WhatsApp has long since ceased to be just a simple messenger that you can use to exchange text messages. In addition to pure chats, there are status messages that can contain images, channels and communities. But regular phone calls and video chats have also been an integral part for a long time. The makers now have a number of new features for the latter announcedwhich you may already know from other video platforms.
WhatsApp wants to make video chats more personal
WhatsApp presents two big innovations for the video calls integrated into the app. The first improvement is filters. According to the creators, these are intended to help “give your video an artistic touch.” There are a total of ten filters to choose from: Warm, Cool, Black and White, Light Leak, Dreamy, Prism Light, Fisheye, Classic TV, Frosted Glass and Two-Tone. If you use Instagram, you might already be familiar with these variants.
You may know the second innovation from Zoom, Google Meet or other video conferencing apps. As with these, you will be able to swap your real background for a virtual version in WhatsApp in the future. So you’ll soon be able to make a more professional or fun impression during video calls in Messenger. There are also ten virtual backgrounds to choose from: Blur, Living Room, Office, Café, Pebbles, Gourmet, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration and Forest.
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Additionally, you can select two more options in the upcoming WhatsApp update: Refine and Low Light. These are intended to “naturally improve the appearance and brightness of your surroundings.”
New filters and backgrounds only in a few weeks
As is usual with WhatsApp, these features do not appear in a timely manner with a simple update of the app. Instead, the creators say that they will be available to all users “over the coming weeks.” So it may take some time until the options are activated in your app.
When the time comes, you can activate the filters and backgrounds during individual and group video calls. You will then find the functions behind the effect symbols at the top right of the screen.
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