Rakuten Viber has partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT-powered tools directly into its messaging platform, giving users in the Philippines free access to AI features without leaving the app.
The integration aims to make artificial intelligence more accessible to everyday users, allowing them to generate ideas, edit photos, summarize conversations, translate messages, and more through Viber’s familiar interface. The new features are now available on iOS and Android devices, with desktop support set to arrive soon.
ChatGPT Now Built Into Viber
Among the key additions is a dedicated ChatGPT contact and tab, enabling users to chat with the AI assistant directly within Viber. Users can ask questions, seek help with tasks, brainstorm ideas, or search for information without opening a separate application.
No ChatGPT account is required to get started, although users can sign in or create an account to access higher usage limits.
Viber users can also tag ChatGPT in private and group conversations by typing “@ChatGPT,” allowing the AI assistant to participate in discussions and provide suggestions in real time. According to Viber, only the specific message directed to ChatGPT is shared with OpenAI, not the entire conversation.
AI-Powered Creative and Productivity Tools
The partnership introduces several AI-enhanced features designed to simplify daily communication and content creation:
- Image Remix allows users to transform and personalize photos using ChatGPT-powered image generation tools.
- Link Summary provides quick summaries of shared articles, blogs, and documents.
- Chat Summary helps users catch up on lengthy conversations with private AI-generated recaps.
- Polish Messages rewrites drafts to improve tone, clarity, and style before sending.
- Translate Message offers instant translation capabilities within chats.
To access Image Remix, users must log in to a ChatGPT account within Viber, while the remaining tools can be used immediately without additional registration.
Making AI More Accessible
“We want to make everyday communication easier and more creative,” said Ofir Eyal, CEO of Rakuten Viber. “Partnering with OpenAI means we can bring ChatGPT to our users in the Philippines to add real, day-to-day value. Whether you’re drafting the perfect message, remixing an image, or exploring a new idea, this is now built into the app people already use every day.”
Torben Severson, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development at OpenAI, said the collaboration allows users to access AI assistance at the moments they need it most.
“Messaging is where so much of everyday life happens. With ChatGPT in Viber, people can get helpful, creative support right in the moment—from finding the right words to catching up on busy chats or remixing a photo,” Severson said.
Privacy Remains a Priority
Viber emphasized that privacy and security remain central to the platform. Core messaging features, including one-on-one chats, calls, group messages, and media sharing, continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.
The company noted that users must explicitly agree to OpenAI’s terms and privacy policies before using AI-powered features. For most tools, only the specific content selected by the user—such as text, images, or links—is sent to OpenAI for processing, while the rest of the conversation remains private.
The rollout forms part of Rakuten Viber’s broader strategy to integrate AI into everyday communication while maintaining user control and data protection.
For access to the new features, users are encouraged to update to the latest version of the Viber app.
