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WhatsApp Projects Record New Year Surge, Rolls Out Festive Features

The company bills the holiday window as its largest encrypted moment with default end-to-end protection.

Overview

  • WhatsApp forecasts more than 100 billion private messages during Dec. 31–Jan. 1, marking its peak usage period of the year.
  • The company expects over 2 billion voice and video calls placed worldwide on New Year's Day.
  • More than 3 billion people are projected to use the app around the holiday period, according to company figures.
  • Festive options are live, including a 2026 sticker pack, fireworks and confetti effects on video calls, confetti reaction animations, and animated stickers in Status.
  • WhatsApp underscores end-to-end encryption across messages, calls, and Status updates during the rush, and highlights group tools such as events, polls, live location, and voice or video notes to coordinate celebrations.