Instagram’s AI Video Tools Are Coming – But What Do They Really Add?
Meta’s on a mission to sprinkle AI into every corner of our social media experience, whether we’re ready for it or not. This time, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has shared a sneak peek at some upcoming AI-powered video tools that could shake things up on the platform. Let’s break it down.
Soon, thanks to Meta’s Movie Gen engine, you’ll be able to tweak your video clips directly within Instagram. I’m talking full-on edits where you can change your background, switch outfits, and even turn yourself into a Muppet version of… well, you. Honestly, it sounds kind of cool and definitely creative. It’s easy to see how this could spark some new trends and fun storytelling ideas.
But here’s the thing. While this tech is impressive, it does feel like a step further away from what social media is supposed to be about—real connection. Isn’t the whole point of platforms like Instagram to share snippets of our lives and connect with others through those shared experiences? These AI-generated visuals aren’t tied to your actual life. They’re just… made-up stuff.
Now, don’t get me wrong—using AI to enhance videos is an entirely different story. Adding creative effects to your actual footage? I can get behind that. It’s still your content, just leveled up. But when we start talking about AI generating completely fake images and videos, it starts to feel less like storytelling and more like we’re just throwing random visuals out into the void.
Think about it. Sure, you can use AI to whip up a picture of yourself chilling on some made-up beach, but isn’t that less meaningful than sharing a real photo from a real experience? I get the appeal of making something quirky, like an alien version of yourself, but where’s the connection in that?
Now, let’s be fair—there’s potential here. These tools could lead to new creative trends, and for some people, they’ll be game-changers. Adding unique storytelling elements to your clips could take your content to the next level. But—and it’s a big “but”—the key to social media will always be storytelling and human connection. Without that, it’s just entertainment, and honestly, we’ve got plenty of short-form entertainment already.
Here’s what I’m saying: AI tools like this are fun and all, but if we lose sight of that core social element, Instagram risks becoming a flashy app full of meaningless visuals. Without a relatable story or human connection, it’s all just fluff.
So, yeah, I’ll be curious to see how people use these new tools. Maybe they’ll lead to some cool trends. But at the end of the day, it’s still all about the story. Without that, all the AI-generated Muppets and fake beach pics in the world won’t make your content resonate. Let’s keep it real, folks.
Hey there I’m Kylie Simao, owner of a boutique social media marketing agency dedicated to helping new, local and small businesses who want to promote themselves online using social media.