WhatsApp Unveils Exciting Updates: Enhanced Stickers, Calls, Channels, Status, and More
WhatsApp recently announced a set of updates to make the app more fun and practical. You can now create animated stickers from videos or combine avatars with friends for custom stickers in chats. An “Add Yours” sticker for status lets friends join in on themed posts anonymously. Video calls are smoother with HD quality, zoom, and fun filters like virtual backgrounds.
Group chats show how many members are online without revealing names, and you can tweak notifications to focus on key messages. Event planning is now available in one-on-one chats, with options to RSVP or pin details. Channels get 60-second video updates, voice message transcripts, and QR codes for sharing.
Status updates can feature songs with cool layouts, plus photo collages and polls. iPhone users can scan documents in-app, and WhatsApp can be set as the default messaging app on iOS. Animated emojis and easier group creation round out the updates. These features, respecting privacy settings, are rolling out to Android and iOS users now.
Stickers
- Animated Stickers from Videos: Turn short video clips into stickers for chats.
- Social Avatar Stickers: Create shared stickers with a friend’s avatar for one-on-one chats.
- Add Yours Sticker: Add to status to invite friends to share themed photos/videos, keeping the poster anonymous.
Video Calls
- Improved Quality: Smoother calls with HD support and fewer drops.
- Zoom Feature: Zoom in during calls to see details.
- Fun Effects: Add filters or virtual backgrounds to calls.
Group Chats
- Online Counter: Shows how many members are active without revealing who.
- Custom Notifications: Choose alerts for mentions/replies or all messages.
- Quick Reactions: Tap a reaction to add the same one instantly.
Events
- One-on-One Events: Plan events in private chats with RSVP, plus-one, and pin options.
- Flexible Options: Set end times or pin events for easy access.
Channels
- Short Videos: Admins can share 60-second video updates.
- Voice Transcripts: Get written transcripts of voice messages.
- QR Codes: Share Channels via unique QR codes.
Status Updates
- Music Statuses: Share songs with cool layouts, no photo needed.
- Collages and Polls: Create photo collages or add polls to Channels.
Other Features
- Document Scanning: iPhone users can scan documents in-app.
- Default App: Set WhatsApp as the default messaging/calling app on iOS.
- Animated Emojis: Emojis like hearts now animate for extra flair.
- Group Creation: Start groups without adding members right away.
Privacy
- Online status respects privacy settings; “Add Yours” keeps posters anonymous.
Rollout
- Features are rolling out to Android and iOS, with some already available.
