The Messages app has some very cool, but not very obvious features. One of the most popular is ‘iMessage Effects’; this is when you open a message and see confetti fall from the top of the screen, balloons rising, fireworks, a spotlight effect, etc. Here is how to add these effects to the messages you send…

After you type a message, long press (press and hold) the send button (small blue round button with arrow)…

This pops up a ‘Send with effect’ screen, with Bubble and Screen as options…

The Bubble screen has 4 effects listed; Slam, Loud, Gentle and Invisible Ink, you can touch the dot next to each one to add the corresponding effect.

The Screen screen ¯\_(ツ)_/°¯ is where the colorful screen effects are listed, and you can choose among them by swiping left or right, and the dots at the bottom indicate which screen you are on and how many there are total.

Just choose the effect you want, and press (regular quick press) the send button to send.

Enjoy!