Fact Checked by 
It could be even easier for Instagram users to make their AI-powered profile picture, judging from a new in-app test.
While it’s already possible to create an AI-generated profile picture using third-party services, it could soon be available to do in-app. App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi has reported on X that Instagram is testing a new feature for all of its users, to streamline the process of creating AI-generated profile images.
Users won’t need to leave the Instagram app or use a third-party service provider but instead do it directly from the profile editing section. This echoes what Snapchat and TikTok already offer through their ‘Dreams’ and ‘AI avatar’ features.
#Instagram is working on the ability to create an #AI profile picture 👀 pic.twitter.com/yFIRujk1GS
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) November 11, 2024
Facebook, owned by Meta like Instagram, is also testing an AI-powered profile picture generator but it’s not yet been released on the platform. Judging from the advanced stage of the test shared by Paluzzi, Instagram may have the jump on Facebook and be able to debut it first.
How would Instagram’s AI profile picture feature work
In the same way that Instagram users can currently click on ‘Edit Profile’ and upload a picture to act as their profile image, a new option would appear that reads ‘Create an AI profile picture.’ When clicked on, this would lead users to be able to convert their existing image into something more stylized, as pictured in Paluzzi’s X post above.
It’s not yet confirmed whether Instagram would allow users to edit any picture in their gallery or only their uploaded profile picture, or how much choice there would be over what kind of style your photo would take. It also doesn’t seem to offer any word-based prompts to further edit your image.
Meta has been incorporating AI into its social media offering more and more, with its social media AI chatbot expanding into more markets last month. Instagram specifically has also used it behind the scenes to detect underage users.
Featured image: Alessandro Paluzzi
