Meta's WhatsApp Tests Animated Emoji for Desktop Version, Expected to Brighten Up Group Chats

Meta's WhatsApp is reportedly testing animated emoji in the desktop version of its popular messaging app. The new feature is expected to brighten up group chats, with a Face with Party Horn and Party Hat emoji shown in a GIF posted by WABetaInfo.

WhatsApp is set to share animated versions of specific emojis rather than static images when available. It is unclear whether users will be able to switch off animated emoji once the feature is rolled out more widely. Animated emoji are also said to be coming to beta versions of WhatsApp's mobile apps.

The Lottie library of animated emoji is reportedly being used, which have small file sizes and can be scaled without losing image quality.

The move brings WhatsApp closer in line with other messaging apps, such as Google's Messages app and iMessage, which have supported animated emoji for years.