Instagram introduces AI-powered Expand Image tool to fix vertical story gaps

Instagram has long prioritised vertical content, especially in Stories. While this works great for content shot natively on smartphones, it’s often a headache for users who want to share horizontal images. The result shows in the form of those blank, black bars that fill in the top and bottom, which are far from ideal. Now, Instagram is rolling out a new solution, their Expand Image feature, powered by Meta AI.

In a recent post on X, Instagram officially confirmed the new tool, which uses generative AI to intelligently extend the borders of horizontal photos. Instead of blank space, Meta AI analyses the existing photo and fills in the gaps with contextually relevant visuals. The idea is to help photos better fit the story format, without forcing users to crop or resize them.

That said, Instagram is managing expectations early. The company acknowledges that the feature won’t always get it right, and results may vary depending on the content of the image. Still, it’s a notable step forward for users who want cleaner, more polished Stories with less manual editing.

Here’s how Instagram Expand Image tool works

When creating a Story, users in the US will start seeing a new Expand Image option at the top of the screen. Tap it, and Meta AI goes to work, extending the image to fit the vertical frame. No additional configuration is needed.

The rollout is currently limited to US users. There’s no word yet on when global availability will follow.

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If the feature sounds familiar, it might be because Snapchat introduced a similar tool called Extend Snaps in late 2023. That version struggled with quality and consistency, but Meta’s more recent AI investments could give Instagram’s approach a significant edge.

Also of note is that Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently teased an upcoming map feature, again, reminiscent of Snap Maps. At this point, Meta’s Snapchat inspiration board is starting to look more like a blueprint.