WhatsApp is reintroducing a popular festive feature for the holiday season. The app is rolling out special confetti animations for specific emoji reactions in chats.
The feature that was previously available for a limited time last year is making a comeback. It introduces vibrant, colourful animations when users react with specific celebratory emojis. This update is part of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android and is expected to be rolled out to more users on the stable version in the coming days.
The animation triggers when you use specific festive emojis as a message reaction. The effect turns a standard reaction into a dynamic, celebratory moment. The Party Popper emoji has been added to the default reaction tray for quick access. This makes it easy to start the celebration with a single tap.
The feature is designed to make chats more visually engaging during the holidays. It works in individual chats, group chats, and even on Status updates.
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.35.11: what's new?
Similarly to last year, WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that shows a confetti animation for emoji reactions this holiday season, and it's available to some beta testers!https://t.co/o9m9UW92Hs pic.twitter.com/WvQdAxJfDi
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) November 26, 2025Which Emojis Trigger the Animation?
Several emojis will activate the festive confetti effect. The supported list includes:
- Party Popper 🎉
- Partying Face 🥳
- Confetti Ball 🎊
- Clinking Glasses 🥂
- Bottle with Popping Cork 🍾
Each of these emojis produces the same vibrant confetti animation. This gives users variety while maintaining a consistent celebratory feel.
Like last year, this feature will only be available for a limited period. It is timed to coincide with the New Year and holiday celebrations. The temporary nature makes the confetti animations a special, seasonal addition. It encourages users to engage with the feature while it’s available.
The animations are powered by the Lottie framework. This ensures they are smooth and lightweight, without affecting the app’s performance.
