REQUIRES: PRO PLAN OR HIGHER • Last updated: Mar 12, 2026 • ~5 min read
The Reactions settings allow you to choose between a standard like button and expressive emotion-based reactions, customize the available emotions, and set the default reaction displayed to members. Up to six emotions can be configured. This manual walks you through each setting area.
Tutorial Video
Accessing Reactions Settings
To access these settings, navigate to your WordPress Dashboard, go to BuddyBoss > Settings > Likes and Reactions, then click Reactions from the left menu.
Reactions Mode
Under Reactions Mode, select how members interact with activity content:
- Likes: Displays a standard like button only.
- Emotions: Allows members to choose from multiple emotion-based reactions – up to six emotions can be configured.
When switching between modes, BuddyBoss provides a Migration Wizard to map existing reactions to the new configuration, preserving member reaction data across the change.
Managing Emotions
In Emotions mode, each emotion card has a three-dot menu for Edit and Delete actions. To add a new emotion, click the Plus (+) card. Both Edit and Add open the Emotion Editor, where the following options are available:
- Emoji Source Type: Choose the icon source – Emojis, Icons, or Custom.
- Category Filter: Filter icons by category (such as Activities, Smileys & Emotion, People & Body, and more) to locate the right icon quickly.
- Search Icons: Search for a specific icon or emoji by name.
- Label: Enter the display name for the reaction (e.g., Like, Love, Laugh, Helpful, Celebrate).
- Text Color: Set the display color for the reaction label.
Use the Preview panel to review how the reaction will appear before saving. Click Save Emotion to add or update the reaction.
Default Reactions Button
Under Reactions Button, select which emotion card appears as the primary reaction button before a member makes a selection. In Emotions mode, clicking the default button applies the first configured reaction from the list. Click
© 2026 BuddyBoss LLC. All Rights Reserved. | buddyboss.com