Animating Text and Emoji in iPhone Messages: A Step-by-Step Guide

As excitement builds around Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update, it’s worth diving into the engaging features available in iOS 18. One standout aspect is the ability to animate texts and emojis in the Messages app, which adds a fun twist to your conversations. Let’s explore how you can enhance your messaging experience with these features today.

Animating Text in Messages on Your iPhone

To enjoy the various text effects in the Messages app, ensure your device is equipped with iOS 18 or later. To check your iOS version, navigate to Settings → General → About.

Once confirmed, open your Messages app and select an existing conversation or initiate a new one.

Start typing your message, and then tap the effects button (A) located within the suggestion bar beneath your message input.

If you prefer, simply double-tap a word to highlight it or select the entire message to access the Text Effects option.

Selecting 'Text Effects' option menu in Messages app on iPhone.

A menu will emerge showcasing a variety of effects such as Ripple, Jitter, or Shake. You can experiment with each effect to see how they change your message.

Applying single effect on text in Messages app on iPhone.

Interestingly, you can combine multiple animations on a single phrase; for example, applying different effects to different words.

Text with multiple animations in Messages app on iPhone.

Additionally, these playful animations can also be applied to your emojis and stickers. If you’re curious about using Emoji Kitchen on your iPhone, check out our guide on that too.

Applying animation effect on emoji in Messages app on iPhone.

Beyond this, text formatting options such as bold, italic, underline, and strikethrough are also available directly from the menu.

If you’ve already sent a message and wish to add effects later, you can do so within a recent time frame. Unfortunately, editing older messages isn’t permitted.

Long-press on the message you want to edit and select Edit from the drop-down.

Tapping 'Edit' button for message in Messages app on iPhone.

After tapping the effects icon, you can insert your animations before saving your changes by hitting the tick icon on the right.

Saving edited message in Messages app on iPhone.

Enhancing Messages with Additional Text Effects

If you’re looking to make your messages even more eye-catching, consider using additional text effects.

In the Messages app, compose your message, but refrain from sending it immediately. Instead, long press the Send button on the right side.

Long pressing on Send button in Messages app on iPhone.

A set of effect options will appear on the right side of the screen. For instance, selecting “Invisible Ink”will blur your message, keeping it hidden until the recipient swipes to reveal it. After choosing your desired effect, press the small blue arrow to send.

Adding text bubble effect on message in Messages app on iPhone.

These effects are applied to the message bubble itself. Alternatively, tap the Screen tab at the top for immersive full-screen effects.

Trying full screen effects in Messages app on iPhone.

As demonstrated in the previews, these effects will cover the entire screen. Swipe right to explore options like Spotlight, Balloons, and Confetti. You can also include emojis and stickers in your messages, similar to the previous effects. To send your message with the chosen effect, simply click the small blue arrow.

Screen effect with emoji view in Messages app on iPhone.

Keep in mind that these effects will only play the first time the recipient views your message. However, they can replay it later by tapping the Replay button located below the message.

Pressing 'Replay' button for screen effect in Messages app on iPhone.

Triggering Reactions in Messages

Certain keywords can trigger automatic reactions in the Messages app. For example, typing “Happy Birthday”will instantly fill the screen with balloons. This feature utilizes the full-screen effects but doesn’t require you to manually select an effect.

Message that triggers reaction in iPhone Messages app.

Here are additional phrases that can elicit reactions:

Congratulations – sends confetti
Pew pew – launches a laser light show
Happy New Year – ignites fireworks

Turning Off Message Animation Effects

If you find these effects distracting, you have the option to disable them.

Simply open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to Accessibility → Motion.

Activating 'Reduce Motion' and disabling 'Auto-Play Message Effects' in iPhone Settings.

Here, activate the Reduce Motion option and turn off the toggle for Auto-Play Message Effects.

After mastering these text animation features in Messages, consider learning how to create text shortcuts on your iPhone to enhance your typing efficiency.

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