OpenAI recently announced a significant development for WhatsApp's vast user base: the ability to generate images directly within the instant messaging app, powered by ChatGPT.
The new functionality is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to integrate its technology into widely-used platforms, aiming to reach the largest possible audience.
How to Use ChatGPT for Image Generation on WhatsApp?
This isn't OpenAI's first integration with the messaging app. The company took its initial step last December by enabling ChatGPT conversations on WhatsApp through its "1-800-ChatGPT" feature.
That service allowed users to contact the number (1-800-242-8478) and interact with ChatGPT via text directly on the platform.
Now, that same gateway serves as the portal for image generation. To start your creative journey, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Save the phone number 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to your WhatsApp contacts.
2. Open a new chat with this contact.
3. Send a text prompt describing the image you want. You can send a description in English, as demonstrated in the upcoming image.
The image creation process takes just a few moments before the system delivers the final image directly into the chat window.
Powering this feature is the advanced GPT-4o model, known for its robust ability to understand text descriptions and transform them into detailed, near-realistic images.
According to early tests, the tool has delivered impressive results, even managing to render legible text within the generated pictures.
When initiating a conversation, the system displays a disclaimer that the user is interacting with an AI chatbot.
Continuing the chat signifies agreement with OpenAI's terms, which include the possibility of message reviews for safety purposes.
Notably, the company had also added support for analyzing images and receiving voice messages via WhatsApp this past February.
Expanding Access and Usage Limits
Reports indicate that users can generate one image per day for free without linking their WhatsApp to an existing ChatGPT account.
For expanded capacity, OpenAI has clarified that users can connect their WhatsApp number to their main ChatGPT account. To do so, a user sends a specific command, such as "Link my WhatsApp to my ChatGPT account," to the dedicated number. They will then receive a unique link to finalize the process.
Despite the announcement, some users reported initial difficulties, both with linking accounts and with getting the feature to work immediately. These issues might stem from a gradual rollout or early technical challenges.
ChatGPT's capabilities on WhatsApp are not limited to image generation. Users can also rely on it for tasks like finding quick recipes, proofreading texts, or drafting emails and notes. It also has the ability to analyze uploaded photos and provide an AI-generated description.
A Step Towards Mainstreaming AI Tools
For OpenAI, this integration is a method for making AI tools more mainstream while gathering data to enhance its future models.
In parallel, other major tech companies are embedding their own generative AI tools into their products.
Adobe, for example, has woven its Firefly 4 models into its software suite, while Google continues to expand the presence of its Gemini model. These collective efforts are making advanced AI tools more accessible than ever.
