How To Celebrate New Year 2026 On WhatsApp With Stickers, Effects And Status Updates

As the final days of the year tick away, WhatsApp is preparing for what it knows will be its most intense 24 hours. New Year’s Eve has a habit of rewriting the platform’s own records and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. From chaotic group chats making last-minute plans to video calls bridging continents and time zones, WhatsApp has quietly become the backdrop to how millions welcome a new year. To match that energy, the Meta-owned app has rolled out a handful of festive additions aimed at making conversations feel a little more alive during the holiday stretch.According to WhatsApp, on a normal day, WhatsApp already handles over 100 billion messages and roughly 2 billion calls. But when the calendar flips, usage spikes sharply. Families

scattered across cities and countries reconnect, friends coordinate meetups and phones light up as midnight sweeps across the globe. For a few hours, WhatsApp turns into a shared digital space where celebrations unfold in real time, one message or call at a time.To lean into the mood, WhatsApp has added a new sticker pack built around 2026, giving users a fresh way to share excitement without typing a word. Video calls are also getting a visual lift. With a tap, users can now add fireworks, confetti, or star effects, turning a simple call into something that actually feels like a celebration.ALSO READ: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Admits AI Agents Are Becoming A Serious RiskReactions are getting some love too. The confetti emoji brings back animated effects, splashing colour across chats when someone reacts to a message. Status updates may see the biggest change. For the first time, WhatsApp is allowing animated stickers in Status, including a special New Year layout designed specifically for ringing in 2026.For those playing host or trying to herd friends into one place, WhatsApp’s existing tools come in handy. Events created inside group chats help keep plans front and centre. Polls cut down endless back-and-forth over food or activities. Live location sharing helps people find the venue and offers peace of mind once everyone heads home. Voice notes and quick videos add a more personal layer, especially for friends who couldn’t make it this year but still want to feel included.