Meta Platforms has rolled out a major update to Instagram’s Stories editor by integrating its AI-powered photo and video editing features directly into the app. Users can now access these capabilities under the new “Restyle” menu in Instagram Stories, enabling prompt-based editing to add, remove or transform elements in images and videos. (TechCrunch)
Previously, Instagram’s AI editing tools were accessible only via the Meta AI chatbot or separate workflows. With this update, the workflow is simplified: when creating a Story, users select the paintbrush icon, tap “Restyle”, then choose “add,” “remove,” or “change” and enter a text prompt describing the desired edit. For example, a user could ask the system to swap hair colour, place a crown on their head, or insert a sunset background into a photo. Preset effects are also available—such as adding sunglasses, switching to a biker jacket, or applying a watercolor style to a video. (Bitget)
Meta notes this update aims to make advanced editing more accessible and quicker, especially for casual users of Stories. The company also emphasizes that by using the tools, users accept the Meta AI Terms of Service—granting Meta permission to analyse uploaded media and facial features. (TechCrunch)
Why it matters:
For everyday Instagram users: The integration reduces friction in applying AI edits—no need to leave the Stories editor or switch to separate tools.
For content creators and brands: Enhanced capabilities can boost visual quality and speed of Stories content, offer new creative options, and potentially support trend-creation via editable “Add Yours” type stickers. (Social Media Today)
For Meta’s competitive positioning: Embedding these features directly strengthens Instagram’s value proposition amid growing competition from TikTok, Snapchat and others.
For privacy and ethics: The increased use of AI in-app, along with Meta’s permission to analyse images and facial features, raises questions about user consent, data usage and transparency in how edits are generated and labelled.
Challenges & caveats:
AI edits may raise concerns around authenticity, disinformation or visual manipulation—especially if deep-edit capabilities are widely accessible.
The success of the feature will depend on how well the AI blends with user expectations, how intuitive the prompts are, and whether it remains fast and accurate in real-world use.
Regions with limited connectivity or older devices might face performance issues with these AI-heavy features.
While presets and prompt-based edits offer power, users may still need a learning curve to create effective prompts (e.g., specifying subject, style, lighting, composition). (Social Media Today)
