In the fast-paced world of generative AI advancements, Instagram has taken a lighthearted approach with the introduction of its latest feature, Backdrop. Unlike the usual serious and technical nature of AI news, this tool is all about injecting fun into your Stories. Meta’s generative AI lead, Ahmad Al-Dahle, recently revealed Backdrop on Threads, accompanied by a helpful video tutorial.
So, what exactly is Backdrop? This new generative AI-powered tool allows Instagram users to create a fresh image in the background of their Stories, adding a creative twist to their social media narratives.
When you upload or capture content for your Story, the Backdrop tool conveniently appears alongside other familiar icons at the top of your screen, such as text and music. Represented by an icon featuring a person with a rectangular frame behind them, Backdrop is easily accessible for users looking to enhance their visual storytelling.
To use Backdrop, simply click on the icon, and your image’s background transforms into a checkered pattern reminiscent of popular photo editors like Photoshop. A text box prompts you with the playful command, “describe the backdrop you want…” This is where the real fun begins. Users can input anything from “surrounded by puppies” to “chased by dinosaurs,” and the AI tool will work its magic, generating the specified backdrop seamlessly.
However, don’t expect your followers to believe you’re actually hanging out under the aurora borealis (though that’s another possible prompt). Instagram ensures transparency by tagging your Story with “AI·Backdrop” and adding a sticker encouraging others to “try it,” accompanied by your description in quotation marks.
It’s essential to note that, as of now, Instagram’s Backdrop tool is exclusively available to users in the United States, adding an element of exclusivity to this whimsical feature.
