Instagram has just rolled out its cutting-edge generative AI-powered background editing tool
Instagram bringing a new dimension to the U.S.-based user experience. Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s lead for generative AI, took to Threads to announce this exciting feature, highlighting its ability to transform image backgrounds seamlessly within Stories.
The background editor icon, when tapped, unleashes a stream of creative prompts for users to choose from. Whether it’s strolling down a red carpet, evading dinosaurs, or basking in a sea of puppies, the tool offers an array of imaginative options. Users can also craft their own prompts, providing an unprecedented level of customization.
Once a Story with the newly generated background is shared, a “Try it” sticker with the chosen prompt appears, inviting others to engage with the dynamic image generation tool. This interactive feature adds a playful touch to the Instagram experience, fostering creativity and shared enjoyment.
This move by Instagram follows closely on the heels of Snapchat’s introduction of a similar tool for its paying users. Snapchat’s innovative approach allows users to create and send AI-generated images, tapping into the trend of enhancing user-generated content with AI-driven elements. In August, Snapchat introduced the Dreams feature, enabling users to craft fantastical self-portraits with diverse themes.
In a broader context, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has been actively integrating AI across its platforms. Recently, Meta made its 28 AI-powered characters available across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram for U.S.-based users, accompanied by enhanced support for Bing search and an improved context window. Simultaneously, Meta launched Imagine with Meta, a standalone AI-image generator powered by its proprietary model, Emu.
As the competition in the social media landscape intensifies, these AI-driven innovations aim to captivate users and keep them engaged with fresh, dynamic content creation tools. Instagram’s GenAI background editing tool is a testament to the evolving landscape of social media, where creativity and technology converge to redefine user experiences.
