Kakao adds the “Canana Template” feature. (Image courtesy of Kakao)
SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — Kakao Corp. said 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 capabilities of its in-app digital assistant.
The new feature, called the “Canana Template,” allows users to convert images exchanged in chat rooms into animated video clips with just a few taps. Using AI, the system automatically generates short-form videos without requiring manual editing.
Kakao currently offers 15 templates, including three AI-based video styles that animate a single image and 12 vlog-style templates that compile multiple photos into slideshow videos. Users can select photos — such as pictures of pets or daily moments — tap a “Create Video” button and choose a template to instantly produce a clip.
The update is part of Kakao’s broader push to integrate AI more deeply into its flagship messaging platform.
Alongside the video feature, the company has upgraded its AI agent, “Canana in KakaoTalk,” to strengthen connections with the app’s reservation and gifting services. Users can now ask the assistant to recommend venues, browse suggested locations and make reservations directly within a chat window when participating businesses are available through Kakao’s booking platform.
The assistant can also display friends’ birthdays and suggest gift options based on prior interactions, further streamlining social planning within the messaging app.
Kakao said the enhanced integration between its reservation and gifting services is designed to improve convenience and reduce the need to switch between apps. A full release, including an Android version, is scheduled for the first quarter of this year.
The update reflects Kakao’s broader effort to position KakaoTalk not only as a messaging service but as an AI-driven daily platform for communication, commerce and lifestyle management.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
