WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is rolling out a slew of new features aimed at increasing user engagement and interaction. The latest updates include the ability to create custom stickers from selfies, share sticker packs with friends, and add new camera effects to photos and videos.

Building on its previous feature that allowed users to create custom stickers from photos, WhatsApp is now taking it a step further by enabling users to turn their selfies into stickers directly. This feature can be accessed by tapping on the "Create stickers" button within the stickers menu, which will prompt the camera option. Users can then take a selfie, and the app will convert the image into a sticker, saving it to their sticker tray.

In addition to custom selfie stickers, WhatsApp is also introducing a feature that allows users to share links of their favorite sticker packs with friends. This move is likely to increase the app's stickiness and encourage users to share more content with their contacts.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is expanding its camera capabilities by adding 30 new backgrounds, filters, and effects for photos and videos. These effects bear a striking resemblance to Snapchat Lenses and Instagram filters, suggesting that WhatsApp is looking to compete with its social media counterparts in the visual content space.

The new camera effects are an extension of WhatsApp's previous feature that launched filters for video calls last year. By bringing these effects to the app's camera, WhatsApp is providing users with more ways to express themselves and add a creative touch to their conversations.

Another notable update is the introduction of a new way to react to messages by double-tapping on them and bringing up the most-used reactions. This feature is likely to simplify the reaction process and make it more intuitive for users.

The latest updates from WhatsApp demonstrate the company's ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and stay competitive in the messaging app landscape. By providing users with more creative tools and features, WhatsApp is likely to increase user retention and attract new users to its platform.

As the messaging app space continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp's new features impact user behavior and interaction. With the rise of visual content and augmented reality, WhatsApp's latest updates may be just the beginning of a new era in messaging app innovation.