Apple's Messages app has long allowed users to apply visual effects manually by long-pressing the send button, and there are even hidden keywords that can trigger full-screen effects automatically. Meanwhile, FaceTime offers full-screen effects that can be used during video calls, but these are activated through hand gestures rather than keywords.

There are eight reactions available for FaceTime video calls: hearts, thumbs up, thumbs down, balloons, rain, confetti, laser burst, and fireworks. These effects are also supported in FaceTime video messages, Group FaceTime video calls, and third-party video conferencing applications. They can be triggered either via on-screen buttons in FaceTime or through specific hand gestures in FaceTime and other apps.

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Compatibility

FaceTime Reactions can be sent from an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, provided the devices are running updated software and meet certain hardware requirements. If the recipient is using a device with older software, they will still be able to view the effects but won't be able to send any themselves.

• At least iOS 17 on an iPhone 12 or newer when using the front camera.
• At least iPadOS 17 on iPad Pro models 12.9 inches (5th generation and newer), 11 inches (3rd generation and newer), iPad (10th generation), iPad Air models (4th generation and newer), iPad mini (6th generation), and iPad mini (A17 Pro) when using the front camera.
• At least macOS Sonoma 14 on a Mac computer with Apple silicon using the built-in camera or on a Mac using a compatible iPhone or iPad as a Continuity Camera.
• At least tvOS 17 on an Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or newer) using an iPhone or iPad as a Continuity Camera.

Enable or Disable Hand Gestures

The reaction buttons in the FaceTime app are always available during video calls, but hand gestures can be toggled on or off for both FaceTime and third-party apps. On an iPhone or iPad, open Control Center, tap "Video Effects" (iOS 17) or "FaceTime Controls" (iOS 18), and select "Reactions" to enable or disable hand gestures.

On a Mac, click the FaceTime icon in the menu bar and select "Reactions" to toggle reactions on or off. Unlike on iPhone and iPad, reactions must be enabled on a Mac to use both hand gestures and the on-screen buttons.

Trigger Reactions Using Hand Gestures

With hand gestures enabled, you can incorporate screen effects directly into your video call by using specific gestures. To activate the effect in your feed, hold your hands away from your face and pause briefly. Here’s how each effect corresponds to a gesture:

• Hearts: Form a heart shape with both hands.
• Thumbs up: Make a fist and point your thumb upward.
• Thumbs down: Make a fist and point your thumb downward.

• Fireworks: Use the thumbs-up gesture with both hands.
• Rain: Use the thumbs-down gesture with both hands.
• Balloons: Make a fist, extend your index and middle fingers upward, and spread them apart to form a peace sign (or victory sign).

• Confetti: Use the peace sign gesture with both hands.
• Laser: Make a fist and point your index and little finger upward to form a sign of the horns.

Use the Reaction Buttons Instead

If you prefer not to use hand gestures during FaceTime or Group FaceTime video calls, you can opt for the on-screen reaction buttons. On an iPhone or iPad, long-press your minimized tile during the call, then tap the appropriate icon to apply the desired screen effect.

On a Mac, click the FaceTime icon in the menu bar, expand the reactions menu by selecting the chevron next to "Reactions," and choose the correct icon to apply the desired screen effect. As with the iPhone and iPad, reactions must be enabled on a Mac to access both hand gestures and the on-screen buttons.

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Cover photo and screenshots by Gadget Hacks

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