Microsoft 365 Message Center Archive

MC1133511 - Emoji Reactions Workflows in Microsoft Teams

Message ID

MC1133511

View in Message Center

Service

Microsoft Teams

Published

Aug 11, 2025

Tag

New feature
User impact

Roadmap ID

498578

View in M365 Roadmap

Summary

Microsoft Teams will enable triggering workflows via emoji reactions using the Workflows app, streamlining task automation. Available from late July 2025, this feature requires the Workflows app enabled and not blocked by DLP policies. Admins should review settings and raise user awareness to prepare.

More information

We’re introducing a new way to automate tasks in Microsoft Teams using emoji reactions. With the Workflows app, users can now trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis in chats or channels. This feature helps streamline collaboration, reduce manual follow-ups, and accelerate response times. For example, reacting with ❗️can escalate a support issue, while 👀 can route a message to the appropriate team.

This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 498578

When this will happen

  • Public Preview (Worldwide): Late July 2025 – Early August 2025
  • General Availability (Worldwide): Early August 2025 – Mid August 2025
  • General Availability (GCC): Late October 2025 – Mid November 2025

How this affects your organization

This update enables users to:

  • Trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis.
  • Use prebuilt templates or create custom workflows using the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger.

This feature is on by default for tenants where the Workflows app is enabled. If the Workflows app or the emoji reaction trigger is disabled via Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, users will not be able to use this functionality.

What you can do to prepare

  • Raise awareness among users who may benefit from automating tasks using emoji reactions.
  • Ensure the Workflows app is enabled in Teams.
  • Review DLP policies to confirm that the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger is not blocked.
  • Users can access this feature by:
    • Opening the Workflows app in Teams.
    • Searching for “emoji” in the “Create” tab to use templates.
    • Or selecting “Create from blank” and choosing the emoji reaction trigger for custom workflows.

Compliance considerations

Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable any of the following capabilities (Purview): - Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies or enforcement - Information Protection labels or sensitive information types - Conditional Access policies - Audit logging capabilities - eDiscovery or Content Search - Encryption methods or key management - Retention policies, holds, or deletion workflowsIf the Workflows app or the “When someone reacted to a message in chat” trigger is disabled via DLP policies, users will not be able to use this feature. Admins should review DLP settings to ensure compatibility.
Does the change include an admin control and, can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?Admins can control access to the Workflows app and its triggers through Teams app permission policies and DLP settings.
Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Users can create and manage their own workflows if the app and trigger are not restricted by admin policy.