WhatsApp Plans Animated Emojis: What We Know So Far
Last month, the Lottie library revealed a new direction for WhatsApp by showcasing animated emoji support within the messenger. Among the demonstrations, an emoji wearing a party hat stood out as a playful example. Journalists and tech editors monitoring the development phase confirmed from WABetaInfo that at least six additional animated emojis are slated to appear in the service. This move signals WhatsApp’s interest in richer, more expressive conversations that go beyond static images. (Source: WABetaInfo)
Looking ahead, WhatsApp users could soon send animated versions of familiar expressions. The lineup under discussion includes a smiling face crying with tears, a loudly crying face, a tearful face, an open-mouthed expression, a red heart, and a flicker of fire. WABetaInfo argues that these selections reflect enduring popularity among users and their tendency to convey strong emotions through visuals. Early impressions from beta testers indicate that the animation quality in the testing version is noticeably sharp, with smooth motion and well-defined details that translate well on various screen sizes. (Source: WABetaInfo)
Nevertheless, some users may find animated emojis distracting in ongoing conversations. The editors note a potential option to disable these animations in the settings when the feature reaches the final build. That kind of toggle would allow users to maintain a clean chat feed while still benefiting from animated emojis for those who want them. The ability to turn animations on or off would align with broader trends in messaging apps, where users increasingly expect customization without sacrificing readability. (Source: WABetaInfo)
At this stage, the feature remains under development, and a concrete release date for the wider WhatsApp audience has not been announced. The ongoing work includes refining performance to ensure animations load quickly and do not drain battery life or data plans, as well as addressing accessibility considerations so all users can enjoy the experience. As the product team tests the beta, feedback from testers will shape final design decisions and possible tweaks to the emoji set and animation style. (Source: WABetaInfo)
Earlier, socialbites.ca discussed six hidden but useful WhatsApp tips that many users overlook, illustrating how the app continues to evolve beyond its core messaging functions. (Source: Socialbites.ca)