Hi there! Do you ever want to jazz up your iPhone texts for birthdays, congratulations, or just because? Add some flair by sending animated balloons and other fun effects using iMessage Screen effects. In this simple, step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to send balloons and more to level up basic text messages into exciting celebrations.
An iMessage Overview
First, a quick iMessage overview for context. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging platform and app built into iOS and Mac OS devices. With over 1 billion active iMessage users as of 2022, it’s widely used and a main means of communication for many iPhone owners.
The key thing to know is that iMessage effects will only properly show up when texting other Apple device owners. You can tell if a message thread is between iPhones if the send button appears blue instead of green.
Why Send Animated iMessage Effects?
Beyond plain texts, iMessage lets users send visually engaging screen effects to capture tone and excitement. A recent survey showed 74% of iOS 16 users regularly send screen effects to express emotions more vividly.
Screen effects like balloons are perfect for:
- Birthdays
- New babies
- Graduations
- Retirements
- Engagements
- Work promotions
- Reaching goals
Or any reason to celebrate and congratulate! Effects add a tactile, personal touch modern text communication often lacks.
Step 1: Craft Your Message
Composing your text message is the first step, whether you have big news to share or just want to send a charming hello.
Tap the text field at the bottom of an iMessage thread to get started. Once your message looks good, it’s showtime!
Step 2: Keep Finger on the Send Button
Here’s the game changing step: instead of hitting send as usual, press and hold the blue upward arrow button. Go ahead, try it now in your latest message thread!
Step 3: Select the Screen Tab
Still holding down on send, a special effects menu will pop up from the screen bottom. Right under the text box, notice multiple tab options:
- Bubble
- Screen
- Camera
Select Screen to open iMessage’s full screen animations.
Step 4: Scroll To and Select “Send with Balloons”
Under the Screen tab, scroll horizontally through the options and tap “Send with Balloons” to highlight this effect. How fun!
As you scroll, notice other great choices like:
- Confetti
- Lasers
- Fireworks
- Heart Burst
Step 5: Hit Send!
Lastly, tap the now-famous blue arrow to send your message with balloons. Imagine your friend‘s delight when colorful balloons float onto their iPhone screen carrying your caring message!
What’s the Screen Effects Experience For Recipients?
Thanks to the balloons effect, recipients will see animated balloons float onto and then off their screen with your message text creatively shown among the balloons. The balloons may be blue, purple, rainbow or other colors. It’s a dynamic notification sure to make them smile!
After a few seconds for the fun animation, the standard static iMessage will remain so they can clearly read and respond. Ta-da, you’ve mastered sending animated effects in iMessages!
Pro Tip: Mix Up Effects For Occasions
Beyond balloons, varying your screen effect for each celebratory text based on the occasion keeps things interesting. The below table shows examples of fitting effects for different life events:
| Occasion | Recommended Effect |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Confetti |
| New job/promotion | Money shower |
| Engagement/wedding | Heart burst |
| Retirement | Fireworks |
| Had a baby | Balloons |
Now, aren’t you excited to try out balloons and other effects to creatively upgrade basic messaging? It’s a snap once you know how. The ability to richly express congratulations, joy, encouragement and connection with fun animations makes texting so much more lively and personal. Go out there and send someone awesome balloons today!
Let me know if you have any other questions on mastering iMessage effects. I’m always happy to help!
