WhatsApp adds Live Photos, AI themes, video backgrounds

WhatsApp just got a big, creativity-focused update. You can send Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android) with sound, generate AI chat themes, change video call backgrounds with AI, scan documents on Android, find groups shared with someone more easily, and use fresh sticker packs. Rollout is phased, so some features may take time to show up. Keep your app updated and try the quick steps below.

What’s new in WhatsApp right now

Live Photos (iOS) and Motion Photos (Android)

Regular photos are fine, but sometimes a moment needs movement and sound. Live Photos on iPhone and Motion Photos on Android capture that tiny slice of time around a shot. WhatsApp now preserves that motion and audio when you share, so a laugh, cheer, or clink of glasses feels real. Great for birthdays, kids’ firsts, concerts, or anything that loses its charm as a still. Availability may vary by device and app version.

AI-generated Chat Themes (Meta AI)

Chat Themes were already a fun way to personalize conversations. Now you can ask Meta AI to create unique looks “sunset beach,” “futuristic city,” “soft pastels,” or anything you imagine. It doesn’t just change a wallpaper; it sets a mood for the whole chat. This is rolling out in phases, so if you don’t see it yet, update the app and check again later.

AI-powered video call backgrounds (and camera effects)

Not camera-ready? Or want to add some personality to your calls? You can now generate backgrounds with Meta AI and appear in front of a beach, a clean office, or something more playful. Similar AI backgrounds can also be added while taking photos or videos inside chats, which makes casual sharing look more polished.

Smarter group search (find shared groups by person)

When groups pile up, remembering the exact name is tough. The new search behavior helps you find groups you share with a person type the contact name and you’ll see mutual groups, making it fast to jump back into the right thread.

Document scanning on Android

Android gets a built-in doc scanner. Open WhatsApp, scan the receipt or form, crop and send it no separate app needed. For people who juggle school forms, invoices, or travel docs, this cuts friction.

New sticker packs

Two new sets Fearless Bird and Vacation plus others rolling out, add variety to reactions and mood. They’re lighthearted, animated, and good for quick emotional context when words feel clunky.

Quick start: how to use each feature

Share a Live/Motion Photo

1. iPhone: Open a chat → + → Photo & Video Library → select a Live Photo (keep “Live” on) → send.
2. Android: Open a chat → Attach → Gallery → pick a Motion Photo → send.
   Tip: These include sound. If that’s sensitive (e.g., background chatter), review before sending.

Generate an AI chat theme

1. Open a chat → tap the chat name → Wallpaper & Sound (or Chat Theme) → Create with Meta AI.
2. Prompt ideas: “calm ocean dusk,” “neon cyberpunk grid,” “minimal beige textures.”
3. Try a few prompts and variations until the vibe fits the conversation.

Change your video call background with AI

1. Start or join a video call → Effects/Background → AI Background.
2. Type a prompt (e.g., “bright home office,” “library,” “abstract shapes”).
3. Apply. If your phone struggles, switch to a simpler background to reduce load.

Find groups you share with someone

1. Go to the Chats tab → Search → type the contact’s name.
2. Look for Groups in common results and jump straight in.
   If you don’t see it yet, keep your app updated; it’s rolling out.

Scan a document on Android

1. Open a chat → Attach → Document → Scan.
2. Align the page, capture, crop, and send.
3. For multi-page PDFs, repeat before sending.

Add the new sticker packs

1. In a chat → Emoji → Stickers → +.
2. Search for Fearless Bird or Vacation and install.
3. Long-press to favorite your go-tos.

Practical use cases

Family trips & events

Your cousin’s graduation is better as a Motion/Live Photo: you hear the cheer as the camera pans. The family group’s AI theme can match the trip “Santorini sunset” for vacation updates. Quick doc scan helps share hotel invoices or boarding passes.

Remote work & school

A cleaner call background keeps focus on the discussion. Scanned handouts go to the class group without fiddling with a third-party app. Smarter group search finds “Project-Q4” with your manager instantly.

Creators & small businesses

Use AI backgrounds for quick product explainers or “behind-the-scenes” chats that look less messy. Branded chat themes set a tone in customer groups. Scans make receipts and signed agreements easy to file in the chat.

Privacy, rollout, and limitations

• Phased rollout: Not everyone gets every feature on day one. Update WhatsApp, then check again in a few days if something’s missing.
• AI features: AI-generated backgrounds and chat themes rely on Meta’s AI services. You type a prompt; the service generates images and styles.
• Data use: Meta has announced broader plans to use interactions with its AI to personalize content and ads across apps (excludes some regions), with carve-outs for sensitive categories. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption stays intact for personal messages and calls. Check your region and settings for specifics.

Troubleshooting & tips

• Update paths:
  • iOS: App Store → your profile → Update All → WhatsApp.
  • Android: Play Store → profile → Manage apps → WhatsApp → Update.
• Storage: Motion/Live Photos are larger than stills. Periodically clear Settings → Storage and data → Manage storage.
• Battery & performance: AI effects can tax older or budget devices. If calls stutter, switch to a simple blurred background.
• Bandwidth: On weak connections, send a still if the motion won’t add much.
• Accessibility: Prefer high-contrast themes for readability; test AI themes against light/dark preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why don’t I have AI chat themes yet?
Rollout is staged. Update WhatsApp and check again later; availability varies by region and device.

Do Live/Motion Photos include audio?
Yes, they capture brief motion and sound. Review before sending if background audio is sensitive.

Can I turn off AI backgrounds mid-call?
Yes. Open background settings and switch to none or blur if performance drops.

Does document scanning work on iPhone?
iOS users already had scanning options; this update specifically adds an Android scanner inside WhatsApp.

How do I find all groups I share with someone?
Use search from the Chats tab, type their name, and look for shared groups. If you don’t see the grouping yet, keep your app updated.

Are AI themes private?
Themes are generated from your prompt via Meta’s AI service. Personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted; review Meta’s documentation if you have privacy concerns.

Do AI features cost money?
No extra fee has been announced; features roll out within the app version you already use.

Do these features work on WhatsApp Web/Desktop?
Core features land on mobile first. Some may expand to desktop later; check release notes.

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