WhatsApp has introduced a number of new features. These include QR codes for adding new contacts and animated stickers to make messaging more fun. These new WhatsApp features will be rolling out over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for updates.

New WhatsApp Features to Make Use Of

In a post on the WhatsApp Blog, the company explains that while its "focus remains on providing a simple, reliable and private way for people to chat with friends and family," it's still looking for ways to push WhatsApp forward in terms of usefulness.

First up are QR codes which you can scan to add new contacts. Previously, you had to type in someone's name and phone number to add them as a contact. Now, you can just scan their QR code to add them to your contacts. Which is both quicker and easier.

WhatsApp has also added animated stickers you can send while messaging people. As the name suggests, these are stickers (which you can already find alongside emojis and GIFs) that are animated. Allowing you to express yourself better in a message.

The other, smaller, new WhatsApp features are: Dark Mode is now available on WhatsApp Web and the desktop app, WhatsApp has improved the way group video calls work, and WhatsApp Status (how to use WhatsApp Status) is now available on KaiOS.

Other WhatsApp Features You Need to Know About

With more than 2 billion users worldwide to consider, WhatsApp doesn't make changes lightly. So these new features will have been tested thoroughly before launch. Adding QR codes is particularly useful, as it takes the pain out of adding new contacts on WhatsApp.

While humans tend to be mostly interested in what's shiny and new, there are some well-established WhatsApp features that all users should know about. These include how to disable read receipts, how to back up your chats, and how to silence notifications.