Phone message effects let you send messages with animated overlays - like lasers, ballons or confetti.

If the person you send the message to is running iOS 10 or later, they'll see the effect when they open the message.

Type your message as normal but instead of pressing send, hold down the send button. Then tap Screen at the top.

Scroll left and right to select the effect you want. There's Echo and Spotlight.

Ballons and Confetti.

Love and Lasers.

Fireworks and Shooting Star.

And finally Celebration.

Tip: if you just want to send the effect without a message, type a single space and add the effect as before.