WhatsApp has rolled out a series of festive updates to help users welcome the New Year in style. Known for breaking records in global messaging and call volumes on December 31, the Meta-owned platform aims to make New Year celebrations more interactive and memorable for its users.
According to WhatsApp, “On a regular day, we support over 100 billion messages and 2 billion calls – but the twenty-four hours when the world welcomes a New Year always tops our charts. Whether it’s a video call that unites families across continents, or a group chat that organizes a celebration, we’re proud to play a small role in making people’s wishes for next year special.”
To enhance the festive spirit, WhatsApp is introducing four innovative features designed to bring fun and creativity to New Year greetings.
New WhatsApp Features for New Year 2026
1. Exclusive 2026 Sticker Pack
WhatsApp is introducing a special “2026 sticker pack”, allowing users to share unique New Year greetings with friends and family. The sticker collection is designed to add a playful and colorful touch to messages.
2. Interactive Video Call Effects
For those celebrating virtually, WhatsApp has added animated video call effects. Users can tap the effects icon during a call to trigger fireworks, confetti, and star animations, making digital celebrations more immersive and lively.
3. Animated Confetti Reactions
The messaging app is reintroducing animated confetti reactions. Users can tap the confetti emoji while reacting to messages, creating a festive animation that enhances the excitement of holiday conversations.
4. Animated Status Updates
For the first time in WhatsApp’s history, users can now post animated stickers in their Status updates. A special “2026 layout” is available, combining animated stickers and creative visuals for New Year posts.
WhatsApp Tips for a Safe and Fun New Year Celebration
In addition to the new features, WhatsApp shared practical tips to make group celebrations smoother and safer:
- Events: Users can create and pin events in group chats to keep everyone informed, track RSVPs, and manage New Year plans efficiently.
- Polls: The Polls feature can help groups decide on food, drinks, and activities for parties.
- Live Location: Share your live location to ensure friends can easily find the venue or to let loved ones know you’ve reached home safely.
- Voice and Video Notes: For friends who cannot attend in person, sharing voice or video notes helps stay connected and join the celebration virtually.
With these updates, WhatsApp is making it easier than ever to connect, celebrate, and share festive moments with loved ones around the world.
Related posts:
About the Author
