WhatsApp says it processes around 100 billion messages and 2 billion calls every single day.
The company notes that the 24-hour period leading up to New Year’s is consistently its busiest day of the entire year.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Festive New Year Features as Year-End Traffic Hits Its Annual Peak
Because of this surge in activity, WhatsApp announced on December 29 that it is rolling out special “festive touches” that will be available through the New Year holiday period.
These temporary additions are meant to make messages and calls feel more celebratory during the season.
The new features include video call effects, new message reactions, an updated sticker pack, and changes to status updates.
For the first time ever, WhatsApp is adding animated stickers to Status updates.
The company explained the feature by saying, “we’re bringing animated stickers to Status! Use a special 2026 layout with an animated sticker to help you ring in the New Year.”
This update signals a broader shift in how WhatsApp wants users to capture and share moments with others.
WhatsApp Introduces Video Call Effects with Confetti, Fireworks, and Star Animations
Another new feature allows users to add visual effects during video calls.
By tapping the effects icon during a video call, users can add animations like confetti, fireworks, and stars.
These effects are designed to make virtual New Year greetings more lively, especially for people calling loved ones abroad.
Confetti is not limited to video calls and can also be used in regular chats.
Users can react to messages with a confetti emoji and, as WhatsApp puts it, “watch the celebration come to life.”
The article suggests that while the feature is fun, it works best when used sparingly as a visual accent rather than overuse.
WhatsApp has also introduced a new sticker pack centered on welcoming the upcoming year 2026.
Beyond feature updates, WhatsApp shared tips to help users organize New Year’s celebrations more smoothly.
One suggestion is to create events within chats and collect RSVPs so everyone stays informed.
The company also recommends using polls ahead of time to coordinate plans such as activities, food, or drinks.
WhatsApp emphasized the importance of sharing live locations during celebrations to help ensure everyone gets home safely.
Overall, these new features highlight WhatsApp’s global reach and reinforce how important its international user base is during major holidays like New Year’s.
