WhatsApp introduces Live Photos, AI-powered themes, stickers, and more

WhatsApp has rolled out a new set of features aimed at enhancing personalisation, creativity, and usability across its messaging platform. The update introduces Live Photos on iOS, Motion Photos on Android, AI-powered themes, fresh sticker packs, improved group search, and a document scanning tool for Android. These updates collectively make messaging more interactive, expressive, and user-friendly.

Live Photos and Motion Photos

The latest WhatsApp update allows users to share Live Photos on iOS and Motion Photos on Android, giving life to snapshots with sound and movement. These short clips capture real-life moments in a more immersive way, helping friends and family experience events as if they were happening in real time. By integrating movement and audio, WhatsApp ensures photos are not just static images but dynamic memories.

Custom Chat Themes with Meta AI

WhatsApp is expanding its personalisation options by introducing AI-powered custom chat themes. Building on its earlier Chat Themes feature, Meta AI now lets users create themes that reflect their style and personality. While these features are being gradually rolled out and may not be available to all users initially, they allow a new level of creative expression within chats. Custom themes can transform the look and feel of individual conversations, making messaging more engaging.

AI-Powered Backgrounds

In addition to themes, WhatsApp now offers AI-generated backgrounds for video calls and chats. Users can design unique backdrops for both photos and videos within chats, giving their messages a personal and creative touch. These AI-powered visuals enhance the overall chatting experience by providing dynamic and visually appealing environments. Like custom themes, these AI features are being rolled out gradually, so access may vary by user.

New Sticker Packs

To make conversations more expressive, WhatsApp has launched several fresh sticker packs. Popular packs include Fearless Bird, School Days, and Vacation, offering users a fun and quick way to communicate emotions without words. Stickers have become an essential part of modern messaging, allowing users to add humor, style, and emotion to chats with just a tap.

Improved Group Search

Finding group chats is now easier with WhatsApp’s enhanced group search feature. Instead of scrolling endlessly through chats, users can type a contact’s name in the search bar, and WhatsApp will display all the groups shared with that person. This improvement saves time and streamlines the process of reconnecting with friends or colleagues in multiple group conversations.

In-App Document Scanning on Android

WhatsApp has also expanded its document scanning capabilities to Android users. The in-app document scanner allows users to scan, crop, save, and send documents directly within WhatsApp, without relying on third-party apps. This feature, previously exclusive to iOS, now ensures cross-platform convenience, making WhatsApp a more versatile tool for both personal and professional communication.

Focus on Personalisation and Creativity

Overall, the new WhatsApp update emphasizes personalisation, creativity, and usability. From AI-generated themes and backgrounds to Live and Motion Photos, the platform is enhancing how users interact and express themselves. By incorporating tools for both fun (stickers and AI visuals) and productivity (document scanning and improved search), WhatsApp continues to strengthen its position as a leading messaging app globally.

Conclusion

WhatsApp’s latest update brings a range of features designed to make messaging more immersive, creative, and efficient. With Live Photos, AI themes, fresh sticker packs, improved group search, and cross-platform document scanning, users can enjoy a more dynamic and personalised chat experience. These updates showcase WhatsApp’s commitment to blending fun, creativity, and practicality for millions of users worldwide.