Facebook announced new artificial intelligence-powered features on Tuesday, including animated profile pictures, photo-restyling tools for Stories and Memories, and animated backgrounds for text posts.
The animated profile picture feature applies motion effects to static photos. These effects include the subject appearing to wave, make a heart shape, or wear a virtual party hat. Optimal results are achieved with a clear photo of a single individual facing the camera. Photos can be sourced from a user’s camera roll or from existing platform images. The company plans to introduce additional animation options throughout the year.
Facebook is also enhancing its Stories and Memories features with “Restyle,” a tool utilizing Meta AI to reimagine user-uploaded images. Stories are short photo and video posts that disappear after 24 hours, while Memories resurface past posts from the same date.
Upon uploading a photo to Stories or selecting a Memory, users can activate Restyle. This allows for text-based prompts or selection from preset themes such as anime, illustrated, glowy, or ethereal. Options also exist to adjust moods, lighting, and colors, and to swap in new backdrops like a beach or a cityscape.
Animated backgrounds for text posts are being rolled out gradually. Users can click a rainbow “A” icon to choose from various still and animated scenes, including falling leaves or rolling ocean waves. Seasonal backgrounds are also forthcoming.
Facebook currently has approximately 2.1 billion daily active users. The platform has struggled to attract and retain younger demographics. In response, it has integrated new technology, including AI, and implemented a more youthful redesign.
Recent updates include a friends-only feed and the ability to use unique display names within Groups, similar to Reddit’s username system. The platform is also attempting to revitalize its ‘poke’ feature by introducing a dedicated button on user profiles, which alerts recipients of a ‘poke’ via notifications.
