TL;DR:
- Instagram introduces GenAI-powered background editing tool for US users.
- Users can change image backgrounds with creative prompts in Stories.
- Snapchat launched a similar AI-generated image tool for paying users.
- Meta’s AI characters are now available across WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram.
- Meta also launched “Imagine with Meta,” an AI-image generator powered by Emu.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking move, Instagram has rolled out its state-of-the-art generative AI-powered background editing tool to its US-based users, marking yet another stride in the evolution of social media aesthetics. Meta’s leading expert in generative AI, Ahmad Al-Dahle, shared the exciting news on Threads, highlighting how this innovative tool empowers users to transform the backdrop of their images seamlessly within the Stories format.
Upon clicking on the background editor icon within an image, users are presented with a range of dynamic prompts that serve as the creative catalysts for their visual storytelling. These prompts span from the glitz of “On a red carpet” to the adventurous “Being chased by dinosaurs” and the heartwarming “Surrounded by puppies.” Moreover, Instagram users now have the autonomy to craft their own custom prompts, granting them unparalleled control over their background narrative.
Once a user shares their captivating Story featuring the newly generated background, the engagement doesn’t end there. Instagram introduces a captivating “Try it” sticker alongside the prompt, inviting others to embark on their creative journey with the image generation tool, fostering a vibrant and interconnected visual storytelling community.
Instagram’s bold move comes hot on the heels of Snapchat’s recent launch of a similar tool aimed at its premium user base, enabling the creation and transmission of AI-generated images. Additionally, Snapchat’s “Dreams” feature, introduced earlier this year, has allowed users to craft whimsical self-portraits within various thematic settings. The social media giant has also unveiled the capability for Snapchat+ users to populate their backgrounds with prompt-driven scenes, expanding the horizons of user-generated content.
Furthermore, Meta has been relentlessly advancing the capabilities of its AI-driven ecosystem. This month, the company made its impressive lineup of 28 AI-powered characters accessible across all its platforms—WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram—enabling US-based users to enjoy a more enhanced and context-rich experience. This development was complemented by the introduction of “Imagine with Meta,” a standalone AI-image generator fueled by Meta’s proprietary model, Emu, further solidifying Meta’s position as an industry leader in AI-driven innovation.
Conclusion:
Instagram’s GenAI-powered background editor represents a significant leap in the realm of visual storytelling on social media. By empowering users to effortlessly transform their image backgrounds through creative prompts, Instagram aims to enhance user engagement and foster a more vibrant visual storytelling community. This move also reflects the competitive landscape, with Snapchat’s recent AI-powered image tool and Meta’s strategic expansion of AI-driven features across its platforms. The market can expect increased emphasis on AI-driven creativity and user-generated content as these tech giants vie for user attention and loyalty.
