WhatsApp Releases AI-Generated Backgrounds for Personalized Calling Experiences on Android and iOS

WhatsApp introduces AI-powered backgrounds, allowing users to personalize their camera and video calls with creative visuals. The feature leverages Meta AI to generate unique backgrounds in real time while keeping all call data completely private and secure.

In the article about the WhatsApp for iOS 24.25.93 update, we announced that a feature to apply AR effects, backgrounds, and filters to the camera was available. Through this functionality, users can easily access the new "wand" icon in the camera, unlocking a suite of creative tools powered by AR. From animated overlays like confetti and stars, to playful filters such as "Goof Face", the update also adds practical tools. It's possible to adjust color tones, switch backgrounds for privacy or personalization, enable "Touch Up Mode" for a refined appearance, and rely on "Low Light Mode" for clearer visuals in darker environments. These effects can be toggled on or off at any time, ensuring flexibility for both casual and professional settings. With the latest updates, more users can also access a new AI-powered feature designed to enhance their experience with the camera and video calls, bringing even more creativity and personalization to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp announced the introduction of AI-generated backgrounds, a new option that replaces your real background when using the camera. A background is the visible environment behind you when you appear on camera, and customizing it helps shape how others see you. With AI-generated backgrounds, instead of choosing from a set of default options, you can now create unique and personalized visuals based on your imagination. This is powered by Meta AI, which transforms your written prompts into images that become your background.

Applying an AI-powered background is simple and follows the same process as other visual effects. Users can open the camera, tap the call effects button, select backgrounds, and then choose "Create with AI". From there, they can describe the background they want in a few words, and Meta AI will generate an image in real time. Once confirmed, the new background instantly replaces the real environment visible on camera. This allows for seamless customization without needing external tools or apps, and it works not only when using the camera but also during video calls, ensuring a consistent and personalized look in every context.

AI-powered backgrounds are especially useful when the preloaded backgrounds offered by WhatsApp do not fully meet a user's needs. For example, someone may want to create a fantasy landscape, a futuristic city, or an artistic pattern that doesn't exist in real life. In such cases, AI generation allows them to go beyond standard options and design something highly personal. This feature is ideal for moments when users want to express themselves creatively, hide a cluttered room, or simply match the mood of a conversation.

Privacy remains a central principle of WhatsApp, and the addition of AI-generated backgrounds does not affect the security of personal messages or calls. All calls and chats continue to be protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that no one (not even WhatsApp or Meta) can read, listen to, or share them. Choosing an AI background only changes the visual appearance of your environment, without compromising call privacy in any way.

As with any AI-powered feature, there may be instances where generated images are not accurate or do not fully align with the user's description. In these cases, users can simply generate a new background, report inappropriate results, or switch back to another option at any time. This flexibility ensures that the experience remains safe, customizable, and under the user's control.

At present, AI-generated backgrounds and Meta AI integrations are only available to a limited number of users. Availability may vary depending on country, and not all accounts within the same region will receive access immediately. Additionally, AI backgrounds are currently supported only in a selection of languages, including English, Arabic, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese. WhatsApp plans to expand availability gradually, bringing this feature to more users over time.

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