WhatsApp will be rolling out a major update in the coming weeks that will include animated stickers, QR contact codes, a dark mode for the desktop, and other new features.

WhatsApp revealed in a blog post today the major upgrades users can expect in the near future on the popular messaging service. Animated stickers and QR codes for contacts are at the top of the list of new features, but dark mode for the web, improved UI for group video calls, and status support for KaiOS users are also welcome additions.

Even if you already know most of the new features from the WhatsApp usage guide, a software update is required to take advantage of the new features.

Not to be mistaken for GIFs, animated stickers are in the vein of Facebook Messenger. These lighthearted emojis are a fun way to share emotions and express them quickly on the move, and WhatsApp says it plans to release an animated sticker pack.

Animated stickers are also a great way to start a conversation with recently added contacts, and WhatsApp has made it easy to pair new contacts with personal QR codes. This tool is already available on Snapchat, for example, and is much faster than typing numbers when meeting in person.

Desktop users of WhatsApp will also get an upgrade. While dark mode is already available on mobile, users who use WhatsApp from their computers will be able to use the popular dark mode theme while online.

Minor updates to WhatsApp include group video calling and WhatsApp for Kai smartphones.

WhatsApp expanded its group video chat service in April to allow calls with up to eight people. A long press on someone's window maximizes their feed to full screen.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp's KaisOS users will be able to use the status feature; similar to Instagram's Snapchat stories, WhatsApp statuses allow users to share messages that disappear after 24 hours.