WhatsApp AI Summaries vs Export Recaps
WhatsApp is adding AI summaries. Export-based tools like ThreadRecap do something different. Here is when to use each.
WhatsApp is adding built-in AI summaries. You can also export your chat and use an external tool like ThreadRecap. Both produce summaries, but they work very differently.
WhatsApp's built-in AI summaries
WhatsApp has been rolling out AI-generated summaries for unread messages in group chats. The feature:
- Summarizes unread messages when you open a group
- Runs on-device or through Meta's AI infrastructure
- Shows a brief paragraph at the top of the chat
- Focuses on what you missed since your last visit
This is useful for quick catch-ups on active groups.
Export-based recap (ThreadRecap)
Export-based tools take a different approach:
- You export the full chat as a .zip file
- Upload it to the chat summarizer
- Choose what kind of analysis you want
- Get structured output (summary, action items, decisions, etc.)
This is useful for detailed analysis, archival, and professional use cases.
Key differences
Scope
WhatsApp AI: Summarizes only unread messages since your last visit.
Export recap: Analyzes any date range you choose — last week, last month, or the entire chat history.
Depth
WhatsApp AI: Brief summary paragraph. Good for "what did I miss?"
Export recap: Structured output with decisions, action items, open questions, and topics. Good for "what did we decide and who is doing what?"