Creative GenerationConsumer FacingVerified
Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, March 23, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.
Instagram lets users type a text prompt and instantly receive a set of unique AI-generated sticker images. The feature launched in late 2023 and is available in Instagram Stories and direct messages.
Details
The stickers are produced by Meta's Emu image model — a generative AI system trained to turn written descriptions into visual images — combined with a language model that interprets and refines the prompt. Users can generate multiple sticker variations from a single prompt. The feature was announced at Meta Connect in September 2023 and confirmed as available on Instagram via the official Instagram Help Center.
Products affected
Instagram StoriesInstagram DMs
Sources & Evidence
Company Disclosure
Cite this record
Trace Foundation. (2026). Instagram: Instagram lets users type a text prompt and instantly receive a set of unique AI-generated sticker images. The feature launched in late 2023 and is available in Instagram Stories and direct messages (data as of 2026-03-23) [Data set record]. AI Trace. https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/1ed82d1c-e0b3-46d1-bcc2-ddf7dc6f7982. Accessed October 14, 2026.
- Stable link
- https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/1ed82d1c-e0b3-46d1-bcc2-ddf7dc6f7982
- Data as of
- March 23, 2026
- Last verified
- March 24, 2026
Other practices by Instagram
OtherInstagram automatically transcribes spoken words in Stories and Reels into on-screen text captions using AI speech recognition. Users add a "Captions" sticker to any video with speech and the text appears automatically. This feature launched on Instagram Stories in May 2021.OtherWhen Instagram users try to change their stated age from under 18 to 18 or older, they may be asked to complete an AI-powered face scan to estimate their age. Separately, Meta uses a background AI system that monitors Instagram account behavior to detect users who may be younger than they claim. Both systems are specific to Instagram's teen safety program.OtherInstagram automatically applies a label — called "AI Info" — to photos, videos, and audio that were created or significantly modified using AI tools. The labels appear on content from Instagram's own AI features as well as from third-party tools like Adobe Firefly and Midjourney. The system launched in May 2024 and has faced criticism for inconsistent application.
Have evidence about Instagram's AI practices? Submit a report.
Report a Sighting →