WhatsApp gears up for New Year 2026 with new features for chats and calls

As it prepares for its most active day globally, WhatsApp has revealed a fresh set of New Year-focused features designed to enhance how users celebrate the arrival of 2026. The Meta-owned messaging platform says New Year’s Day consistently records its highest engagement, with message volumes surpassing its daily average of over 100 billion messages and close to two billion calls worldwide.

Activity typically rises across a full 24-hour period as people connect across countries and time zones, sharing greetings, hosting virtual celebrations, and checking in with friends and family as the new year begins.

Festive effects, stickers, and video call enhancements

To mark the occasion, WhatsApp has rolled out a selection of time-limited celebratory tools that will remain available till the holiday period. A new 2026-themed sticker pack has been introduced for both private and group conversations, offering users more ways to send New Year wishes.

Video calls are also getting a festive touch. Users can activate animated visual effects such as fireworks, confetti, and starbursts during calls, adding a party-like atmosphere to virtual gatherings.

The animated confetti reaction has also made a return. When users react to a message using the confetti emoji, an animation now plays directly within the chat. For the first time, WhatsApp has extended animated stickers to status updates as well. Users can create customised layouts featuring a 2026 banner and include animated GIFs of their choice.

Group chat tools to organise New Year plans

Beyond visual effects, WhatsApp is highlighting features aimed at helping users plan celebrations within group chats. The Events tool allows members to create and pin events, track responses, and post related updates in one place.

Polls can be used to decide plans such as food, drinks, destinations, or activities, while live location sharing helps ensure participants reach their destinations safely. WhatsApp also points to voice notes and video messages as simple ways to share moments in real time with those who cannot attend celebrations in person.