Photos Sent via KakaoTalk Can Now Be Turned into Videos by AI... 'Kanana Template' Feature Added

AI Transforms Photos into Animated Videos
Operates on Kakao's Proprietary AI Model 'Kanana-Kinema'

Kakao has introduced a new feature that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to transform images into videos through KakaoTalk.

On January 21, Kakao announced that it has added the 'Kanana Template' feature via a KakaoTalk app update. The core of the Kanana Template is to turn photos shared on KakaoTalk into videos using AI. It enables changes in the facial expressions of the subject in the photo or makes the subject appear to move.

Kakao announced on the 21st that it added the 'Kanana Template' feature through the KakaoTalk app update conducted on the 20th. Photo by Kakao

The Kanana Template can be used by uploading photos to pre-set templates. Currently, a total of 15 templates are offered, including three types of 'AI Templates' that animate images, and 12 types of 'Vlog Templates' that create slideshow videos from multiple photos.

Among these, the AI Templates generate animated videos when a photo featuring a person or animal is uploaded. Templates such as 'Memory Restoration Studio,' which animates old photos; 'Live Profile,' which brings profile pictures to life by animating facial expressions and actions; and 'Pet Moving,' which creates animated videos from pet photos, are provided.

This feature operates based on Kakao's proprietary AI model, 'Kanana-Kinema.' Kanana-Kinema is an AI model specialized in video generation, enabling users to create short videos by either entering text or uploading photos.

Users can create Kanana Template videos by posting new content from their profile in the KakaoTalk Friends tab or by selecting a shared image in a chatroom and pressing the 'Create Video' button. The generated videos can be shared in chatrooms and downloaded.

A Kakao representative said, "We hope that users will enjoy creating short AI videos easily and conveniently with the Kanana Template when chatting in KakaoTalk chatrooms or posting new content on their profiles, sharing unique fun and experiences."

Meanwhile, with this update, Kakao has also added a feature that allows users to share a summary of VoiceTalk call recordings in chatrooms. After Kanana transcribes and summarizes the call, the summary can be sent to the VoiceTalk counterpart or to other chatrooms.