you cannot upload your own images. On mobile, you can only use the default set.

Do reactions work in breakout rooms?

Yes, reactions work in breakout rooms, but they are only visible within that room, not the main session.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.