Instagram and Meta have introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered feature that allows users to craft personalized stickers for their Reels and Stories. The innovative functionality, driven by Meta’s Segment Anything AI model, empowers users to seamlessly extract subjects from their photos or videos, ushering in a new era of creative expression on the popular social media platform.
Creating Custom Stickers with AI Precision:
The introduction of AI-generated stickers marks a significant leap forward in user customization on Instagram:
- AI-Generated Stickers: Leveraging the powerful Segment Anything AI model, users can effortlessly create custom stickers by uploading their own photos or videos from the Camera Roll. Additionally, users have the option to choose from a selection of eligible photos and videos available directly on Instagram.
- Cutting-Edge AI Technology: The AI model employs a click-based method, reminiscent of Apple’s iOS 16 image cutout feature, to precisely “cut out” objects within an image. This revolutionary approach ensures precision in highlighting the subject of a photo for sticker creation.
- User-Friendly Interface: Instagram users can easily fine-tune their stickers by manually selecting the subject if needed. The final step involves tapping “Use Sticker” to seamlessly integrate the custom creation into Reels or Stories.
- Reels Enhancements: New tools like “Undo/Redo” for video editing and the ability to scale, crop, and rotate individual clips provide creators with enhanced flexibility and efficiency.
Accessing the Feature:
The user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation to the new custom sticker feature. Users can find it under the “Create” option next to the sticker search entry box, enhancing Instagram’s array of interactive features and providing creators with more tools for self-expression.
Other Creator-Focused Updates:
Instagram’s commitment to enhancing the creator experience extends beyond custom stickers, with several exciting updates rolled out:
Photo Filters for Posts
A return to Instagram’s roots with the introduction of new photo filters, allowing users to explore various tones and moods for their posts.
Drafts Makeover
A revamped Drafts surface with improved editing features, including draft previews, renaming, and scheduling.
Media Clip Hub
A dedicated hub for adding clips with audio to Reels fosters the creation of memes and interactive content.
Text-to-Speech and Text Styles
Ten new English text-to-speech voices, additional text fonts and styles, and the option to add outlines offer creators enhanced text customization options.
Audio Exploration
New ways to discover trending audio and access the audio browser from the top of the Camera Roll, enhancing the audio selection process for content creators.
Metrics Evolution
Instagram introduces a new Reels metric, “Replays,” combined with “Initial Plays,” providing creators with comprehensive “Plays” figures. The interactive Retention Chart offers moment-by-moment insights into Reels’ viewership.
Rolling Out Today:
These exciting features and updates started being rolled out November 15, 2023, on Instagram, enriching the platform’s creative landscape. However, users may not immediately see these updates, as they can take a few days to reach the entire Instagram audience.