WhatsApp launched New Year 2026 features including a dedicated sticker pack, video call effects, and status tools as the platform prepares for its annual peak in messages and calls worldwide on December 31.
The Meta-owned instant messaging app records its highest volume of activity on New Year’s Day, exceeding the regular daily average of more than 100 billion messages and around 2 billion calls. This surge occurs during the 24-hour period when users exchange greetings with friends and family across different countries and time zones.
The New Year 2026 update introduces a dedicated sticker pack featuring 2026-themed designs for users to share New Year greetings in personal chats and group conversations. These stickers remain available throughout the holiday period to facilitate festive messaging.
Video calls now include new effects that users can activate during sessions. Options consist of fireworks displays, confetti bursts, and star animations appearing on screen to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of calls.
WhatsApp confirmed in a blog post the return of animated confetti reactions. Users tap the confetti emoji to react to a message, triggering a special animation that plays directly within the chat interface.
For the first time, animated stickers appear in Status updates. Users apply a special 2026-themed layout incorporating these animated stickers to share New Year wishes with their contacts. WhatsApp highlighted group chat tools for organizing New Year celebrations. Participants create events within chats and pin them for easy visibility. The system collects RSVPs from members and allows sharing of updates in a centralized location.
The existing Polls feature supports decision-making on specifics such as food selections, drink choices, or planned activities. Live location sharing assists group members in locating venues and confirming safe arrivals at gatherings.
Voice notes and video messages enable real-time sharing of celebration moments with contacts unable to attend events in person. These formats capture and transmit audio and visual updates instantly to remote participants.
Recent WhatsApp beta updates preview features slated for 2026 rollout. AI-powered Imagine tools integrate into Status updates, permitting users to edit photos, reimagine scenes, apply artistic styles, remove unwanted objects, and animate images using Meta AI directly in the app.
A username reservation system enters development, enabling users to claim unique usernames ahead of full launch. This mechanism reduces dependence on phone numbers for identification and aids in preventing impersonation attempts.
Practical upgrades include an advanced chat-clearing tool. It permits selective deletion of individual messages and associated media files, displaying the exact amount of storage space freed by each action. A strict account security mode consolidates essential privacy protections into one toggle. This setting activates multiple safeguards simultaneously to protect against spam messages and scam activities.
In group chats, a new @all mention feature notifies every participant at once. Built-in controls in larger groups restrict usage to avoid misuse and maintain orderly notifications.
