WhatsApp is rolling out an upgraded communication and media experience designed to make messaging, calls, and status updates more expressive and interactive. The update introduces follow-up voice and video messages for missed calls, live reactions in voice chats, AI-powered image generation and animation, redesigned media tabs, and interactive stickers, music, and question elements in Status and Channels.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Story about: | Missed call messages, status sticker, channel questions |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | The latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS are designated as compatible updates. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is Rolling Out Strict Account Security Settings for iOS Beta Testers! |
WhatsApp is Rolling Out New Features Across Calls, Chats, and Updates
In the article about the WhatsApp for iOS 25.35.74 update, we announced that a feature that lets users leave voice and video messages for missed calls is available. This update introduces a tool that lets callers record a short voice or video note directly from the call screen when the recipient does not answer. After the call goes unanswered, a simple record button appears, allowing the user to capture a message and send it without opening the chat manually. The recipient receives the missed call alert along with the attached voice or video note directly within their conversations, which can be played and answered at any time. This creates a quick and personal way to share important information when a call cannot be taken.
Building on this new option to leave messages after unanswered calls, WhatsApp has released a substantial update just in time for the holiday season, bringing a collection of enhancements across calls, chats, and content creation capabilities that elevate everyday communication. In this update, users will find missed call messaging widely available, new interactive stickers for Status, significant improvements to AI-assisted visuals, and refinements designed to make conversations flow more smoothly. The update was announced in a new blog post, where WhatsApp highlighted how these additions aim to offer more expressive tools, reduce friction during everyday interactions, and give users greater flexibility in how they communicate across different situations.
Reinventing Communication Within Calls
One of the core additions in the update is the ability to send a voice or video message immediately after a call is not answered. Instead of leaving only a standard missed call alert, the app now presents a simple prompt to record a follow up message. The recording is then delivered straight into the recipient's chat, where it can be viewed or heard at any time. This keeps the entire exchange inside the chat thread and avoids switching to separate voicemail services. The feature works for both voice and video calls, allowing users to choose the most suitable format for their message. Whether it's a quick voice note or a short video, this update ensures that important information can be shared even when the recipient is unavailable.
In group environments where live discussions occur, users can now express themselves through reactions during ongoing voice chats. This feature enables participants to share expressive responses without interrupting the flow of the conversation. The reactions use the default set of emojis supported in messages, ensuring consistency across chats. This means users can quickly react with familiar symbols, making interactions more immediate and engaging. Additionally, during video calls, the app intelligently highlights the current speaker so that everyone in the video session can follow who is talking at any given moment.
Enhancements to Chat, Media, and AI Experiences
WhatsApp has integrated new image generation capabilities into its Meta AI tools, powered by external models that deliver richer and more detailed visuals. Users can leverage these enhancements to create lively holiday greetings and other custom images, bringing more personality to their chats and Status posts. Building on this, any image within the app can now be transformed into a short animated video, adding a dynamic element to the way users share moments.
Users can share images with Meta AI and then type a prompt like "animate it" to transform the static picture into a short animation. The animated image can be shared directly in the conversation, allowing recipients to view the movement without leaving the app. This feature provides a quick and easy way to make AI-generated visuals more dynamic and engaging, enhancing the overall chat experience. This also makes it easier for users to create dynamic, engaging visuals that everyone in the conversation can enjoy.
On desktop platforms, WhatsApp has introduced a redesigned media tab that organizes documents, links, and media files in one consolidated location. This feature makes it far easier to search through and locate content across conversations for users on Mac, Windows, or the web interface. Additionally, chats now display cleaner link previews that trim overly long URLs to help preserve visual clarity in the conversation stream.
New Interactive Elements for Status and Channels
The Status feature has received a set of expressive sticker additions that give users more ways to engage with their audience. These stickers let creators add reaction elements directly onto their photos or videos, making it immediately clear how viewers can respond. With customizable emojis, users can align the sticker with the mood or theme of their content, enhancing personal expression.
WhatsApp also lets users add interactive question stickers to their status updates, allowing viewers to respond directly from the status interface. Responses are sent privately to the status author, and push notifications alert them immediately when someone engages. All replies can be managed in a new "Activity" section, where users can browse, delete, or report responses, and even share them anonymously in a new status. The feature is designed with privacy in mind, using end-to-end encryption so only the sender and author can read the messages.
Alongside classic visual stickers, the update introduces a variety of new elements that make status updates and channels more engaging. Users can now add music lyrics directly onto their photos or videos, allowing people who view their updates to enjoy a more immersive multimedia experience. Interactive questions are also included, enabling viewers to respond instantly without leaving the content, which encourages real-time interaction and feedback.
In addition, WhatsApp has extended these interactive features to Channels, allowing administrators to incorporate question elements that gather opinions and suggestions from followers. This makes it easier for channel owners to understand audience preferences and engage them in new conversations. When a follower responds to a question, their reply is sent privately to the administrator, ensuring that no other participants can see who submitted it. Administrators can choose to share the response or reply to it, but the identity of the responder remains hidden, so other followers will never know who provided the answer.
WhatsApp gradually rolls out new features across all platforms
WhatsApp announced that these new features are gradually rolling out across iOS, Android, and desktop platforms. Users on all devices will eventually have access to missed call voice and video messages, Meta AI image generation and animation, interactive question stickers, and reaction stickers for status updates. The rollout ensures a consistent experience, allowing audiences to engage no matter which platform they use. WhatsApp is releasing the updates in stages, so availability may vary depending on the account, device, and region.
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