WhatsApp is constantly evolving, and the team behind this popular messaging service has been hard at work on a fresh set of updates designed to enhance user experience.
Four exciting new features were revealed recently, with a focus on creativity and convenience.
These updates are aimed at making the platform even more user-friendly, secure, and fun to use, with a strong emphasis on private messaging.
WhatsApp remains South Africa’s top messaging app, boasting over 10 million active users in the country alone.
Quick Tap Reaction for Faster Replies
One of the most anticipated new features is the quick tap reaction.
In the past, reacting to messages required holding down on the message to bring up a reaction menu.
Now, users can simply double-tap a message to quickly reply with an emoji.
A menu of frequently used emojis will pop up for convenience, so you can respond even faster.
If you’re feeling extra fond of something, double-tapping the red heart emoji will send your love in a flash!
New Video Call Backgrounds and Effects
WhatsApp is taking video calls to the next level with a fun update that adds a variety of backgrounds, filters, and effects.
Building on the success of last year’s video call enhancements, users can now choose from 30 different backgrounds and visual effects for photos and videos sent in chats.
This makes for more personalized and entertaining interactions.
Create Cute Selfie Stickers in an Instant
Stickers have become a key part of communication on WhatsApp, and the new selfie sticker feature is sure to delight users.
By tapping the “Create Sticker” icon, you’ll now have the option to take a selfie and instantly turn it into a sticker.
This feature is currently available on Android and will soon be rolling out to iOS users as well.
Share Sticker Packs with Friends
Another fantastic update involves sharing entire sticker packs within chats.
Now, when you discover a sticker pack you love, you can send the whole collection directly to your friends, making it even easier to share the fun.
WhatsApp Continues to Dominate Globally
WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in the world, with an impressive 2 billion monthly active users, according to Exploding Topics.
Interestingly, male users make up a slight majority of WhatsApp’s user base at 52.3%, while female users account for 47.6%.
The app is also the top messaging platform in more than 60 countries, with Argentina leading the way in the number of times the app is opened.
South Africa comes in at number five on the global list, right behind Indonesia, Colombia, and Brazil.
WhatsApp Business has seen remarkable growth, too.
In 2018, the app had just under 40 million users.
By 2023, this number surged to around 316.16 million, marking an impressive increase.
