Instagram is doubling down on generative AI, introducing expanded capabilities to its “Restyle” feature that allows users to edit and reimagine their photos and videos using AI-powered prompts directly within the app. Meta describes the update as intelligent editing to revise and assist users in making images more captivating instead of making them entirely from scratch.
This update tries to find a balance between the unrestricted use of AI and the genuine content created by users. Enhanced by the new Restyle option, users can take out unnecessary parts of the backgrounds, add new features to a scene, and modify or personalize components of a picture. This is not a fully autonomous AI image generator. The focus is customer driven creativity by offering a more basic editing function.
“Whether you want to simply remove an unwanted detail from your story, include a playful element, change the vibe using a whimsical effect, or start a trend with your friends with Add Yours stickers, now you can,” Instagram said. “Restyle your photos and videos in Instagram Stories to make edits, big or small using Meta AI.”
Beyond basic edits, the feature allows users to experiment with fashion and style. “Experiment with your fashion by using preset effects like ‘sunglasses,’ ‘biker jacket’ or even ‘black clothes’ to transform your outfits,” the company elaborated. “Or you can change the whole style of the image itself to make it look like a watercolor or film noir. Better yet, use these presets as a starting point to spark creativity. You can apply any effect and then type in additional changes you want to make to edit your content in seconds.”
The use of AI in image editing has been a topic of hot debate across the tech sector. Some see the technology as a boon that will enable greater creativity and efficiency, while others worry about content generated by AI overtaking social media and undermining authenticity. There also are users who worry about the environmental footprint of training these AIs. The “AI slop” is the slow death of our social media feeds and there were worries about it, because they’re confusing.
The company is well aware of this debate and emphasizes that the Restyle feature is intended to be a complement to human creativity, not a substitute for it. The idea is to give users a suite of meaningful editing tools to improve their own images and videos, not create completely new content.
The platform also recognizes the increasing wariness surrounding AI, especially in the wake of environmental concerns. “Research suggests that more and more people are raising concerns about AI, and its environmental impacts, as well as it being just too fake and disingenuous,” they stated.
To guide users in effectively utilizing the AI-powered features, Instagram has provided tips on crafting effective AI prompts. These include specifying the subject, lighting, mood, composition needs, style, and location. Providing specific language and guidance to the AI bot is intended to yield better outputs and further integrate user creativity. For example, when asked about prompt structure, Instagram advised users to consider elements like subject (“add a crown on top of the girl’s head”) and lighting (“add dramatic lighting”, “have light from just a single paparazzi flash”).
To access the updated Restyle option, users can select an image from their camera roll to add to their story, then select the “Restyle” icon in the top tray. Additionally, the “Add Yours” sticker on AI-enhanced photos and videos will enable others to use the same settings, fostering collaboration and creativity within the Instagram community.
Instagram’s latest move comes at a time when social media platforms are diving headfirst into AI-driven features to boost user experience and engagement. Yet, this shift also raises concerns about how AI might affect creativity, authenticity, and even the environment. It’s still unclear how users will embrace and make the most of these new tools.
This update is set against a backdrop of increasing pressure on social media platforms to innovate and keep up with evolving user preferences. With TikTok leading the charge in the short-form video arena, Instagram is on the hunt for ways to stand out and keep its audience engaged. Integrating AI-powered features is one tactic they’re using to achieve this, offering users fresh and exciting ways to create and share content.
