WhatsApp is rolling out a timely update ahead of New Year’s Eve, introducing a set of festive features designed to help users add a little more flair to their messages, calls, and celebrations.
In a recent blog post, WhatsApp announced a new 2026-themed sticker pack, alongside video call effects that let users overlay fireworks, confetti, and star animations during calls. The app is also bringing back special animated reactions.
The update extends to Status, where users can now share New Year’s greetings using animated stickers and a dedicated 2026 layout, a clear nudge toward more expressive, visual storytelling inside the app.
Beyond the cosmetic updates, WhatsApp is also leaning into its utility as a group-planning tool. The platform highlights features that can help users organize New Year’s get-togethers more smoothly, including:
- Creating and pinning events in group chats
- Collecting RSVPs and sharing updates
- Using polls to decide on food, drinks, or activities
- Sharing live location to help guests arrive safely
It’s a subtle reminder that WhatsApp wants to be more than just a messaging app, it wants to be the infrastructure behind real-world moments.
New Year’s Eve is traditionally WhatsApp’s busiest night of the year, with millions of users trying to connect simultaneously. In past years, that traffic surge has occasionally led to service disruptions right around midnight.
If that happens again, WhatsApp’s newer voicemail feature may offer a fallback. The tool allows users to leave voice or video messages after missed calls, ensuring New Year’s greetings can still get through, even if live calls don’t.
Owned by Meta, WhatsApp’s latest update blends festive expression with practical utility, reinforcing its role as both a social and logistical hub during one of the most connected moments of the year.
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