WhatsApp Introduces Themed Chat Bubbles for a More Personalized Experience

WhatsApp is elevating user customization with the introduction of themed chat bubbles, a new feature designed to make conversations more visually appealing and distinctive. Announced on February 14, 2025, by tech journalist Umar Shakir from The Verge, this update allows users to personalize their chat experience in a way that aligns with their style and preferences.

For years, WhatsApp maintained a straightforward, minimalistic interface. However, as messaging apps evolve with more customization tools, users have increasingly demanded greater personalization options. This latest enhancement directly addresses that need, offering new themes, adjustable chat bubble colors, and an expanded collection of wallpapers to enhance the app’s design and user experience.

A Fresh Look for Chats with Customizable Themes

The update brings 30 new wallpapers tailored to different moods and styles. Some of these wallpapers serve as preset themes, meaning that when applied, they automatically adjust chat bubble colors and text to ensure a cohesive look. Whether users prefer a soft pastel aesthetic or a bold, high-contrast design, WhatsApp now provides more ways to make chats feel unique.

Unlike customization features in some other messaging apps, WhatsApp’s themes are applied on a per-user basis. This means that when you change your chat theme, the other person in the conversation will not see any modifications on their end. The customization is completely private, allowing users to personalize their chats without affecting others. Additionally, WhatsApp Channels, a feature gaining popularity among businesses and content creators, now supports these new customization options, further enhancing community engagement.

How to Apply WhatsApp Themes

Changing chat themes is simple and user-friendly. Users looking to apply a uniform theme across all chats and channels can do so by navigating to Settings, selecting Chats, and then choosing Default chat theme. For those who prefer a more tailored approach, individual chats can be customized separately. To adjust a specific conversation, open the chat, tap on the chat name or the triple-dot menu, and select Chat theme to make changes accordingly.

Beyond themes, WhatsApp now allows users to modify the colors of sent and received chat bubbles manually. Additionally, text colors can be adjusted, ensuring greater personalization for each conversation. Users can still set custom wallpaper images, making their chats even more distinct and visually engaging.

Global Rollout and Availability

This update is rolling out immediately, with global availability expected over the coming weeks. A staggered rollout ensures that different regions gain access to these enhancements in a structured manner.

For a platform that has traditionally favored a simple and functional design, this update represents a significant shift. By expanding WhatsApp’s customization options, the messaging service is modernizing its user experience and giving people more ways to express themselves through daily conversations.

A More Personal WhatsApp Experience

With competitors like Telegram and iMessage already offering various customization options, WhatsApp’s latest update helps it remain competitive in the messaging space. By allowing users to inject more color and personality into their chats, this addition is set to be a welcome change for long-time users accustomed to the app’s classic green chat bubbles.

As the demand for visually engaging communication grows, WhatsApp’s move to introduce themed chat bubbles reflects its commitment to enhancing the user experience. Whether someone prefers a clean, professional theme for work-related chats or a vibrant, playful theme for personal conversations, these new customization options ensure that messaging on WhatsApp feels truly personal.