Or maybe because all reactions are disabled in the chat

The feature you are looking for, IMe have added it on their new update now you can do anything like promote, ban, check user messages etc…. Via Chat list

#new emoji status

#new Report Reaction

how was it before?

Just a small icon

#new animation

#new reaction settings for group

All reactions = custom reacts
Some = premium reactions

#new animation when opening a media in Telegram android

#new new t.me links (SpaceX.t.me) now open directly in Telegram instead of through a browser redirect

#new, theme icon, for Android 13 and above

Is this new?
The reaction that was reacted to the message is highlighted
#new

#new now reactions are looped

#new manage priorities in download manager

#new reaction on former slider order now is from most recent reactions used
Only if you choose from the full menu by swiping right or pressing the"v" button

#new you can use custom emojis without Premium on saved messages