Instagram is testing a new feature that will allow users to create custom stickers from their own photos or other users’ pictures and use them in Reels and Stories. This feature is simpler compared to Meta’s AI-generated stickers, which use language and image models to create personalized stickers.
How to create custom stickers from photos
To create custom stickers from photos, users will need to follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app and create a new Story or Reel.
- Tap the sticker icon.
- Select the “Create” sticker option.
- Select the photo you want to use to create the sticker.
The app will automatically detect the subject of the photo and remove the background, creating a sticker that can be placed anywhere on the screen. Users can also resize, rotate, and edit the sticker as they wish.
Users can create stickers from their own photos in their camera roll, or from eligible images they see on Instagram. However, it is not clear how Instagram will determine which images are eligible for creating stickers, and whether users will have the option to allow or deny their photos to be used as stickers by others.
The benefits of custom stickers from photos
The feature to turn photos into custom stickers on Instagram can bring several benefits for users. This feature will allow users to express themselves in a more creative and personalised way. Custom stickers from personal photos or eligible images on Instagram will help users to stand out from the crowd and add more originality to their posts and stories.
Additionally, custom stickers from photos can also be used for various purposes, such as:
- Showing support or appreciation for someone or something
- Promoting a brand, product, or service
- Sharing a meme, joke, or quote
- Creating a collage or montage of different images
- Adding a fun or quirky element to a video or photo
The feature is currently being tested by Instagram and will be available to users soon.
Meta’s AI-generated stickers
Aside from custom stickers from photos, Instagram’s parent company Meta also announced AI-powered stickers that will let users generate personalised stickers for chats and stories. Meta notes that the feature uses the Llama 2 language model and Emu image generation model, which transforms the text inputs into multiple stickers.
For example, if a user types “happy birthday”, the feature will generate several stickers with different designs and messages related to the occasion. Users can then choose the sticker they like and share it with their friends or followers.
This feature is now available to select English-speaking users on WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and Facebook Stories. However, the feature is only available for a select number of English-speaking users. In contrast, Instagram’s sticker feature seems to be much simpler compared to Meta’s AI-generated stickers, as it only selects the subject of a photo and removes the background, while the latter creates a completely new sticker using AI.
Other features being tested by Instagram
Instagram is also testing another new feature that will allow users to create polls in the comments section of their posts or reels. The test is limited for now but will soon be available to everyone.
The polls in the comments section will look like the ones in Instagram Stories, and other users will be able to see the number of votes. This feature will provide an interactive and engaging way for creators to connect with their followers. Creators will also be able to ask questions, seek opinions, or conduct quick surveys to understand their followers’ preferences, interests, or feedback on specific topics or content.