Key Takeaways
- A typing indicator says a reply is being written; it sets the expectation that an answer is coming.
- Bots can send one on most platforms, but it expires on its own: about 5 seconds on Telegram, 10 on Discord, 20 on Messenger and up to 25 on WhatsApp.
- Show it the moment work starts and replace it with the reply; never fake a delay with it.
- For screen readers, pair the dots with a hidden 'is typing' status message.
What Is a Typing Indicator?
A typing indicator is the small signal in a chat - three animated dots, or text such as Ada is typing... - that shows the other side is writing a reply right now. It turns silence into a promise: your message landed and an answer is on its way, which stops people from repeating themselves or leaving.
In a chatbot it covers the second or two a model takes to answer; in live chat it shows that a person has picked the conversation up.
How Long a Typing Indicator Lasts on Each Platform
| Platform | How a bot shows it | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram | sendChatAction with action typing | About 5 seconds, or until the bot's next message |
| Discord | Trigger typing on the channel | About 10 seconds |
| Messenger | Sender action typing_on | About 20 seconds, or until typing_off or a message |
| WhatsApp Cloud API | Typing indicator sent with the read receipt | Up to 25 seconds, or until the business replies |
| Website chat | Your own widget code | As long as you show it |
Because they expire, a bot doing slow work (calling an AI model, an API) should re-send the indicator every few seconds until the reply is ready.
Best Practices
- Show it immediately when work starts, not after a delay.
- Replace it with the message in the same spot so nothing jumps.
- Never fake typing to look human - an instant answer is better than a pretend pause.
- Make it accessible: hide the dots from screen readers and announce a short status text instead.
- Respect reduced motion by freezing the animation for people who ask their device for less movement.
You can design one and copy the HTML, CSS or React code with the free typing indicator generator, and see it inside a full chat window with the chat widget designer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typing indicator mean?
How do I add a typing indicator to a Telegram bot?
Does WhatsApp show a typing indicator for business messages?
How do I make a typing indicator in CSS?
Should a chatbot fake typing to seem human?
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