WhatsApp to let users build custom AI chatbots with new beta feature

If you’ve been following the evolution of Meta’s AI integration across its platforms, this one shouldn’t come as a surprise. After rolling out the ability to create personalised AI bots on Instagram and Messenger, Meta is now bringing the same functionality to WhatsApp. As per feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new feature, dubbed “Create an AI,” has started rolling out to select beta testers via the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.18.4, available through the Play Store.

That is some update

With this change, WhatsApp is set to gain access to Meta’s AI Studio, which would be an interface that lets users craft their own AI chatbots from scratch. The process appears to mirror that of Instagram and Messenger, where users start by describing their chatbot’s role and purpose using up to 1,000 characters. Next, users pick the bot’s personality traits and its functional role, such as a mentor, helper, or teacher. WhatsApp will offer suggestions based on the prompt, but users can freely customise the personality matrix as they wish.

The personalisation doesn’t stop there. Once the behaviour and role are set, users move on to designing the chatbot’s avatar. Suggestions are auto-generated by the app, but users can also edit these or even create entirely new avatars using text prompts, leveraging generative AI capabilities to tailor a unique look for their bot.

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Once completed, the AI chatbot becomes instantly accessible for one-on-one chats. A dedicated AI Studio tab will host both pre-built bots and user-created ones. While it’s unclear if WhatsApp bots can be shared publicly just yet, given this is already possible on Instagram and Messenger, the feature may well arrive in future updates.

The rollout is still limited, but with more testers expected to get access in the coming weeks, a full launch might not be too far away.