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WhatsApp is testing a new feature on iPhone that could give users more clarity about the media they see on Channels. The Meta-owned messaging app is reportedly introducing an AI content label that will allow Channel admins to disclose when an image, video, or other media is created or edited with artificial intelligence.
The feature is currently being tested with a limited group of iPhone users through WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta program. It is reportedly available to selected testers running WhatsApp for iOS version 26.34.10.70.
The move comes as AI-generated images and videos become increasingly difficult to distinguish from real content. Generative AI tools are widely used to create realistic photographs and videos, making transparency more important for platforms that host content from creators, publishers and businesses.
The new label is designed for content shared through WhatsApp Channels. Admins can alert users whether a particular media is generated or modified with AI.
The feature may not be limited to content produced with Meta’s own AI tools. Channel admins can also disclose media generated or edited using third-party applications.
This could be particularly useful for large Channels that regularly publish images, promotional material, videos, and other visual updates. Instead of leaving viewers to guess how a piece of content was produced, the label may provide additional context.
According to the reported testing, admins can add the disclosure from the context menu in a Channel update. After sharing eligible media, they can select the ‘Add AI content label’ option and specify whether the content was generated or edited using AI.
Once applied, the label is expected to remain attached to that particular update. Admins reportedly will not be able to remove it later, preventing temporary disclosures that are later withdrawn. The label will also be visible to all people viewing the Channel.
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The company is reportedly exploring automatic detection that could identify certain AI-generated media and apply an appropriate label. If introduced, automatic detection could provide an additional layer of transparency when admins forget to disclose how content was created. However, the feature is still being tested, so its final capabilities and wider availability could change before a public rollout.
For now, the AI content label remains limited to selected iPhone beta testers. WhatsApp has also been testing similar functionality on Android.
