Observed Signal · Aug 19, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
WhatsApp adds AI photo expansion feature
Meta is developing an AI-powered photo expansion feature for WhatsApp that converts horizontal or square images into portrait 9:16 format by analysing image contents and generating matching elements at the edges so the main subject isn't cropped. The option is expected to appear inside WhatsApp's drawing/editor tools and is powered by Meta AI. The capability was uncovered by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp's Android beta; it remains disabled and not officially available to testers, though some workarounds can enable it. Meta plans to offer the function in chats and Status, and separately WhatsApp is testing media previews in the chat list that show thumbnails of photos, videos and stickers. Image quality and usefulness will vary with the original photo—very small or low-detail images may produce incorrect or invented content—and no release date has been announced.
A technical release from a major platform (Meta/WhatsApp) that extends in-app generative image capabilities; relevant for content creation workflows, moderation, user behaviour and potential ad/format opportunities within a large social platform.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Meta is developing an AI tool to expand photos into 9:16 vertical format without cropping the main subject.
- The feature is expected inside WhatsApp's drawing/editor UI and is powered by Meta AI to analyze and generate matching edges.
- It was discovered by WABetaInfo in WhatsApp's Android beta; the capability is disabled and not officially available to testers, though workarounds can enable it.
- Meta plans to bring the function to chats and Status; WhatsApp is also testing chat-list media previews; rollout timing and regional availability are unknown.
- Output quality depends on the input—very small or low-detail images may produce incorrect or invented content; no release date announced.
Connected Companies & Entities
9 Entities mapped“Meta AI has already been part of WhatsApp for some time....”
“Meta will give WhatsApp another AI feature....”
“The innovation was found by WABetaInfo deep inside WhatsApp's Android beta....”
“Here you will find external content from TargetVideo GmbH that complements our editorial offering on t3n.de....”
“Here you will find external content from YouTube Video that complements our editorial offering on t3n.de....”
“Meta AI can soon expand your images in WhatsApp. (Image credit: Shutterstock/Hengki Tj)...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
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