TL;DR
WhatsApp is introducing seasonal UI touches and new multimedia effects for users marking the transition to 2026. The company highlighted that New Year's is its busiest day and detailed additions such as a 2026 sticker pack, animated confetti reactions, video call fireworks, and animated status stickers, along with group-chat planning tips.
What happened
As the calendar flips to 2026, WhatsApp has prepared a set of temporary festive features intended to enhance New Year celebrations on its platform. The company said New Year's Eve typically tops daily usage, and on an ordinary day it supports more than 100 billion messages and about 2 billion calls. To mark the occasion, WhatsApp is releasing a 2026-themed sticker pack, adding animated confetti reactions that trigger when users react with the confetti emoji, and rolling out new video-call effects that overlay fireworks, confetti, and star animations. It is also offering animated stickers for status updates with a special 2026 layout. Alongside these cosmetic and interaction updates, WhatsApp reiterated practical group-chat tools for event planning — creating and pinning events, collecting RSVPs, using polls, sharing live location, and sending video or voice notes to include people who can’t attend in real time.
Why it matters
- WhatsApp's seasonal UI changes cater to high-traffic moments when users exchange more messages and calls.
- Built-in celebratory effects give users expressive options for marking global events without third-party apps.
- Group-chat planning tips and event tools are positioned to streamline coordination among friends and family during busy holidays.
Key facts
- WhatsApp identifies New Year's as its single busiest day of the year.
- On a normal day the platform supports over 100 billion messages and about 2 billion calls.
- A dedicated 2026 sticker pack will be available to express New Year excitement.
- Video call effects will add animated fireworks, confetti, and star overlays during calls.
- Using the confetti emoji to react will trigger an animated confetti reaction.
- Animated stickers and a special 2026 status layout are being offered for status updates.
- WhatsApp highlighted practical group-chat features: create events, pin them, and collect RSVPs.
- Additional suggested group tools include polls for decisions, live location sharing, and sending video/voice notes.
What to watch next
- Whether these festive effects become a recurring feature for future holidays: not confirmed in the source
- Platform availability and exact rollout timing across iOS, Android and desktop apps: not confirmed in the source
- Any changes to data use or performance during peak New Year traffic: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Sticker pack: A curated set of image-based stickers users can send in chats to express emotions or themes.
- Animated sticker: A sticker that includes motion or simple animation, used to add liveliness to a message or status.
- Video call effect: A visual overlay or animation applied during a live video call to change the on-screen appearance.
- Live location: A temporary, real-time share of a user’s GPS location with selected chat participants.
- RSVP: A response to an event invitation indicating whether a person plans to attend.
Reader FAQ
Are the 2026 effects available now?
The story says WhatsApp is adding these festive touches to conclude 2025, but specific rollout timing or availability details are not confirmed in the source.
Will these features work across all WhatsApp platforms?
The source does not specify which platforms or app versions will receive the effects.
How can I use WhatsApp to plan a New Year event?
WhatsApp recommends creating an event, pinning it in the chat, collecting RSVPs, using polls to decide elements like food, sharing live location, and sending video or voice notes to include those who can’t attend.
Does WhatsApp see higher usage on New Year's?
Yes; WhatsApp says New Year's is its biggest day and notes each year it breaks records for how people text and call, while a regular day sees over 100 billion messages and about 2 billion calls.
WhatsApp's festive touch lands just in time for 2026 By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 13 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and Mass Media graduate who…
Sources
- WhatsApp's festive touch lands just in time for 2026
- Helping billions ring in the New Year on WhatsApp
- New Year 2026: WhatsApp adds stickers, video effects and …
- Your WhatsApp has just been treated to a free update for …
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