Instagram Adds AI Editing Tools to Stories With Meta AI
Instagram has rolled out new artificial intelligence editing capabilities that allow users to modify photos and videos directly within the Stories feature. The update integrates Meta AI technology into the platform, enabling users to add, remove, or change elements in their content through text prompts or preset effects.
The Restyle feature is accessible through a brush icon that appears in the top menu when users select an image or video from their camera roll to post as a Story. Once activated, the tool offers multiple editing options including the ability to remove unwanted objects from backgrounds, add new elements to images, or apply stylistic transformations to the entire piece of content.
Users can interact with the AI editing system in several ways. The primary method involves typing specific instructions into a prompt bar, describing the desired changes. Alternatively, users can select from preset effects displayed above the prompt bar or access an extended library through a browser icon. The system supports natural language commands such as removing people or objects from scenes, changing hair colors, adding decorative elements like crowns or balloons, or altering background settings.
Meta has provided guidance on creating effective prompts for optimal results. The company recommends focusing on five key aspects when describing desired edits: the subject of the change, lighting and mood preferences, compositional requirements including specific locations within the frame, overall style direction, and setting or location details. More detailed and specific prompts generally produce results that better match user intentions.
The preset effects library includes options for both static images and videos. For photos, users can apply filters that transform images into various artistic styles including watercolor, sketch, manga, anime, illustrated, and 8-bit aesthetics. Video presets allow for more dramatic alterations such as underwater landscapes, fire and flame effects, snow additions, or complete style transformations. Users can also modify fashion elements in videos, changing outfits or adding accessories like sunglasses or jackets.
The removal function operates similarly to existing photo editing tools from other technology companies, allowing users to eliminate unwanted elements from their images by selecting them and requesting deletion. The addition and change features work in reverse, inserting AI-generated content based on user descriptions.
Instagram has integrated the Add Yours sticker functionality with the Restyle feature, enabling users to share their editing parameters with others. When someone applies an Add Yours sticker to a restyled Story, their followers can tap the sticker, select their own image, and apply the same edits automatically. This creates opportunities for users to start viral trends or participate in existing ones within their social networks.
The new features represent the first time Meta AI editing capabilities have been directly embedded within the Instagram application itself, though similar tools existed previously in other Meta products. The update is currently rolling out to users globally and should become available to all Instagram accounts within the coming days. The service is provided free of charge to all Instagram users.
