WhatsApp's festive touch lands just in time for 2026

As we prepare to ring in 2026 a few hours from now, WhatsApp is bolstering its own resources too. The messaging giant says that New Year's is its biggest day, with each year breaking new records for how people text and call their friends and loved ones.

"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," says the messaging giant.

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To conclude 2025, WhatsApp is adding a few festive touches that are meant to make your midnight New Year wishes a tad more special. These include festive UI enhancements and effects like:

• An all-new 2026 sticker pack to show your excitement for the new year.
• New video call effects to "add fireworks, confetti, and star animations that light up the screen as you celebrate."
• Animated confetti reactions whenever you use the confetti emoji to react to messages, and
• Animated stickers for status updates. "Use a special 2026 layout with an animated sticker to help you ring in the New Year."

Elsewhere, the messaging giant also highlighted some tips to make the most of WhatsApp's group chats for your New Year's planning needs.

• Create an event, pin in 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.

Happy New Year!