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WhatsApp has introduced a range of New Year 2026 features designed to help users celebrate and stay connected. The Meta-owned messaging platform says New Year’s Day consistently records its highest levels of activity, with message and call volumes far exceeding its daily average of more than 100 billion messages and nearly 2 billion calls worldwide.
User activity typically peaks over a 24-hour window as people across different countries and time zones exchange greetings and make video and voice calls with friends and family.
Fireworks, Confetti and New Stickers for New Year Celebrations
To mark the arrival of 2026, WhatsApp has launched a dedicated New Year sticker pack that users can share in both personal and group chats. The company has also introduced new video call effects, allowing participants to add animated visuals such as fireworks, confetti, and star effects during calls.
In addition, WhatsApp has reintroduced animated confetti reactions. When users react to a message with the confetti emoji, a celebratory animation appears within the chat. The platform is also rolling out animated stickers for Status updates for the first time. Users can choose a 2026-themed layout and animated elements to share festive wishes with their contacts during the holiday period.
Tools to Plan and Share New Year Moments
Beyond visual effects, WhatsApp highlighted several features aimed at helping users organize New Year gatherings. Group chats now allow users to create and pin events, collect RSVPs, and post updates in a single thread. Polls can be used to decide menus, activities, or locations, while live location sharing helps attendees coordinate arrivals and confirm safety.
The company also noted that voice notes and short video messages make it easier for users to share real-time moments with friends or family who may not be able to attend celebrations in person.
Looking ahead to 2026, WhatsApp has outlined several upcoming features currently seen in beta versions. These include AI-powered editing tools for Status updates, enabling users to reimagine photos, remove objects, apply styles, and animate images using Meta AI. The platform is also working on a username reservation system that would reduce dependence on phone numbers and help prevent impersonation.
On the security front, WhatsApp is developing advanced chat-clearing options to better manage storage, along with a stricter account protection mode that bundles multiple privacy safeguards into a single setting. Group chats are also set to gain a new @all mention feature, with controls to limit misuse in larger groups.
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