Key Pointers:
- WhatsApp added many features in January 2025, some are Android or iPhones specific while others are available on both types of devices.
- WhatsApp Selfie Stickers, AI-Studio, Background Effect, Double-Tap React Built-In Dial Pad, etc features were already added by Meta for users in January month.
- Other features were also added for Beta testing and may arrive in the upcoming month like: AI Studio for Androids, Meta Accounts Connectivity, Manage Chat Animations, etc.
WhatsApp added so many new features in the month of January 2025. Meta owned WhatsApp has brought us great features since its existence in February 2009. It has launched so many features in January.
However, there are some other features which were also released for Beta testing and may arrive in February 2025. Here, I will explain further about all the officially released features and upcoming features which are in the Beta testing process.
WhatsApp Features of January 2025 (Stable)
Some features were launched specifically for Androids or iOS devices while many others have been added for both types of devices. Below is a list of all added WhatsApp features in January 2025:
1. Selfie Stickers for WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s new Selfie Stickers feature helps you convert your selfie into a sticker. You can have fun with your friends by sending your own selfie stickers. It allows you to express your emotions more effectively in less time. This feature has been effectively released in January for Android users and can be used by following steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Start your chat and click on the “Stickers” icon.
- Click on “Create” the stickers, you will find a “Camera” option.
- Click your selfie using the “Camera” option.
- Click on “Next”, your selfie will convert into a “Sticker”.
- Now send it to your chats and have fun.
WhatsApp also mentioned that the feature will also be available soon for iOS devices. As it is rumored to be in the initial stage for iOS Beta testing at the time of release on Androids.
2. AI-Studio for WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s AI-Studio is based on AI Integrated features and allows users to create various cultural personalities. It is currently available on both Android and iOS devices. This feature allows users to chat with AI avatars from different cultural figures.
It is useful for conversations with many people of different cultures like cultural icons, popular identities, etc. It unlocks more deeper cultural information for you to interact with them. You can use this feature by selecting any of the available AI avatars from Meta AI Chat screen.
3. Built-In Dial Pad Feature for iPhone Users
WhatsApp’s Built-In Dial Pad feature has also been introduced only for iPhone users. The feature unlocks an ability to call other users even without saving their numbers on iOS devices. This feature is available in WhatsApp’s call section in your iPhone which allows you to directly call other people.
So, you do not need to save it first before calling them. Meta added this feature in the messaging app for user’s suitability during their busy schedules. You can use this feature by clicking on the plus (+) icon available on the top-right corner of your WhatsApp screen.
4. Background Effect Feature for Ordinary Pictures
The Background Effect feature allows you to send enhanced pictures to your loved ones. You can now add various effects to your pictures like filters, background effects and other styles by using it. It provides a more personalized look to your ordinary pictures and improves their quality.
This feature is currently available for both Android and iOS devices. You can use this feature by clicking on the camera option of your chat and tapping on the photos to set filters and background effects to them.
5. Quick Reactions by Double-Tap
This feature allows you to send your instant reactions via emojis to others just by tapping twice. It will send an instant emoji to them, so they do not need to wait anymore for your response. It helps in responsive conversations and makes them more interactive comparatively in less time. You can use this feature by tapping twice on the chat messages. After a double tap, select your preferred emoji to convey your mood to your loved ones.
6. Add Messages Before Forwarding Feature
This feature allows you to add your specific texts before forwarding any received media through WhatsApp. If you want to forward any received media, link or message, there will be a custom option available to add your text. The feature will provide you an ability to customize your text by adding more words to express your intent better. It helps you to communicate and interact with your friends more effectively. The feature is currently available on all Android devices.
WhatsApp Features Released for Beta Testing during January 2025
There are some other features which were available for WhatsApp Beta testing in January. Users who previously registered for the WhatsApp Beta program could use them. However, these features may also officially launch for all the users in the upcoming month.
7. Dedicated AI Studio Tab for Androids
WhatsApp has been planning to add a separate AI Studio Tab for Android users too. This feature was available only for iOS users before this beta update. This feature allows the use of AI Avatars from the Meta AI chat window while chatting. It contains various Meta AI Avatars for interaction through WhatsApp Beta version 2.25.1.24. The Meta AI Studio will be categorized into different categories. A dedicated AI Studio Tab will be available on your WhatsApp’s dashboard. You can select among available different AI avatars from there.
8. Connectivity to Meta Accounts Center
This feature has been tested through the WhatsApp Beta process for both Android and iOS devices. It will connect your WhatsApp account to the Meta Accounts Center so you can handle more accounts using WhatsApp. It allows your WhatsApp to connect with your Facebook and Instagram accounts for better single handedly control.
It will also help you to effectively share more status updates over many accounts from one place.You can use this feature by clicking on the settings to reach the “Meta Accounts Center” option to link your WhatsApp from there. After linking your WhatsApp to Meta Accounts Center, you Facebook and Instagram account will also be added to the list and you can share updates among all of these platforms.
9. Colorful Options for WhatsApp Chats and Groups
This feature allows you to colorfully display icons for chats and groups on WhatsApp. It will replace old gray style icons from the dashboard and will give a vivid look to your App. It will style your App interface and allow your profile to be more glossy. The feature has been tested through the WhatsApp beta program for both Android and iOS devices. In case you do not have a profile picture then WhatsApp will assign a random color to your profile. Your profile will be colorful when you add any profile picture to your WhatsApp.
10. Chat Animation Control
This feature will manage your Chat Animations more efficiently. You can now turn-off or turn-on your app’s animations anytime from the App menu using this feature. You can now effectively manage your emojis, stickers, GIFs, etc using this feature. It could be a kind of flexible menu bar to switch your Chat Animations as per your choice. It will be easier whether you want them to appear or hide in your WhatsApp. It has been tested for both Android and iOS devices.
11. Share Music in Status
Users will soon be able to add music to their status updates using this feature. It was initially released for beta testers and will add soon officially on WhatsApp worldwide. It allows users to access the music library of Instagram. They can choose their favourite music from the music library to share among others. To use this feature, you need to click on the music option in the status section. After clicking on music, choose your favourite track from the list and simply can post it as your status updates.
12. Add Image to Polls
Users can now add pictures as polls to obtain other’s opinions through their responses as votes. The feature efficiently allows users to have a clear brief of other’s thoughts on their photos. The procedure is quite simple when you are using this feature. You just need to choose the photos while you create a poll on your status updates and post.
13. Create Event for Individual Chats
This feature was earlier available for WhatsApp Group and Community only where users could add their events there. But this feature will be available soon for individual or one-on-one chats too. You can now add schedules and reminders to your individual chats by using this feature.
It will benefit the users to specifically set their personal and professional plans. You can use this feature by clicking on the event option, set your event name, date and time in your private chats. Once you filled all the details in required fields, tap on save to set the reminder for future events. You will soon get notified by WhatsApp reminder when the event is around.
14. Unread Counter Filters
This feature allows users to check every unread chat message besides each filter. The unread number auto updates once users check the chat messages. Well, it will help users to track unread messages in their WhatsApp chat list, so they will not miss any urgent messages. The unread filter option is available besides each of your Groups Community, Contacts and Unread Filters tab.
This is a monthly overview of WhatsApp Features Added in January 2025. However, the exact features will be more clear once they are officially available for all the users.
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