“Canana template” feature has been added to Kakao. (Image provided by: Kakao)
SEOUL, January 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Kakao Corporation announced on Wednesday that it has begun rolling out a major update to KakaoTalk, introducing artificial intelligence tools that turn shared photos into short videos and expand the functionality of its in-app digital assistant.
A new feature called “Canana Templates” lets you turn images exchanged in chat rooms into animated video clips with just a few taps. Using AI, the system automatically generates short videos without the need for manual editing.
Kakao currently offers 15 templates, including three AI-based video styles that animate a single image, and 12 vlog-style templates that combine multiple photos into a slideshow video. Users select a photo, such as a photo of a pet or an everyday moment, tap the “Create Video” button, select a template, and the clip is instantly created.
The update is part of Kakao’s broader efforts to integrate AI more deeply into its flagship messaging platform.
In addition to video capabilities, the company has upgraded its AI agent “Canana in KakaoTalk” to enhance the app’s connectivity with booking and gifting services. If available to participating businesses through Kakao’s booking platform, users can now ask the assistant for venue recommendations, view suggested locations, and make reservations directly within the chat window.
The assistant can also show you a friend’s birthday and suggest gift options based on previous interactions, making social planning even more efficient within the messaging app.
Kakao said the enhanced integration of reservation and gift services is aimed at improving convenience and reducing the need to switch between apps. A full release, including an Android version, is expected in the first quarter of this year.
The update reflects Kakao’s broader efforts to position KakaoTalk not only as a messaging service, but also as an AI-driven everyday platform for communication, commerce and lifestyle management.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
