11 WhatsApp Text Tricks to Make Your Messages Pop
Have you ever sent a message in WhatsApp and wished you could jazz it up a little?
You're not alone. Most of us have wondered if we could change the font, colour or size of the text to make it stand out a bit more.
Sure, you can attach GIFs, images and links to cat memes and TikTok reels.
But sometimes it'd be nice if you could mix things up when it comes to the look of your messages themselves.
The good news? There are actually quite a few WhatsApp text tricks hiding in plain sight.
While they may not turn your chats into a disco light show, they'll certainly help your messages stand out.
Unsplash / Mourizal Zativa
Why Can't You Get Creative with Your Texts in WhatsApp?
WhatsApp keeps its formatting options simple.
You can't change typefaces from within the app, switch font colours or add effects like flashing or fading text.
This isn't WhatsApp being deliberately difficult. There are good reasons behind it, which likely include:
- Speed and Simplicity: The beauty of WhatsApp lies in its simple nature: open, type, send fast. Adding loads of fonts, colours and styles would clutter the interface and slow things down, especially on older phones or over poor connections.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: WhatsApp runs on thousands of phone models. Custom fonts or colours might not display properly across all devices, potentially causing confusion or broken messages.
- Low Data Usage: Keeping it text-only and minimalist helps messages load quickly, even over slower connections. This matters in regions where internet isn't super-fast or unlimited.
- Accessibility: Consistent, high-contrast, plain fonts are easier to read for people with visual impairments. Too many flourishes can lead to readability issues.
- Less Room for Spam Tactics: Colourful, blinking, oversized text often shows up in spam messages or scams. Keeping messages plain may make it harder for scammers to abuse the app.
Adobe Free Stock / Kaspars Grinvalds
11 WhatsApp Text Tricks to Make Your Messages Pop
Although WhatsApp has restrictions, there are ways you can liven things up in your chat interface.
Here are 11 WhatsApp text tricks you might be tempted to give a spin.
1. Create Bold Text for WhatsApp
Want to emphasise something important or make a point that can't be missed? Bold text for WhatsApp is your friend.
To bold your message, place an asterisk on both sides of the text, as so:
*this text will come out bold*
The asterisks disappear when you send the message, leaving you with lovely bold text that demands attention.
2. How to Add Italics in WhatsApp
Sometimes you need a more subtle emphasis to your WhatsApp messages.
Maybe you're being sarcastic (hello, fellow Brits), quoting someone or just want to add a touch of sophistication.
To create italics in WhatsApp, place an underscore on both sides of the text, like so:
_this will be italic_
Perfect for those moments when you want to whisper-shout something important.
3. How to Do Strikethrough on WhatsApp
Made a mistake? Changed your mind? Want to show your thought process? Strikethrough on WhatsApp lets you cross out text while still keeping it visible.
Place a tilde (~) on both sides of the text:
~your text here~
It's a great way to show corrections or be a bit cheeky about something you didn't mean to say.
4. Use Monospace WhatsApp Style
Monospace WhatsApp formatting makes your text look like it's been typed on an old computer terminal.
Each character takes up the same amount of space, giving it a distinctive, code-like appearance.
Place three backticks on both sides of the text:
```text```
It's perfect when you want something to look official, technical or just plain retro.
5. How to Create WhatsApp Bullet Points
Need to list things clearly? WhatsApp bullet points help organise your thoughts without creating an overbearing wall of text.
Place an asterisk and a space before each item:
* First point
* Second point
* Third point
Alternatively, you can use hyphens:
- First point
- Second point
- Third point
Your group chat will thank you for the ability to separate and skim-read important points.
6. Make a WhatsApp Numbered List
When the order of your list matters, or if you're giving step-by-step instructions, a WhatsApp numbered list keeps everything organised.
Place a number, full-stop and space before each line:
1. First step
2. Second step
3. Third step
Much more readable than a "first do this then do that then maybe do the other thing and then…" wall of text.
7. Add a Block Quote to Your WhatsApp Message
Want to quote someone or highlight a particular piece of text? Block quotes in WhatsApp set your text apart from the rest of your message.
Place an angle bracket and space before the text:
> your quoted text here
It's like having proper speech marks, but more visually striking.
8. Send WhatsApp Inline Code
Now, most people wouldn't use WhatsApp to send actual code.
But inline code formatting can emphasise words, jokes or memes, or highlight something you've pasted from elsewhere.
Place a backtick on both sides of the text:
`pop your text here`
It gives text a subtle grey background that makes it stand out nicely.
9. How to Change the Font Style in WhatsApp
For those wanting different typefaces, you can't change WhatsApp's standard font directly. But there is a workaround.
There are plenty of websites that generate fancy text and symbols using Unicode characters.
Just write the text you want into the website's interface, copy and paste it into your WhatsApp chat and voilà - your message renders in what appears to be a different font.
Some websites you can use for this include:
10. Mix Your Text Formats Up
Here's where it gets interesting. You can actually combine multiple formatting tricks in the same message.
So if you want bold, italic and strikethrough all together, then go for it.
Just layer the symbols, like in this example:
How you type it in WhatsApp: *_~It should look something like this~_* How it will come out in WhatsApp:It should look something like this
11. Change the Size of Your Text in WhatsApp
You can adjust WhatsApp's overall text size to make it more readable.
However, you can only change all conversations at once, not individual chats.
To do this, simply head to Settings > Chats > Font Size. Choose between small, medium and large.
Small text fits more words on screen, so is great for screenshots.
Large text is easier to read. Medium is the Goldilocks option - just right for most people.
Unsplash / Mika Baumeister
Stay WhatsApp-Happy When You're Abroad
WhatsApp is our go-to tool for staying in touch nowadays. So you don't want to suddenly lose access while travelling.
This is where eSIMs from Airalo come in.
Instead of hunting for local SIM cards, eSIMs are already embedded in your phone. They make staying online easy and affordable while on your travels.
Visit the Airalo store, browse for your destination and choose how much data you need.
Installation is quick and easy, saving you time, money and hassle.
Now all you need to worry about is supercharging your WhatsApp messages with these simple text tricks.
FAQs - 11 Whatsapp Text Tricks to Make Your Messages Pop
1. Can I Change the Font Style in WhatsApp?
No, you can't change the font style from within the WhatsApp app. However, you can use online text generators that use Unicode characters. Simply copy and paste the generated text into your chat to give your messages a different look.
2. How Do I Bold Text for WhatsApp?
To bold text for WhatsApp, you need to place an asterisk (*) on both sides of the word or phrase you want to bold. For example, *hello* will appear as hello when you send the message.
3. How Do I Do Strikethrough on WhatsApp?
To create a strikethrough on WhatsApp, place a tilde (~) on both sides of the text. For example, ~your text here~ will cross out the words when you send the message.
4. Can I Make a Numbered List in WhatsApp?
Yes, you can make a numbered list by placing a number followed by a full stop and a space before each iline of text. For example, "1. First item" will create a numbered list when you send it.
5. How Do I Add Italics in WhatsApp?
To add italics in WhatsApp, use an underscore (_) on both sides of the text. For example, _your text here_ will turn the text italic when sent.
