- Animated emojis are coming to WhatsApp for Android, boosting expressiveness in chats.
- Only some emojis are animated and initially available to beta users.
- Animated emojis aren't a substitute for stickers or GIFs; each has its own unique functions.
WhatsApp has taken a decisive step to further modernize the messaging experience on Android by adding animated emojis , a feature long awaited by its massive user base. While traditional emojis are already a part of everyday life, the new functionality brings them to life and adds movement, allowing every gesture and expression to be conveyed dynamically and visually.
In this article you will discover in depth how animated emojis work on WhatsApp for Android , what the differences are compared to stickers and GIFs, how you can access them before anyone else, as well as all the technical and visual details that make this innovative feature possible.
What are animated emojis on WhatsApp and what's different about them compared to traditional emojis?
Animated emojis are the direct evolution of the classic static icons that have been part of messaging for years. Now, some of the most popular emojis feature their own animation, extending their expressiveness far beyond a static image. For example, when you send a heart emoji, it beats strongly; the face crying with laughter shakes its head and its tears literally fall to the ground ; and other gestures come to life.
The arrival of animated emojis doesn't mean the disappearance of classic emojis . In fact, only those emojis that WhatsApp specifically develops will become animated, while the rest will continue to appear as you know them. This change adds more dynamism to conversations and allows you to express emotions more naturally and intuitively.
Because of their size, animated emojis tend to appear slightly larger than regular emojis , approaching the size of stickers, while still retaining their recognizable essence and format. This improves their visibility and visual impact within chats, especially when sent as the sole content of a message.
This is how animated emojis look and work in WhatsApp.
Thanks to advancements in digital design and new animation technologies, WhatsApp's animated emojis use the Lottie platform . This tool allows for the creation of lightweight, high-quality, and fully scalable vector animations, ensuring smoothness and sharpness on any compatible Android device. The goal is to guarantee that the app doesn't lose performance or speed, even with frequent use.
The animation only appears if an animated version of the emoji exists ; otherwise, the emoji will appear in its traditional static version. For now, the feature is limited to some of the most popular icons (such as the heart, the face laughing until it cries, and a few more that WhatsApp will gradually reveal).
These animated emojis play automatically when sent alone in chat, creating a visual highlight. When integrated into text or alongside other emojis, they will appear static, ensuring the conversation maintains visual coherence and doesn't become chaotic.
How to access animated emojis in WhatsApp for Android?
Currently, animated emojis on WhatsApp are exclusively available to users of the beta version of the app on Android, starting with one of the latest test builds. This means they haven't yet been rolled out to all users, but you can be among the first to try them by following these steps:
- Go to Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for “WhatsApp” and select the official application.
- Scroll down to locate the section Become a beta tester.
- Press the option "I want to participate" and confirm your choice.
- Wait for the beta update to be available and Update your WhatsApp app to the corresponding beta version.
As this is an experimental phase, access to the beta may be limited. Additionally, you may encounter bugs or temporary glitches while using the application, as these features are typically still under development.
If you're already a beta user with a compatible version, simply send one of the selected emojis in a single message to see if it animates automatically. If it doesn't animate, you'll just have to wait for WhatsApp to release the feature to more users.
Key differences between animated emojis, stickers, and GIFs
Many users may wonder if animated emojis will replace stickers or traditional GIFs . The answer is a resounding yes: each format serves a specific function within the messaging experience , and although they share the goal of making messages more expressive, their differences are clear:
- animated emoji: Animated versions of classic emojis, typically only available when sent alone. They're lightweight and feature fluid animations, designed to enhance expressiveness without impacting app performance.
- stickers: Larger images, either static or animated, can be created or downloaded by the user. They allow for a wider range of customization and variety, and even offer themed or custom packages.
- GIFs: Looping animated image sequences, which are generally larger and allow you to share video clips, memes, or funny scenes. WhatsApp has its own search engine for integrating them into your conversation.
The main advantage of animated emojis is that they maintain excellent graphic quality thanks to the Lottie format, while also being very lightweight. Stickers, on the other hand, allow for greater customization, and GIFs remain the preferred option for more creative or humorous reactions.
Why is WhatsApp now embracing animated emojis? Inspiration and benefits
The decision to integrate animated emojis into WhatsApp stems largely from the inspiration of other platforms like Telegram , where these animations have been present for some time and have been very well received. WhatsApp seeks to modernize its visual language and offer a more dynamic alternative to its millions of Android users.
Among the main advantages of animated emojis are:
- Extended expressiveness: Each gesture or emotion is conveyed in a much more realistic and interpretable way.
- Greater visual appeal: Conversations become more dynamic and visually appealing.
- Lightness and performance: Thanks to the use of modern technologies, animations won't slow down the app or consume excessive resources.
- Progressive compatibility: WhatsApp will expand the number of animated emojis over time, ensuring stability and quality.
Animated stickers, AI, and new ways to create reactions on WhatsApp
The arrival of animated emojis isn't WhatsApp's only move to evolve its visual ecosystem. In parallel, the app has implemented different ways to create and share stickers, from integration with platforms like Giphy to the ability to create custom stickers using artificial intelligence.
Currently you can:
- Create custom stickers from photos, images or even through AI descriptions.
- Download new animated sticker packs from the app itself, or import them from external apps as long as WhatsApp allows it.
- Organize your sticker tray to keep your favorites always at hand, move them, or delete the ones you no longer use.
With these new options, each user can fully customize their reactions and responses in their chats, combining animated emojis, stickers, and GIFs according to their preference.
Is it possible to create custom animated emojis?
For now, WhatsApp's animated emoji feature is limited to those developed and released by the app itself . It's not possible to create your own custom animated emojis and use them as if they were the official ones. However, you can take advantage of creating personalized animated stickers using specialized apps or directly from WhatsApp, especially thanks to AI integration, to have unique reactions tailored to your style.
WhatsApp will gradually expand the list of available animated emojis, based on feedback from the beta community. There's no public release date for everyone, but everything indicates the feature will be gradually rolled out to other Android users.
Each advancement in WhatsApp's visual ecosystem represents a perfect opportunity to express yourself in an even more creative and authentic way in your everyday conversations.
