Instagram has unveiled a new feature for U.S.-based users, introducing a generative AI-powered background editing tool. Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s lead for generative AI, shared the news on Threads, explaining that this tool allows users to change the background of their images using prompts for Stories.
When users tap on the background editor icon, they receive prompts such as “On a red carpet,” “Being chased by dinosaurs,” or “Surrounded by puppies.” Additionally, users have the option to create their own prompts for customized background changes.
After posting a Story with the newly generated background, a “Try it” sticker with the prompt becomes visible to others, encouraging them to explore and use the image generation tool.
This follows recent developments in the social media landscape, such as Snapchat’s introduction of a tool for paying users to create and send AI-generated images. Snapchat had previously launched the Dreams feature, enabling users to craft imaginative images with various themes. Meta, earlier this month, expanded its 28 AI-powered characters across all its apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, for U.S.-based users. This update also included support for Bing search and an improved context window. Simultaneously, Meta launched Imagine with Meta, a standalone AI-image generator powered by its Emu model.