WhatsApp Rolls Out Voicemail-Like Missed Call Messages and New Image Animation Features

WhatsApp has unveiled a major update packed with new features, including Missed Call Messages, enhanced Meta AI image tools, image animation capabilities, improved calling enhancements, and upgraded Status and Channels features. These updates arrive just before the holiday season, bringing more interactivity and convenience to users across the globe.

WhatsApp Introduces Multiple New Features Ahead of the Festive Season

Missed Call Messages Replace Traditional Voicemail

WhatsApp has officially launched its new Missed Call Messages feature, designed to modernise how users communicate when calls go unanswered. This feature acts as a direct replacement for the old-school voicemail system.

According to the company, Missed Call Messages let users instantly record and send a note when someone cannot attend a call. Depending on whether the call was a voice or video call, users can send a voice or video note with just a single tap. As WhatsApp highlighted, “This new approach will make voicemails a thing of the past.”

Enhanced Calling Experience on WhatsApp

New Voice Chat Reactions

Users participating in voice chats can now express themselves without interrupting the conversation flow. WhatsApp has introduced a set of new reactions, such as the expressive ‘cheers!’, enabling users to react naturally during discussions.

Improved Video Calling Prioritisation

WhatsApp has also refined its video calling architecture. From now on, during group or one-on-one video calls, the app will automatically prioritise the active speaker, ensuring clearer and smoother conversations.

Meta AI Gets Powerful Image Creation and Animation Upgrades

High-Quality Image Generation with New Models

Image generation on WhatsApp via Meta AI has received a major improvement. Meta says the system now uses new-generation modelling capabilities powered by Flux and Midjourney, leading to a “huge” upgrade in the quality of AI-generated images.

The company states that users will experience significantly better results, especially when creating holiday-themed images, greetings, and festive templates.

Image Animation – Turn Photos Into Short Videos

One of the most exciting additions is the ability to transform still photos into short animations. As per WhatsApp, Meta AI can now animate any photo into a short video, guided by user prompts and chat inputs. This feature is expected to become widely used for creative content during the holiday season.

Better Desktop Experience and Media Organisation

New Media Tab and Refined Link Previews

WhatsApp’s desktop app has been updated with a dedicated media tab, enabling faster sorting and viewing of media, documents, and links across conversations.
Additionally, the platform mentions that link previews have been refined for a cleaner and more informative look.

Status and Channels Receive Interactive Upgrades

New Interactive Stickers and Lyric Features in Status

WhatsApp has expanded creative tools for Status. Users can now add:

• Music lyrics

• Interactive stickers

• Response-based question widgets

These upgrades aim to make Status posts more expressive and engaging.

Real-Time Audience Questions on Channels

WhatsApp has also introduced question-based engagement tools on Channels.
The platform says this new capability will allow admins to engage with their audience on a higher level and receive responses in real time, turning Channels into more interactive hubs for community communication.