Google Messages continues to add features. After a facelift of the interface, the integration of a snooze button for certain contacts, a feature to protect the youngest and even an automatic blocking of ads, the instant messaging application now adds something more futile, and therefore quite essential.
As spotted by Android Police on a forum Reddit, these are new full-screen animations triggered by certain emojis. If some emojis already had their own animations, Google would go a step further in enriching instant conversations by occupying the entire screen for a few seconds.
Here's what it looks like:
As you can see, this isn't quite there yet. If you still have the emoji selection window open, the animation will appear above and below. We were able to get this on a Galaxy S25 Ultra using the Messages app beta. More precisely, version 20250430_01_RC00.
Which emojis are compatible?
Only certain emojis have animation. According to Android Police, here is a non-exhaustive list:
- 🌙
- 👏
- 🐝
- 🌋
- 💤
- 🥳
The "happy birthday" message also works, displaying balloons in all directions.
How to disable the feature?
If you don't like this addition, or if you prefer to avoid triggering inappropriate animations in a professional context, for example, you can of course disable them. To do this, go to the app's settings and uncheck "show expressive animations."
At the time of writing, this feature is currently only available in the beta version of the app. If you'd like to try it out yourself, you can sign up via the app's Play Store page or wait for the wider rollout.
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