As New Year's Eve approaches, billions of people across India and the globe will connect with loved ones, and WhatsApp is set to play a central role in these digital celebrations. The Meta-owned platform has rolled out a suite of party-themed interactive features designed to make virtual gatherings more vibrant and memorable. From a special 2026 sticker package to animated confetti reactions, these tools aim to amplify the festive spirit for users sharing greetings with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Guide to WhatsApp's Festive Features
To help users navigate the new offerings, here is a detailed guide on how to access and use each feature to enhance your New Year's messages and calls.
Express with the Exclusive 2026 Sticker Pack
Stickers remain a popular way to convey emotions quickly. For the New Year, WhatsApp has introduced an exclusive 2026 sticker set filled with celebratory designs. To use it, open any individual or group chat and tap the emoji icon in the text field. Switch to the Sticker tab (identified by a square icon with a folded corner). Scroll down to locate the 2026 pack or tap the "+" icon to download it if needed. Selecting any sticker sends it instantly. Combining these stickers with personalised text can add a playful and festive layer to your greetings, especially when messaging multiple contacts.
Enliven Video Calls with Dynamic Effects
For those hosting virtual parties or connecting with distant relatives, video call effects can transform a simple call into a festive event. During a one-on-one or group video call, tap the "effects" icon (often a sparkle or magic wand) on your screen. You can then choose from various themes like fireworks, confetti, or stars. The intensity of these effects can usually be adjusted or toggled on and off. This feature injects energy and a celebratory visual element, making online gatherings feel more lively and engaging.
React with Animated Confetti
Moving beyond standard emoji reactions, WhatsApp now allows animated confetti reactions. This feature lets you visually celebrate a specific message within a chat. To use it, simply tap and hold the message you wish to respond to until the reaction menu appears. Upon selecting the confetti option, an animated burst will appear on the screen for all participants in the chat. It's a perfect, wordless way to highlight countdown messages, party invites, or any fun announcement that deserves a visual cheer.
Share Dynamic New Year Status Updates
Your WhatsApp Status can now be more dynamic with animated stickers. To create a festive status update, go to the "Status" tab and tap "My Status." Choose a photo or video as your background, then tap the sticker icon on the top menu bar. Select from the available animated stickers, including the new 2026 festive pack. You can resize and reposition the sticker by pinching and dragging. Posting this status allows you to broadcast your New Year wishes to all your contacts simultaneously, even those you aren't chatting with individually.
Pro Tips for a Smooth WhatsApp Celebration
To ensure your digital festivities go off without a hitch, consider these practical tips. Plan your group messages and calls in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. Be mindful of the number of participants in a video call, as too many can strain connection speeds. For maximum impact, combine multiple features—use stickers in chats, confetti reactions, and a festive status update together. Keep the personal touch alive by sending recorded voice messages or videos to close friends and family who cannot join virtually. Utilise the pin message function for critical updates like party timings or locations. Lastly, always prioritise safety; share your live location only with trusted contacts.
By leveraging these new features thoughtfully, users across India can create a more interactive, joyful, and connected New Year's celebration, bridging distances with digital cheer.
