Meta Enhances WhatsApp with AI-Generated Stickers, Images, and Bots

Meta’s widely used messaging platform, WhatsApp, is testing a redesigned interface that prominently features its suite of AI chatbots. This new design, currently being trialed through the app’s Android beta version, introduces a dedicated AI tab on the homescreen.

According to WABetaInfo, the update allocates one of WhatsApp’s four main tabs exclusively to AI tools. The AI tab showcases “Popular AI characters” alongside options grouped by various topics. Other AI-driven features integrated within WhatsApp include tools for generating AI-based images and stickers, as well as a Meta AI-powered search feature.

Although these AI functionalities have been part of WhatsApp for some time, their availability is currently restricted to users in the US and select regions, and they support a limited range of languages. Previously, these AI tools were accessed through the primary Chats tab, but the new update seeks to make them more visible and accessible to users.

In addition to highlighting existing AI tools, WhatsApp is also exploring the possibility of expanding its range of AI bots. A separate beta update recently discovered by WABetaInfo reveals plans to introduce the ability to create personalized AI characters directly within the app. Until now, this feature has only been accessible via the AI Studio on Instagram’s website. Bringing this functionality to WhatsApp would significantly streamline the process for users.

The introduction of the AI tab comes at the expense of the current Communities tab, which has been removed in the beta design. However, Communities themselves remain functional, as a simplified version of Community creation has been relocated to the Chats tab in an earlier beta release.

While the WhatsApp beta is available via Google Play, participation is limited, and the testing program is currently closed to new users. It remains unclear when or if this AI-focused redesign will roll out to the public version of the app, and the update is expected to remain exclusive to regions where WhatsApp’s AI features are already available.