OpenAI announced a significant upgrade to ChatGPT on WhatsApp, enabling users to generate images based on text prompts. Initially launched in December 2024 as a custom phone number integration, this AI chatbot extension now enhances its capabilities, likely powered by the GPT-4o model.
OpenAI revealed via X that ChatGPT on WhatsApp now supports image generation, allowing users to create visuals from text descriptions. This follows the addition of image and voice input support four months ago. Tests show the feature, likely driven by GPT-4o, produces images comparable to ChatGPT’s web and app versions, taking about two minutes per generation. Users without a linked OpenAI account are restricted to one image every 24 hours, ensuring broader access with controlled usage.
ChatGPT image generation is now available to everyone worldwide in WhatsApp via 1-800-ChatGPT. Just add +1-800-242-8478 as a contact and ask for the image you’d like to see!
Pro tip: Don’t forget to link your ChatGPT account to 1-800-ChatGPT in WhatsApp to get more image… pic.twitter.com/Dd4rX9dIAv
— Özer Dölekoğlu (@wrzl) June 16, 2025
ChatGPT on WhatsApp generates images and answers text-based queries, creates content, analyses images, and responds to voice notes with text. The platform does not support two-way voice conversations. Although ChatGPT regularly updates its knowledge base, it cannot browse the web for real-time information, which limits its ability to address the most recent events. These capabilities make ChatGPT a versatile tool within WhatsApp, serving the needs of millions of users worldwide.
The image generation feature strengthens ChatGPT’s integration with WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms. By leveraging GPT-4o, OpenAI ensures high-quality outputs, enhancing user engagement. The update aligns with OpenAI’s strategy to expand AI accessibility, particularly for WhatsApp’s vast user base in regions like South Asia and Latin America. The one-image-per-day limit for non-linked users balances functionality with account-linking incentives.
ChatGPT image generation is now available in WhatsApp via 1-800-ChatGPT.
Now available to everyone.https://t.co/RF3A1bDU4n
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) June 16, 2025
This upgrade transforms ChatGPT on WhatsApp into a creative tool for users, enabling visual content creation alongside text-based tasks. Businesses and creators may find it valuable for quick design prototyping or social media content. For OpenAI, the feature reinforces ChatGPT’s competitiveness in the AI chatbot market, challenging rivals like Google’s Gemini. The integration deepens WhatsApp’s role as a hub for AI-driven communication, potentially driving OpenAI account sign-ups.
ChatGPT’s new image generation feature on WhatsApp, powered by GPT-4o, significantly enhances AI accessibility. Despite limitations for non-linked users, the upgrade enriches the platform’s utility.