WHATSAPP is preparing to roll out a major upgrade to its video call feature, allowing users to personalise their video chats with new filters and backgrounds. This move mirrors popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, adding a new level of personalisation to video calls on the app.
The new filters allow users to adjust the colours of their video feed, adding warmth or a more artistic touch to their appearance. Backgrounds, powered by AI, enable users to replace their real-life surroundings with virtual ones—whether it’s a cosy café, a beach at sunset, or a professional office setting. These options are designed to make conversations more fun and engaging while also providing a way to maintain privacy by hiding cluttered backgrounds.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is the most widely used messaging service globally, with over 2 billion users across iPhone and Android. The latest upgrade follows recent announcements from Meta regarding plans to merge chats across Messenger, Signal, and other messaging services to comply with new EU regulations.
Both iPhone and Android users will be able to choose from ten different filters and ten backgrounds. The new filters include Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light Leak, Dreamy, Prism Light, Fisheye, Vintage TV, Frosted Glass, and Duo Tone. Background choices will range from Blur to more detailed settings like a Living Room, Office, Café, Beach, Sunset, and Forest. Meta has hinted that more backgrounds will be introduced in future updates.
Switching to these new backgrounds can create a playful atmosphere, or make calls appear more professional by masking what’s behind you. For example, using the ‘Office’ background could add a professional touch to work meetings, while the ‘Beach’ or ‘Café’ backgrounds can help create a relaxed vibe for personal calls.
The new upgrade also includes two additional features—Touch up and Low Light—to enhance the overall video call experience. According to a blog post published by the company, ‘Touch up and Low Light options help you feel more confident and comfortable by naturally enhancing your environment, making video calls more vibrant and enjoyable.’ These features will adjust brightness and smooth out imperfections, even when the lighting conditions are poor, similar to skin-smoothing effects introduced by Google Meet last year.
Accessing these new features during a 1:1 or group video call will be simple—just tap the effects icon on the top right of the screen. This will bring up the selection of filters and backgrounds, which can be applied in real-time during the call. Everyone on the video call will see the selected filter or background.
WhatsApp has confirmed that these new features will be available to all users in the coming weeks, but a specific release date has yet to be announced.
Summarising the new features, WhatsApp stated: ‘Conversations on WhatsApp should always be fun and expressive, and today we’re rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging.’
