Instagram adds AI editing feature to Stories for photos and videos

As part of Meta’s broader AI integration across its platforms, features like “Write with Meta AI” and “Vibes” have boosted engagement, increasing daily active users from 775,000 to 2.7 million while enhancing creativity, interactivity, and safety

Meta’s Instagram has rolled out a new AI-powered feature that allows users to edit photos and videos directly within Stories, without needing to leave the app. The tool, available under the “Restyle” menu via the paintbrush icon, enables users to add, remove, or modify visual elements using simple text prompts, making creative edits more accessible and intuitive.

Earlier, these AI editing capabilities were only available through the Meta AI chatbot, but their integration within Stories streamlines the process. Users can request changes such as altering hair color, adding accessories like crowns, or swapping backgrounds with scenes like sunsets. The feature also offers preset styles and effects, including sunglasses, biker jackets, or artistic filters like watercolour. Video edits allow users to add dynamic elements such as snow or flames with a single command.

AI terms and user safety

Meta requires users to agree to its AI Terms of Service when using these tools. This allows the platform to analyse and modify uploaded images, including facial features, to summarise content and generate new visuals based on user prompts. Alongside these features, Meta has introduced parental controls to let families monitor AI interactions and restrict chat features for teens.

Expanding Meta’s AI ecosystem

The rollout is part of Meta’s broader push to integrate AI across its platforms. The company recently tested “Write with Meta AI,” which suggests captions and witty comments, and launched “Vibes,” an AI-generated video feed within the Meta AI app. These initiatives appear to be driving engagement, with daily active users rising to 2.7 million on iOS and Android as of October 17, compared with approximately 775,000 the previous month, according to Similarweb.

With these updates, Meta aims to make Instagram Stories more creative and interactive while ensuring user safety and parental oversight in its growing AI ecosystem.