WhatsApp, the messaging giant with over two billion users across 180 countries, is making strides to enhance its video calling experience, aiming to capture a larger share of the videoconferencing market dominated by platforms like Zoom. In a recent announcement, the Meta-owned application revealed its plans to introduce filters and backgrounds for video calls, designed to elevate both personal and professional interactions.
New Features to Enhance Video Calls
The forthcoming features will allow users to add a touch of creativity and privacy to their video calls. As WhatsApp explained in a blog post, these enhancements are intended to make conversations more engaging and expressive. Users will be able to select from a variety of filters and backgrounds during their calls, enriching the overall experience.
- The option to add filters and backgrounds will appear during a WhatsApp call.
- To access these features, users can tap on the effects icon located at the top right of the screen.
- There are ten filters available, including warm, cool, black & white, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fisheye, vintage TV, frosted glass, and duo.
- Users can also choose from ten backgrounds, such as blur, living room, office, café, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration, and forest.
These filters and backgrounds will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks, applicable to both one-on-one and group video chats. The intention is to provide a more personal touch, allowing users to maintain their privacy while enjoying a more polished appearance during calls.
WhatsApp’s new features are not limited to just aesthetic enhancements. The platform is also introducing ‘touch up’ and ‘low light’ options, which aim to improve the brightness and overall look of video calls, making them more vibrant and enjoyable.
While WhatsApp’s announcement did not directly reference its competitors, the timing and nature of these features suggest a strategic move to divert users from established videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. The pandemic significantly increased the reliance on these tools, as remote work became the norm for many. Even now, four years post-pandemic, a substantial number of companies continue to embrace remote work, keeping videoconferencing at the forefront of their communication strategies.
Interestingly, a recent study highlighted that certain video backgrounds can lead to fatigue due to overstimulation of the brain. This insight underscores the importance of providing users with options that not only enhance their appearance but also contribute to a more comfortable and effective communication environment.
Originally designed for personal messaging, WhatsApp has evolved significantly since launching voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016. The platform is now increasingly utilized for professional purposes, reflecting the changing dynamics of communication in both personal and work settings.
