5 WhatsApp features to start using in 2025

Built-in message translationWhatsApp has added native translation directly inside chats. You can now long-press on any message and choose “Translate” to instantly view it in your preferred language. This works in private chats, groups, and even Channels. The feature removes the need to copy messages into Google Translate or third-party apps, making multilingual communication more natural and fluid.

AI-powered chat themesMeta’s AI integration within WhatsApp now allows users to customize their chat backgrounds using text prompts. You can type something like “create a sunset-style chat theme” and WhatsApp will generate a matching look. This helps users add variety to their chats while maintaining readability. AI themes are rolling out gradually across Android and iOS devices.

Live and motion photosWhatsApp now supports short animated images on both Android and iOS. On iPhones, you can share Live Photos, while Android users can send Motion Photos. These are short clips captured just before a photo is taken, giving a moment of movement to an otherwise still frame. It’s a small addition that makes personal photo sharing more expressive and engaging.

Smarter group notificationsA major update this year is the ability to control when and how group alerts appear. You can now choose to receive notifications only when someone mentions you, or when a specific contact replies. There’s also a real-time indicator showing how many members are active in a group. These small tweaks make managing large communities less overwhelming and improve focus on relevant messages.