WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. One of the key features that makes WhatsApp so popular is its extensive library of filters that allow users to customize and enhance their photos and videos before sharing them.
Original WhatsApp
The original WhatsApp app has a basic set of photo editing tools built-in, but does not offer any advanced filters. Users can crop, rotate, and add text or stickers to photos before sending. There are also drawing tools to add doodles or captions. However, there are no filters for applying special effects or altering colors/tones.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a version of WhatsApp designed for businesses to communicate with customers. Like the original WhatsApp, it does not have any specialized filters for enhancing photos beyond the basic editing tools.
WhatsApp Web/Desktop
WhatsApp Web and Desktop provide web-based and desktop access to WhatsApp. These platforms allow users to access their WhatsApp messages and content on a computer. However, they have the same limitations as the mobile app – no advanced filters are available.
WhatsApp Mods (GB, FM, Plus)
There are modified (“mod”) versions of WhatsApp such as GB WhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus that add additional features not found in the official app. These mods do provide filters including:
- Black and white filter
- Retro filter
- HDR filter
- Night filter
- Rainbow filter
- Glitch filter
However, these unofficial versions violate WhatsApp’s terms of service and can be considered unsafe or illegal in some regions.
Third-Party WhatsApp Filter Apps
There are a number of third party apps available that work in conjunction with WhatsApp to provide filters. Some examples include:
- Sweet Selfie
- Snapchat
- B612
- PIP Camera
- Candy Camera
- Retrica
These apps allow you to take photos or videos, apply filters and effects, and then save or share them directly to WhatsApp. This provides a way to use filters with WhatsApp while staying within the official app’s terms of service.
While not directly part of WhatsApp, Instagram is owned by the same company (Meta) and has deep integration with WhatsApp. Photos and videos can be easily shared from Instagram to WhatsApp. So applying Instagram’s wide range of filters and then sending to WhatsApp provides a workaround for adding filters to WhatsApp content.
Conclusion
The official WhatsApp apps (for iOS, Android, Web, Desktop) do not have built-in filters beyond basic editing tools. However, by using unofficial mod versions, third-party apps, or Instagram, WhatsApp users can apply filters and effects to enhance their photos and videos before sharing.
Comparison of WhatsApp Filter Options
| WhatsApp Version | Filters Available? | Examples of Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Original WhatsApp | No | None |
| WhatsApp Business | No | None |
| WhatsApp Web/Desktop | No | None |
| WhatsApp Mods | Yes | Black and white, retro, HDR, etc. |
| Third-Party Apps | Yes | Variety of filter apps |
| Yes | Clarendon, Gingham, Valencia, etc. |
Common Third-Party WhatsApp Filter Apps
Here is more detail on some of the most popular third-party apps used to add filters to WhatsApp content:
Sweet Selfie
- Free app with in-app purchases for additional filters
- Makeup, lipstick, and whitening filters
- Filters for shape correction and acne removal
- Save edited photos to camera roll or share directly to WhatsApp
Snapchat
- Massively popular app with a huge range of filters and lenses
- Filters include time, weather, location, and speed effects
- Lenses for pet, food, face mix, and other wacky effects
- Can save Snaps to Memories or share directly to WhatsApp
B612
- Beauty camera and video editor app
- Filters for smoothing skin and making eyes bigger
- AR masks, 3D effects, and dynamic stickers
- Collage maker to combine multiple photos
- Share individual photos or collages to WhatsApp
WhatsApp Mods and Third-Party Apps Safety
While WhatsApp mods and third-party filter apps provide more options for using filters in WhatsApp, there are some risks:
- Against WhatsApp terms of service – account can be banned
- Potential security vulnerabilities
- May see more ads/spam
- Some require providing access to contacts
- Unofficial apps could have malware
The safest options are to use the official WhatsApp apps and share filtered photos from Instagram. While the modded apps do work, they should be used with caution and awareness of the additional risks.
Future WhatsApp Filter Capabilities
WhatsApp frequently adds new features and capabilities to remain competitive with other messaging apps. Based on surveys and user feedback, native filters within WhatsApp itself could be added in the future. WhatsApp’s parent company Meta already has deep expertise around photo filters from Instagram and Facebook.
Potential upcoming filter capabilities WhatsApp could add include:
- AR filters similar to Snapchat and Instagram
- Quick filters like B&W, vintage, HDR, etc.
- Beauty filters – smoothing, reshaping facial features
- Background filters – changing or blurring the background
- Stickers and overlays to enhance photos
Integrating more editing and filter options directly into WhatsApp would provide convenience and a safer experience compared to third-party apps. With WhatsApp’s substantial engineering resources and motivation to incrementally improve the app,filters seem likely to come eventually.
Conclusion
Currently, the official WhatsApp app does not have its own filters, but they can be added through modded versions, third-party apps, or sharing from Instagram. While convenient, unofficial apps do come with risks around privacy, security, and account bans. As competitive pressure mounts, Meta will likely add filters natively to WhatsApp in the future to keep pace with other chat apps. But for now, careful use of third-party tools remains the best way to get filters on WhatsApp content.