Meta is enhancing its Instagram Stories by integrating more generative AI-powered photo and video editing tools, allowing users to manipulate images directly through text prompts. With this update, individuals can now easily remove, change, or completely restyle objects in their photos, introducing a new level of creativity and customization.
The innovative features are accessible via a new “restyle” menu located at the top of the Stories composer. Users can choose options like “add,” “remove,” or “change” to adjust specific elements within their images. Much like other AI-based image editing platforms, users can eliminate unwanted items from backgrounds or even transform a person’s outfit. For more dramatic effects, Meta AI can generate surprising results, such as placing a cat in a space-themed backdrop after a simple prompt.
Meta has made significant strides in improving the user experience, as the AI takes only a few seconds to generate outputs, a notable enhancement compared to its initial “imagine” image generator introduced nearly two years ago.
In addition to object manipulation, Meta is introducing preset effects that can transform the aesthetic of an entire image—ranging from anime and watercolor to retro 8-bit styles—without needing specific prompts. Although some effects for short videos are being tested, comprehensive restyling options for videos are still emerging.
Expanding the capabilities of text editing, Meta is also experimenting with new “restyle” effects for text within Stories. Users will be able to request customizations for their text, moving beyond the usual font styles that Instagram offers. For example, one can prompt the AI to create text that resembles toy blocks, adding a playful touch to their Stories.
By making these AI-driven image and video editing functionalities more visible and user-friendly, Meta is promoting a new wave of creativity on Instagram. While the AI has long possessed the ability to edit images within the confines of chats with the Meta AI assistant, this new integration into Stories increases accessibility for users. Furthermore, Instagram is encouraging users to share their AI-enhanced creations through a novel “add yours” sticker, which allows friends and followers to share prompts they can build upon, fostering communal creativity and engagement.