Instagram, a subsidiary of Meta, launched its innovative generative AI-powered background editing tool for users based in the United States on Wednesday. The announcement was made by Meta's generative AI lead, Ahmad Al-Dahle, through a post on Threads. This state-of-the-art tool empowers users to seamlessly alter the background of their images by utilizing prompts specifically designed for Stories.

This development follows closely on the heels of Snapchat's introduction of a similar AI-based feature for its premium users earlier in the week. Snapchat has been actively enhancing its platform's creative capabilities, having unveiled the Dreams feature in August, enabling users to craft imaginative images with diverse themes. Moreover, Snapchat+ users gained the ability to populate their backgrounds based on prompts earlier this year, marking a continued trend toward interactive and AI-driven content.

Meta has been intensifying its integration of AI across its platforms, including WhatsApp and Messenger, with the recent availability of 28 AI-powered characters for U.S.-based users. Additionally, the company introduced a stand-alone AI-image generator called Imagine with Meta, leveraging its proprietary Emu model. The newly introduced Instagram background editing tool employs ready-made prompts like "On a red carpet," "Being chased by dinosaurs," and "Surrounded by puppies." Users also have the flexibility to create custom prompts, enabling a personalized and dynamic storytelling experience.

Upon sharing a Story featuring the AI-generated background, Instagram users can expect an interactive element with a "Try it" sticker alongside the prompt, encouraging others to engage with the image generation tool. The introduction of this cutting-edge background editing tool underscores Instagram's commitment to fostering creative expression and engagement within its user community.