AI-powered ‘Backdrop’ Tool on Instagram Allows Users to Change Image Backgrounds

Artificial intelligence is the buzzword of 2023, and more and more companies are joining the rapidly intensifying competition. However, Meta stands out as one of the few in the industry that uses generative AI in mass-market products like Instagram. Now, thanks to the progress made in this field, the company is introducing a new AI media editing tool called “Backdrop” on Instagram, as revealed by Ahmad Al-Dhale, Head of Generative AI at Meta.

Initially, Backdrop is only available to Instagram users in the US. With this tool, you can easily adjust or completely change the background of your image with just a few taps. This is achieved by adding prompts, similar to how you use other generative AI-based tools such as ChatGPT. Ahmad mentions that prompts like “chased by dinosaurs” and “surrounded by puppies” are effective, and you can practically enter anything, like multiple cars in the background, unicorns, and more.

Users can try this tool by tapping the background button at the top of a new story to get started. After editing, the background tool removes the background of the images and replaces it based on the prompt. When you share a photo on your story, a “Try it” sticker will appear on the photo, allowing your followers to experience this background feature for the first time.

In that sense, this appears to be a light-hearted glimpse into the possibilities of generative AI moving forward. It also serves as a reminder of how easily images can be altered and professional edits can be made.

In related news, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, has shared a new post on his Instagram account, giving us our first look at how its new multimodal Meta AI model can both “see and hear” with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Meta introduces this functionality to customers for trial via the early access program.