WhatsApp may soon let you send AI-generated images to chats

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature to give over 2.4 billion monthly active users a new way to chat. Expanding its AI features, the chat app is currently testing artificial intelligence-based image generation, similar to several different services such as Microsoft Bing Designer, DALL-E, Midjourney, and Google Gemini. The new AI-based image creation tool will be powered by Meta AI and allow users to generate images from text prompts.

More AI features in WhatsApp

According to a WABetaInfo report, the new AI image generation tool will be a part of several AI-based features coming to the app. Previous reports have spotted the chat app working on tools to allow users to set AI-generated profile pictures and send AI-generated stickers. The AI image generator is currently in testing, but the report suggests it will be available “in a future update.” Maybe WhatsApp will roll out all three major AI services at once, but there is no confirmation for now.

A new tool called “Imagine” will be available in the attachment menu, clicking on which users could enter a text prompt, such as “a cat wearing a cowboy hat and dancing”, to generate images. The report has mentioned that the new AI-based image generator will be available as part of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.12.4 update. That also means that only beta testers can access the new feature. While the report does not mention whether WhatsApp is testing the feature with a few users, the chat app has updated its Help Center to lay out guidelines on how users can generate regular and animated images.

How to enrol for WhatsApp beta versions

All the new features become available to beta testers ahead of their launch. Beta testers have access to upcoming features and are expected to provide feedback on them for WhatsApp to implement changes. To sign up, go to WhatsApp’s listing on the Google Play Store and scroll down to find the option that says “Join the beta program.” If the slots are not already full, tapping this option will send a request to the developer to enrol your account in the beta programme. This should take a few minutes and depending on whether your request was accepted or rejected, you will see changes to the WhatsApp listing in your Play Store. Now, update the app to download the latest beta version.