WhatsApp is rolling out new features and some design changes

WhatsApp rolls out updates aimed at improving how users interact on the platform with features like selfie stickers, quicker reactions, and camera effects.

In Short

• You can now create personalised selfie stickers directly in WhatsApp chats
• You can double-tap a text for quicker message reactions with your most used emojis
• There are now up to 30 new effects for photos and videos in chats

WhatsApp has introduced a series of updates aimed at improving how users interact on the platform. These changes include new features designed to make messaging more customisable and efficient, along with updates to its design.

One of the standout features is the addition of camera effects for photos and videos shared in chats. Users can now choose from 30 different filters, backgrounds, and visual effects to enhance their images before sending them. This expands on the tools WhatsApp rolled out for video calls last year, offering more creative options directly within messaging.

Another new feature that’s bound to get users talking is selfie stickers. As the name suggests, you can now turn your selfies into stickers to share in your chats. All you need to do is tap the create sticker icon > use the camera to snap a selfie, and you have a personalised sticker. Currently, this feature is available on Android, with iOS users expected to get it soon.

WhatsApp is also making it easier to share sticker packs. If you come across a sticker pack that you think a friend would enjoy, you can now share it directly in your chats. It’s a small but handy addition that will definitely appeal to sticker lovers who enjoy swapping and sharing their collections.

The update also brings a small but useful improvement to message reactions. Users can now double-tap on a message to react, a faster alternative to the previous method of holding down on the message to select a reaction. A scrolling pop-out menu featuring the user’s most-used emojis has also been introduced, allowing for quicker access to frequently used reactions. While the full emoji library is still accessible via the reaction bar’s “+” symbol, the new layout is aimed at streamlining the process. This feature is similar to what platforms like Discord offer, where frequently used reactions are easy to access.

It’s worth noting that while Meta’s Messenger app still offers a fixed set of emojis for reactions, this update on WhatsApp adds an extra layer of personalisation that many users will appreciate.

WhatsApp says these changes are just the start of what’s to come in 2025. The company remains focused on improving the messaging experience while continuing to prioritise privacy and security for its users worldwide.