Welcome message for new users to appear on WhatsApp#

August 8, 2025

WhatsApp continues to work on improving the user experience, especially for new contacts. In the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, a feature has been spotted that offers to send a welcome message with 👋 emoji to contacts with whom you have not previously corresponded!

How it works#

When a user opens a chat with a contact they have never chatted with before, a new visual prompt appears at the bottom of the screen. It subtly invites them to start a conversation by sending a greeting message with the 👋 emoji.

Why it is needed#

This feature is designed to help users overcome the awkwardness or hesitation of starting a conversation from scratch. WhatsApp suggests using the 👋 emoji as a light and friendly gesture to initiate a conversation. By introducing this small visual cue, WhatsApp makes it easier for users to take the first step in a new conversation.

WhatsApp uses the 👋 emoji as a standard greeting for such situations. Interestingly, this same emoji is used in other parts of the app, such as voice chats, where the “Call All” option allows you to quickly notify everyone in the group to join the conversation. Reusing this particular emoji across different features creates a consistent visual language that users can easily recognize. This helps them understand that this emoji is a gentle invitation to communicate.

For those who do not want to use this prompt, WhatsApp also offers the option to dismiss it. Users can simply tap the small close button next to the suggestion to remove it from the chat screen.

Conclusion#

The new welcome message feature with 👋 emoji is another small but important step WhatsApp takes to simplify and enrich communication between users, especially when starting a conversation with new contacts. It makes interactions easier, friendlier, and more intuitive. The welcome message feature with wave emoji is available to some beta testers, but it will be rolled out to more people in the coming weeks.

We at GREEN-API are keeping an eye on the news and will inform you about any significant updates to WhatsApp, follow our blog. We will monitor and keep you updated on the news about the arrival of this feature in WhatsApp.