Global messaging apps are undergoing transformations as they actively adopt generative artificial intelligence (AI).

The integration of advanced features such as search, image generation, and voice conversations is turning messengers into AI agents.

Meta Platforms Inc., which owns WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, has developed a chatbot-style AI assistant called Meta AI based on its AI model, Llama 3.

This AI has been integrated into WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

It offers features such as image generation and analysis, text translation, and photo editing. Users can interact with it not just through text but also via voice commands.

Meta AI also operates within chats with others.

If a user tags Mea AI in a personal or group chat, for example, and asks, “Recommend a picnic spot in San Francisco for the weekend,” Meta AI will search and suggest locations.

Snapchat, which is highly influential among young users, has introduced a personalized AI service called My AI which is based on OpenAI’s application programming interface.

My AI specializes in casual interactions, chatting like a friend or telling jokes. It also added a feature in 2025 where the AI will create stickers based off of text inputted by the users.

WeChat, China’s leading messenger with 1.3 billion monthly active users, is highlighting its collaboration with local AI startup, DeepSeek.

The company has been testing the integration of DeepSeek’s generative AI model, DeepSeek-R1, since February 2025.

Currently, some users can receive real-time responses from DeepSeek through the AI Search tab within WeChat.

LINE, which dominates 70 percent of Japan’s messenger market, is offering the LINE AI Assistant that uses OpenAI’s technology.

It launched the upgraded LINE AI in April 2025,which includes a Talk Suggest feature that suggests draft responses based on previous conversations, recommends related emojis, and even adjusts the tone of speech as desired.

Attention is also turning to changes in KakaoTalk, Korea’s leading messenger.

Kakao, which formed a strategic partnership with OpenAI, plans to introduce generative AI features into KakaoTalk.

Although specific functionalities have not yet been revealed, it is known that Kakao aims to differentiate itself with a key strategy of “seamlessly embedding AI into group chats.”

AI currently features on major messengers like WeChat, LINE and Snapchat are limited within group chats.

Industry insiders noted that it will be interesting to see whether KakaoTalk can integrate an AI agent into existing group chats and provide differentiated services, such as AI managing reservations based on conversation context.

Another point of interest is how naturally the upcoming AI Mate feature will blend into existing services.

The AI Shopping Mate is currently available in beta through the Talk Channel, and once fully launched within KakaoTalk Gift, insiders expect that it will be worth watching how it is implemented.

“Actively integrating AI into already mature services is the direction Kakao is pursuing for the popularization of AI,” a Kakao official said.

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