WhatsApp plans to enhance stickers with audio functionality

Stickers are one of WhatsApp's most popular features. WhatsApp lets users create their own stickers from images and videos, both static and animated, without restrictions. According to Android Authority, WhatsApp is now looking to upgrade the stickers by adding sound functionality.

WhatsApp’s new “sound” stickers

While analyzing the latest version of WhatsApp (v2.26.41.11), Android Authority found evidence of a feature that adds sounds to stickers. After activating this feature, they ran a trial, and the results are very promising.

When creating a new sticker from an image, users will see a sound wave icon in the toolbar on the right side of the screen. Selecting the option will prompt the user to add a sound to their sticker. They can do so by recording their own voice or using a custom audio file from their device storage. It should be kept in mind that the audio length is capped at 10 seconds.

If you create an animated sticker, WhatsApp will automatically include 5 seconds of audio from the same source video used to create the sticker, but you can replace it with a custom audio file from your device storage. Once you send stickers, a speaker icon will appear on the sticker to toggle the audio. 

Additional features incoming

Android Authority has discovered another feature. WhatsApp is finally allowing users to remove the outline that appears automatically when creating stickers. An option will be available in the sticker creation toolbar to toggle the outline. 

Another minor change that was spotted was a rework of the message composition box. WhatsApp is experimenting with a 2-line composition box that would shift features like attachments, GIFs, stickers, and photos to the bottom line, while the message is typed on the first line. WhatsApp is currently developing and refining these features, so when they finally release, they might differ from the previews shown.