The best effects to spruce up iMessage.
If you thought iMessage was just for sending texts… you’ve been missing out.
From full-screen laser shows to subtle “I care” reactions, iMessage has quietly turned into one of the most fun ways to communicate on your iPhone. And yes — those magical effects that take over your screen? There are way more of them now.
Whether you’re hyping up a night out, reacting in a group chat, or just being chaotic for no reason, here’s everything you need to know.
Here’s a full look all the effects that you can explore on iMessage.
Secret code words, check.
Let’s start with the OG magic. Certain phrases still trigger automatic full-screen effects — no setup needed, just type and send. Try these:
- “Pew pew” → 🔫 Lasers everywhere
- “Congratulations” → 🎉 Confetti explosion
- “Happy Birthday” → 🎈 Balloons take over
- “Happy New Year” → 🎆 Fireworks show
Still iconic. Still elite. But real talk — you’re probably not saying “pew pew” daily. Luckily for you, there’s a way you can send any iMessage at all and still add these effects.
This is where things get good. You can apply effects to literally any message.
How to do it:
- Type your message
- Press and hold the blue send arrow
- Choose:
- Bubble (affects just the message)
- Screen (full-screen effects)
- Swipe through the options
- Tap send
That’s it. Once you know this, you’ll never send a boring text again.
How to add Full-Screen Effects.
These take over the whole screen — perfect for big moments or maximum attention. Popular ones:
- Lasers → party vibes instantly
- Confetti → celebrations
- Balloons → not just birthdays anymore
- Fireworks → dramatic announcements
- Love (heart) → wholesome energy
- Echo → repeats your message everywhere
- Spotlight → puts your message centre stage
How to use:
- Type your message
- Long press the send arrow
- Tap “Screen” at the top
- Swipe to choose your effect
- Hit send
💡 Pro move: Use Spotlight in group chats when people are ignoring you.
How to add Bubble Effects.
These change how your message lands without taking over the screen.
- Slam → drops your message hard
- Loud → bigger + more aggressive
- Gentle → soft and subtle
- Invisible Ink → hidden until tapped
How to use:
- Type your message
- Long press the send arrow
- Stay on the Bubble tab
- Tap the effect you want
- Send
💡 Invisible Ink = perfect for surprises, spoilers, or gossip.
How to add Reactions & Tapbacks (Now Way Better)
This is one of the biggest upgrades. You’re no longer stuck with basic reactions — now you can use:
- Any emoji
- Stickers
- Multiple reactions on one message
How to use:
- Press and hold a message
- Tap Add Reaction (or pick from the quick icons)
- Choose any emoji or sticker
It’s basically turning your chats into mini comment sections.
How to add Stickers, Memoji & Live Effects.
This is where things get personal. You can:
- Drop stickers onto messages
- Use Memoji (your custom avatar)
- Turn photos into Live Stickers
How to use stickers:
- Open a chat
- Tap the + icon or sticker icon
- Choose a sticker or create one
- Drag it onto a message or send it
Yes, you can literally react with your own face now.
iMessage isn’t just messaging anymore — it’s expression. Between full-screen effects, reactions, stickers and hidden messages, you’ve got everything you need to bring personality into every chat.
So next time you text? Don’t just send it. Send it properly.
Of course, to get in all the fun you’ll need to be part of the iPhone family. Luckily for you, we’ve got some incredible deals available now on the very latest from Apple and our customer favourites.
