If you live in the UK and use a smartphone, it’s very likely that you’re using WhatsApp as your main messaging app. The Meta-owned service is so popular that it often fully replaces the text message app on iPhone and Android for Brits, so it’s a big deal when there’s a noticeable update to how WhatsApp works.
Today, WhatsApp is rolling out filters and backgrounds for video calls, allowing you to add a little colour and fun to your chats like you might be used to on other video apps such as Zoom.
Your phone and camera are clever enough to keep your head and shoulders on show while cropping out everything behind you, which is handy if you’re chatting and your room is in an absolute state, or if housemates or family are in shot behind you but you don’t want others to see them.
You can pick from ten filters and ten backgrounds, but we reckon WhatsApp will add more as time goes on. The filters have names such as Light leak, Dreamy and Prism light, while the backgrounds include Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles and Foodie.
“Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether that’s adding a splash of colour or creating a more artistic feel for your video,” WhatsApp said. “With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cosy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.”
The app is also adding ‘Touch up’ and ‘Light up’ options that use AI to brighten up your appearance and the room around you for a better look on calls. This is similar to effects you can use on apps such as Google Meet, which can artificially brighten up your video feed – handy for the impending gloomy British autumn we are on the cusp of.
Make sure you have automatic app updates switched on, as WhatsApp is pushing the update to the iPhone and Android versions of the app in the coming weeks. To turn on any filter or background, during a one-on-one or group video call you can tap to select effects in the top right of the screen and then go from there.
