How to use Instagram's AI Backdrop
Instagram just dropped yet another new feature.
Backdrop is an AI-powered tool that allows users to edit the backgrounds of their Instagram Stories. The feature is only available in the U.S. for now, but users can use prompts to create different backgrounds on their Instagram stories. Think of it how you use most other AI-powered photo tools like Midjourney. Ahmad Al-Dahle, who leads AI at Instagram, posted on Threads on Wednesday that users can search for something like "chased by dinosaurs" or "surrounded by puppies" and their photo will, then, show them being chased by dinosaurs or surrounded by puppies.
It works just about as well as you'd think, which is not great but it's still kind of fun.
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- 5 min
- Instagram App
Step 1: Take your photo
To use the feature, start by taking a photo. You'll want the subject matter — in this case, my face — to not take up the whole entire screen so there's some space for the AI to work with.
Step 2: Get AI involved
Click the AI button on the top of the screen. It's the first option in the list of five. AI will then load with its signature little sparkle grid before outlining the subject of your photo (me) and making sure you're happy with it.
Step 3: Type in what you'd like to add
I chose "in the Wild West," but you really can pick anything. Now Instagram's AI will, once again, give you some sparkles while you wait.
Step 4: Choose your fighter
Finally, you'll get two options for your final choice. Pick which one you like best, and add it to your story. Instagram even generates a prompt for you to let your followers join in on the fun.
"And once you’ve posted, a 'Try it' sticker will appear when you share the image created, making it even easier for your friends to use backdrop for the first time," Al-Dahle posted on Threads.
Topics Instagram
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.
