WhatsApp rolls out message summaries for unread texts

Meta-owned direct messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a new Message Summaries feature for users in the United States. Launched on Wednesday, the feature uses MetaAI to quickly summarise unread messages in a private chat before users get into the details.

Message Summaries uses private processing technology, which provides end-to-end encryption for user messages and summaries. In a bid to offer privacy, no one else in the chat is notified about the feature being used.

The summaries are given in English as of now. However, the company revealed that it plans to roll out the feature in more languages, in other countries.


WhatsApp has made the feature optional to use — it can be turned off when required. To enable the feature, users have to select an option called ‘summarise privately’ over the unread messages tab, for specific chats.

Earlier this month, the company introduced advertising features to monetise WhatsApp's massive user base of over two billion monthly active users. The advertising will be in the form of channel subscriptions, and ads in statuses in the Updates tab.

In May, the company introduced voice chat for groups of all sizes to connect live over audio.