Instagram adds Meta AI editing tools directly to Stories: Here’s how they work

Meta AI

Instagram users can now edit photos and videos in Stories using Meta’s AI-powered tools without leaving the app. The new feature allows users to type text prompts to add, remove, or completely alter visual elements in their Stories, making creative editing more accessible and intuitive.

Previously, these capabilities were restricted to interactions with the Meta AI chatbot, but the integration within Stories now streamlines the experience. Users can access the new editing features from the “Restyle” menu by tapping the paintbrush icon. Once inside, they can choose between options such as “add,” “remove,” or “change” to describe the desired edits. For example, Meta says users can ask the AI to change hair colour, add accessories like a crown, or replace the background with a sunset.

Instagram also offers preset styles and effects that can modify an image’s look or outfit. These include options like adding sunglasses or a biker jacket, or transforming the image with an artistic effect such as watercolour. For videos, users can introduce visual elements like snow or flames with a single command.

Meta notes that anyone using AI editing features on Instagram must agree to its AI Terms of Service, which permit the company to analyse and modify uploaded images, including facial features. Meta states this is necessary for summarising image content and generating new visuals based on user prompts.

The rollout comes as Meta continues expanding its AI ecosystem across platforms. It was recently seen testing a “Write with Meta AI” feature that suggests witty comments for Instagram posts. The company also introduced “Vibes,” an AI-generated video feed within the Meta AI app, which has driven user growth. According to Similarweb, daily active users of the app rose to 2.7 million on iOS and Android as of October 17, up from roughly 775,000 a month earlier.

In parallel, Meta has added new parental controls to reassure families about its AI integrations. Parents can now restrict AI chat interactions and monitor the types of conversations their teens are having with the Meta AI chatbot.