WhatsApp takes on Zoom: Meta’s messaging app now lets you add filters and backgrounds to your video calls – here’s how to try it

With more than two billion users in 180 countries, there’s no doubt that WhatsApp is the biggest messaging app in the world. 

But it seems the Meta-owned platform has made another crafty move in a bid to prise users away from videoconferencing giant Zoom. 

WhatsApp has revealed it’s rolling out filters and backgrounds for video calls in a bid to spice up personal and work video calls. 

Already used by Zoom, virtual video chat backgrounds help maintain your privacy by hiding your actual surroundings. 

Meanwhile, filters can freshen up your appearance and inject a bit of much-needed fun into proceedings – especially if it’s a dreary work call.  

According to Meta, the filters and backgrounds can be selected when the one-one-one or group video call has commenced. 

In a blog post, WhatsApp said filters and backgrounds will become available to everyone ‘in the coming weeks’ – both for one-to-one video chats and group video chats. 

‘Conversations on WhatsApp should always feel fun and expressive and today,’ the blog post reads. 

‘So we’re rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging. 

‘With these new effects, you can now change your background or add a filter during a video call for a more personal touch.’ 

According to Meta, the filters and backgrounds can be selected when a one-on-one or group video chat has commenced. 

During the call, users simply need to tap on the effects icons on the top right of the screen, which brings up the selections.

There are 10 filters to choose from – warm, cool, black & white, duo, frosted glass, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fish eye and ‘vintage TV’. 

There are also 10 new backgrounds – blur, living room, office, café, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration and forest.

Some of the backgrounds are photos, while others are colourful illustrations. 

There are 10 filters to choose from – dreamy (pictured, centre) warm, cool, black & white, duo, frosted glass, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fish eye and ‘vintage TV’

And there’s 10 backgrounds – office (pictured, centre) blur, living room, café, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration and forest

WhatsApp explains: ‘Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether that’s adding a splash of color or creating a more artistic feel for your video. 

‘With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cozy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.’ 

WhatsApp is also adding ‘touch up’ and ‘low light’ options that enhance ‘the look and brightness of your environment, making your video calls more vibrant and enjoyable’. 

In its announcement, Meta platform did not mention any videoconferencing rivals. 

But the move is a surefire way to get people off of platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet – and onto WhatsApp. 

Zoom soared in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown, as well as other platforms such as WebEx, Microsoft Teams and Skype (file photo)

These videoconferencing platforms soared in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic when employees were forced to work from home.

Even four years later, many companies are only just getting their employees back into the office, while many more still don’t have any plans to do so. 

According to a recent study, videoconferencing remains a big part of modern life as people continue to work remotely and attend virtual events. 

The study found blurred background or an animated video background makes you tired because it stimulates the brain too much. 

Millions of people use WhatsApp for work, even though the product was originally focused on facilitating personal connections between friends and family. 

WhatsApp used to be solely for text messages akin to SMS, but it launched voice calls for its mobile app in 2015 and video calls the following year.