Messaging Apps Embrace Generative AI for Enhanced Features

Global messaging apps are undergoing significant transformations as they integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences. Major platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, LINE, and KakaoTalk are leading this shift, turning traditional messengers into AI-powered agents.

Meta’s AI Integration

• Meta Platforms Inc., owner of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, has developed Meta AI, a chatbot-style assistant based on its Llama 3 model.
• Features include image generation, text translation, photo editing, and voice command interactions.
• Meta AI can also operate within group chats, providing real-time assistance (e.g., recommending picnic spots when tagged).

Snapchat’s Personalized AI

• Snapchat’s My AI, built on OpenAI’s API, caters to younger users with casual, friend-like interactions.
• In 2025, it added a sticker-generation feature based on user text inputs.

WeChat and LINE’s AI Expansions

• WeChat (1.3B monthly users) collaborates with DeepSeek, testing its DeepSeek-R1 model for real-time responses via an AI Search tab.
• LINE (70% market share in Japan) upgraded its LINE AI Assistant in April 2025, featuring:
  • Talk Suggest (draft responses, emoji recommendations, tone adjustments).

KakaoTalk’s AI Ambitions

• Kakao partnered with OpenAI to embed AI into KakaoTalk, focusing on seamless group chat integration.
• Potential features include AI managing reservations based on chat context.
• AI Shopping Mate, currently in beta via Talk Channel, may expand to KakaoTalk Gift.

“Actively integrating AI into mature services is Kakao’s strategy for AI popularization.” — Kakao Official

Industry Outlook

• The key challenge is natural AI integration into existing workflows.
• Competitors will likely accelerate AI adoption to match innovations like KakaoTalk’s group chat AI.

ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr