WhatsApp has released an update just in time for New Year’s Eve.
It’s New Year’s Eve, and that means millions of us are about to start sending endless messages to friends and family to wish them well in 2026. It’s always a busy night for chat platforms, with WhatsApp confirming that December 31 is always its most hectic evening of the year.
” New Year ’s is our biggest day at WhatsApp, with each year breaking new records for how people text and call their friends and loved ones,” WhatsApp said.
“On a regular day, we support over 100 billion messages and 2 billion calls – but the twenty four hours when the world welcomes a New Year always tops our charts.”
Now, in a bid to boost those messages, WhatsApp has added some new features just in time for the celebrations. The update comes with four things to try including bonus sticker packs, party effects and a new way to show off your status.
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Here is everything new from WhatsApp.
• 2026 sticker pack: share your joy for the coming new year with our latest 2026 sticker pack.
• Video call effects: tap the effects icon during a video call to add fireworks, confetti, and star animations that light up the screen as you celebrate.
• Animated confetti reactions: we’re bringing back special reactions when you use the confetti emoji to react to messages.
• Status updates: for the first time, we’re bringing animated stickers to Status! Use a special 2026 layout with an animated sticker to help you ring in the New Year.
Along with adding those those upgrades, the Meta-owned service is also offering some tips for those using its app tonight.
“If you’re the one planning New Year’s, we have a few tips for how to make the planning smooth in the group chat,” WhatsApp added.
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Top tips from WhatsApp
• Create an event, pin it to the chat to keep it top of mind, collect RSVPs, and keep everyone in the loop.
• Use polls to pick food, drinks, and activities.
• Share live location to help friends find their way to the party and to let you know they’ve gotten home safely.
• Send video and voice notes to capture and share authentic moments as they happen with friends who can’t attend so they’ll be sure to be there with you next year.
