Helping billions ring in the New Year on WhatsApp

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. 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. Whether it's a video call that unites families across continents, or a group chat that organizes a celebration, we’re proud to play a small role in making people’s wishes for next year special.

This year, we've added a few festive touches, available now through the holiday, to help you share the moment with people who matter most:

• 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.

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:

• 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.

Whether you're texting and calling from New York or New Delhi, Buenos Aires or Jakarta, WhatsApp is where the world privately comes together. We're grateful to be part of how you connect with the people you love—privately, and securely.

From all of us at WhatsApp, Happy New Year