No one to talk to on WhatsApp? Soon you will be able to create your own AI chatbot
Feeling like your WhatsApp inbox has gone quiet? Well, you might soon be able to make a new AI friend to talk to. WhatsApp is working on a new feature that lets users create their own AI-powered chatbots and customize it tailored entirely to their liking. Meta has already released this feature on Instagram and Messenger via Meta’s AI Studio. The feature allows users to describe the purpose, personality, and even appearance of their customized AI chatbot — and talk to it like a regular contact.
Rollout of the AI Chatbot Feature
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is currently rolling out the custom AI chatbot feature to select Android beta testers via the 2.25.18.4 update on the Google Play Store. The feature was reportedly spotted earlier this year in earlier builds under the name “Create an AI” tool. The rollout of this feature is in line with Meta’s plan to bring more AI experiences directly into apps like WhatsApp.
How to Create Your AI Chatbot on WhatsApp
Detailing more on the Create an AI feature on WhatsApp, the report reveals that this new tool allows users to design AI companions based on their personal needs. Users can create the chatbot to be their digital coach, a productivity assistant, or simply a friendly chatbot to pass the time with. Users will even be able to define everything from the bot’s personality traits and conversational tone to its avatar and role.
Meanwhile, to use the feature, users will first need to wait for the official release — although Android users in the beta program can try it now. Users can click on “Create AI”, then begin by describing what they want the AI to do, using prompts of up to 1,000 characters. Based on this input, WhatsApp offers personality templates and role suggestions. The AI could act as a mentor, teacher, helper, or even a mental wellness coach. From there, users can choose a tone — inspiring, calm, energetic — and even customize an avatar with suggestions or by generating one through prompts. Users can also create a tagline for their AI assistant to define its role and objective.
Once created, users can either keep their chatbot private for personal use or generate a link to share it with friends, groups, or on social media. For instance, someone who creates an AI that helps with language learning could share it in study groups. Meanwhile, users building journaling or productivity bots may prefer to keep them private.
Global Rollout and Expansion
While Meta hasn’t confirmed a global rollout timeline, WABetaInfo notes that access is expanding over the coming weeks.
