Google Meet expands in-call emoji reactions to include almost as many as Gboard

Google Meet’s in-call emojis will no longer be limited to generic reactions as the service begins rolling out full library access to certain devices.

Early in January 2023, Google Meet launched emoji reactions, giving users the option to express themselves with a small set of responses, not unlike what other video conferencing programs offered. That library was constrained to just under 10 emoji reactions, ranging from basic thumbs-up/down icons to a heart and various facial expressions.

According to Google, Meet will begin rolling out an update that adds access to the full library of emojis. That library includes nearly 4,000 emojis – the same ones accessible on almost every Android device through Gboard or just about any other keyboard.

Google Meet’s familiar emoji reaction tab will be visible from the main gallery view, but a new “add” icon will be tagged on at the end. Hitting that will bring up the emoji library card, with recents and all categories included.

What this doesn’t include is Google’s Emoji Kitchen artwork, which is available solely through Gboard. It seems unlikely that it will ever be included, as it’s such a niche addition to Android and Gboard, though it would be lovely to see custom reactions like “disco octopus” gracing meeting rooms everywhere.

Google notes that Android and web users will have access, though it needs to be enabled by Google Workspace admins, if applicable. The feature will be on by default.

Users who use Meet Rooms hardware kits will not be eligible for the extended library for the time being. The hardware will still be able to display and receive emoji reactions from the full library, though the available reactions to use from those devices will be limited to the existing nine.

The Google Meet reaction library update will begin slowly rolling out on November 19.