If you’re reading this and you live in the UK there;s a very high chance you use WhatsApp. Not only that, it’s likely one of your most used daily apps, and could well have full replaced your iPhone or Android phone’s default text messaging app.
Such is the popularity of WhatsApp today. The Meta-owned firm has been on a drive recently to add scores of new features to its app after several years where it didn’t seem like much had changed.
WhatsApp is still instantly recognisable thanks to its consistent branding,, and the best thing about the new features is they don’t really get in your way (except for Meta AI, which I believe should be entirely optional and not shoved in your face). But as many of the other new tools are hiding, WhatsApp has put out a blog post to alert UK users of its app to nine new things they might have missed and what they do.
“It’s been a busy few months bringing new features and updates to WhatsApp,” the firm said. Here’s the latest roundup of some of the new tools, settings, and features you may have missed across the Chats, Calls, and Updates tabs.”
Here are all the new features in WhatsApp, in the company’s words:
Chats
Animated emojis: We’ve made emojis even more fun. Now when you share one of INSERT in chat, they’ll move.
Animated sticker maker: Take your stickers to the next level by turning your favourite videos into moving stickers.
Avatar social stickers: Available in one to one chats, social stickers are only shareable with those who have an avatar, and with those you have saved as a contact by default.
Easier group creation: Start a new group without needing to add anyone right away. Kick it off with just the group name and add others directly or invite them with a link.
Caption, react and reply to multiple media: Now when you send multiple photos and videos all at once, you can add a shared caption for them all, and recipients can react or reply to the entire collection as well as individual items.
Calls
New filters and effects: We’ve added 6 new filters and 6 fun effects for you to use on video calls or when taking a photo.
Updates
Photo polls on Channels: Polls on Channels just got even more interactive and fun. Now channel admins can add photos to each poll option.
Starring Channel updates: You can now star your favorite updates to come back to whenever you want.
Mention groups on Status: Last year we made it possible to mention friends and family in your status. Now, you can also mention your groups. All members of the group will be notified in the group chat, and will be able to reshare the status to their own.
