WhatsApp has released a set of New Year-themed features for 2026 as the platform prepares for its highest-usage day of the year. The New Year period consistently records the largest volume of messaging and calling activity on the service as users connect with friends and family across regions and time zones.
WhatsApp says that on an average day, the platform handles more than 100 billion messages and around 2 billion calls worldwide. Activity during the 24-hour New Year period regularly exceeds these levels, driven by personal messages, group chats, voice calls, and video calls used to share greetings and organise celebrations.
New Year 2026 features on WhatsApp
To mark the New Year, WhatsApp has introduced several temporary features available during the holiday period:
- 2026 sticker pack: A new sticker pack themed around the upcoming year is available for sharing New Year greetings in chats.
- Video call effects: Users can apply visual effects such as fireworks, confetti, and star animations during video calls by tapping the effects icon.
- Animated confetti reactions: Special animated reactions appear when users react to messages using the confetti emoji.
- Animated stickers in Status: For the first time, WhatsApp is introducing animated stickers in Status updates, including a dedicated 2026 layout with an animated sticker.
Group chat tools for New Year planning
WhatsApp has also highlighted existing tools that can be used to organise New Year’s plans within group chats:
- Event creation and pinning: Users can create an event, pin it in the chat, collect RSVPs, and share updates.
- Polls: Polls can be used to decide on food, drinks, and activities.
- Live location sharing: Live location allows participants to find the venue and confirm safe arrivals and returns.
- Voice and video notes: Voice messages and video notes can be used to capture moments and share them with contacts who cannot attend in person.
Availability
The New Year 2026 sticker pack, video call effects, animated reactions, and animated Status stickers are available now and will remain accessible through the holiday period.