WhatsApp is reportedly experimenting with a new confetti animation feature designed to enhance celebration emojis inside chats. According to insider details shared by WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned messaging platform is preparing visually expressive animations for emoji reactions in Chats, Channels, and Status updates.
The feature appears to be under development in WhatsApp Beta for Android (v2.25.35.11) and is expected to align with the massive use of celebration emojis during the upcoming New Year festive season.
What Is the New Confetti Animation Feature?
Beta testers have spotted a festive confetti burst animation that displays on the screen whenever users react with specific celebration emojis.
Key Highlights
- The Party Popper emoji has been added to WhatsApp’s default reaction tray.
- Reacting with the Party Popper emoji triggers a full-screen confetti animation.
- Multiple celebration emojis—such as:
- Partying Face
- Confetti Ball
- Clinking Glasses
- Bottle with Popping Cork —will also trigger the same animation.
- Works across Chats, Channels, and Status replies.
- Built using the Lottie animation framework for smooth, scalable animations on all screen sizes.
- Purely decorative—no extra functionality added.
WhatsApp is positioning this feature as a playful addition to enhance interactions during celebrations and festive events.
Availability
- Currently available only to select beta testers enrolled via the Google Play Beta Programme.
- Since WhatsApp rolls out features in phases, not all testers may see it immediately.
- A stable rollout is expected in a future update, potentially before the New Year 2026 period.
Technical Details (For Developers & Enthusiasts)
- Animation powered by Lottie, enabling high-quality vector animations without performance overhead.
- Confetti burst covers the screen briefly, similar to visual effects seen in messaging apps like iMessage during celebrations.
How Does It Work?
- Open any chat or channel.
- Long-press a message to open the reactions tray.
- Choose the Party Popper or other celebration emoji.
- A vibrant confetti animation will appear across the screen.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing This
- To make emoji reactions more expressive.
- To create a festive experience during global celebrations.
- To keep up with animation-rich competitors like Telegram and iMessage.
- To increase user engagement with reactions.
FAQs
| Is the confetti animation feature available to all WhatsApp users? |
| No, currently it is available only to select beta testers on Android. |
| Which app version includes the feature? |
| WhatsApp Beta for Android v2.25.35.11. |
| Which emojis trigger the animation? |
| Party Popper, Confetti Ball, Partying Face, Clinking Glasses, and Bottle with Popping Cork. |
| Does this change functionality of WhatsApp? |
| No, it is purely cosmetic. |
| Will it work in Channels and Status reactions? |
| Yes, animation appears in Chats, Channels, and Status replies. |
| What framework powers the animation? |
| Lottie framework. |
| When will all users get this feature? |
| WhatsApp has not given a date, but a rollout is expected before early 2026. |
