WhatsApp is developing a new sound stickers feature that will allow users to send stickers with short audio clips attached, adding sound to the messaging platform’s existing collection of static and animated stickers.
The feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.41.3, but development is still underway. It is not yet available to beta testers, and WhatsApp has not announced an official release date.
How WhatsApp Sound Stickers Will Work
Sound stickers will look similar to regular stickers in WhatsApp chats, but they will include an attached audio track.
When a user receives one, an audio icon will appear over the sticker to indicate that it contains sound. Tapping the sticker will play the associated audio clip.
WhatsApp is also expected to maintain end-to-end encryption for both the sticker and its audio track, keeping the feature within the platform’s existing approach to private messaging.
The addition could give users another way to express reactions, share jokes and communicate through short audio messages without sending a separate voice note.
Users May Be Able to Create Custom Sound Stickers
WhatsApp is also working on tools that could allow users to create their own sound stickers by combining a visual sticker with an audio clip.
The feature may support converting a video into an animated sticker and using its audio to create a sound sticker. If implemented, this would give users more flexibility than relying only on stickers available through WhatsApp’s official sticker store.
However, the exact creation process and supported audio formats have not been confirmed. The feature remains under development, so its capabilities could change before release.
Sound Stickers to Follow Phone Audio Settings
The feature is reportedly being designed to respect a device’s audio settings.
If a phone is in silent mode, sound stickers will play without audio. Users may also be able to mute them manually through a volume icon displayed on the sticker.
WhatsApp is expected to remember the user’s mute preference for subsequent sound stickers until it is changed.
These controls could help prevent unexpected sounds when users are in meetings, public places or other settings where playing audio may be inconvenient.
How Sound Stickers Differ From Existing Stickers
WhatsApp already supports static and animated stickers, which allow users to share visual reactions in conversations. Sound stickers would add an audio element to that experience.
Unlike a conventional voice note, a sound sticker would combine a visual image with a short audio clip in a single item within the chat.
The feature follows other changes to WhatsApp’s sticker experience. The company previously removed avatar stickers from its Android and iOS apps, although it did not publicly explain the reason for their removal.
WhatsApp Sound Stickers Release Date
WhatsApp sound stickers are currently being developed for Android and are not yet available for beta testing.
The feature is expected to arrive in a future update if development progresses, but WhatsApp has not confirmed when it will become available or whether it will launch on iOS at the same time.
For now, Android users will need to wait for further updates before they can try sending stickers with audio clips.
