WhatsApp has launched New Year 2026 features ahead of its busiest day of the year. The Meta-owned messaging app reports that New Year’s Eve and Day see the highest volume of messages and calls worldwide, exceeding the daily average of more than 100 billion messages and around 2 billion calls. Activity peaks over 24 hours as users connect across countries and time zones.
The update includes a dedicated 2026 sticker pack for sharing greetings in personal and group chats. Video calls now feature on-screen animations such as fireworks, confetti, and stars. Users activate these effects during calls.
Animated confetti reactions have returned. Tapping the confetti emoji on a message triggers a special animation in the chat, as confirmed in WhatsApp’s blog post.
For the first time, animated stickers are available for Status updates. Users apply a 2026-themed layout with these stickers to share New Year wishes with contacts. These festive features remain available through the holiday period.
WhatsApp also promotes group chat tools for planning celebrations. Users create events and pin them for visibility. They collect RSVPs and share updates in one place. The Polls feature helps decide on food, drinks, or activities. Live location sharing assists participants in finding venues and confirming arrivals. Voice notes and video messages enable real-time sharing with contacts unable to attend in person.
Recent WhatsApp beta updates preview features expected in 2026. AI-powered Imagine tools will arrive for Status updates. Powered by Meta AI, these let users edit and reimagine photos, apply styles, remove objects, and animate images directly in the app.
A username reservation system is in development. It allows users to claim unique usernames ahead of the feature’s wide launch. This reduces reliance on phone numbers and helps prevent impersonation.
Practical and security upgrades are underway. An advanced chat-clearing tool enables selective deletion of messages and media. It displays the amount of storage freed. A strict account security mode bundles key privacy protections into one toggle to counter spam and scams.
In group chats, a new @all mention notifies everyone at once. Controls in larger groups prevent misuse.
These launches and previews come as WhatsApp prepares for peak usage. The platform updated these features on December 30, 2025.
Highlights from the announcement include video call support for fireworks, confetti, and star effects; the return of animated confetti emoji reactions; and group chat tools for organizing New Year events.
