WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.10: what's new?

WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.1.10.
What's new in this update? The first update of the year suggests that WhatsApp is working on a feature to manage chat message animations, and it will be available in a future release!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.4 update, we announced that a feature to manage autoplay animated images was under development. This feature would aim to provide users with greater control over their chat experience by allowing them to disable animations for emojis, stickers, and avatars directly from the app settings. Although it is still under development, it appears that WhatsApp is refining this feature further before its official release to deliver an enhanced user experience. Thanks to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.10 update, the first update of the year available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to manage chat message animations!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a new feature that allows users to manage certain animations in their chats and groups, scheduled for release in a future update. This new feature offers even more control over which message should animate than the previous feature in development. Specifically, this feature will allow users to manage animations for emojis, stickers, and GIFs separately through three different options, making it easier for users to personalize their chat experience and reduce distractions caused by unwanted animations.

For emojis, it applies to the recently introduced animated emojis, which will appear static if the autoplay option is disabled. Similarly, animated stickers will no longer move unless users interact with them. The same principle applies to GIFs: they will remain static until manually played by the user. Users will be able to manage their animation preferences directly from the app settings in the future, allowing them to decide whether GIFs, emojis, and stickers should animate.

This granular level of control will ensure that users who find animations distracting or unnecessary can customize their experience. For example, some users might prefer to disable animated emojis while keeping GIF animations enabled for a more dynamic chat. To address these preferences, WhatsApp plans to introduce three separate options, enabling users to manage animations for emojis, stickers, and avatars individually. This feature is likely being developed in response to feedback from users who may find excessive animated content overwhelming. With animations becoming more prevalent in chats, some users may feel it disrupts the flow of their conversations. Allowing users to disable autoplay for specific types of animations strikes a balance between maintaining engaging features and respecting personal preferences.

A feature to manage chat message animations is under development and it will be available in a future update. We will keep you updated with an additional article as soon as we have more details to share about this feature.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X. You can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.