Instagram adds AI-powered Restyle tool for Stories; here’s how to use it

Instagram is taking a creative leap forward with Restyle, an AI-powered editing tool that lets users transform photos and videos before sharing them as Stories. Rolled out this week, the feature taps into Meta AI to help you tweak, enhance, or completely reinvent your visuals; all without ever leaving the app!

Whether you’re polishing a selfie, erasing a photobomber, or turning your cat into a Parisian cafe dweller (yes, that’s a trend), Restyle gives users prompt-based creative control.

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For videos, Instagram offers a library of built-in style presets. For photos, you can type in prompts describing what you want to change or add. Want some inspiration? Try out “film noir lighting” for your travel shots, “outer space background” to add some pizzazz to regular photos, or simply “make photorealistic” for a cartoon or sketch.

In a statement, Meta said Restyle allows users to “remove unwanted details, include playful elements, or change the vibe using whimsical effects”. The feature also connects to the social element of Stories. If you add a sticker before posting, friends can tap it to apply your exact same edit to their own content; it’s a clever way to spark creative trends.

How to use Instagram’s Restyle feature

Using Restyle is as straightforward as posting a Story, just with a bunch of extra creative control in your hands. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Instagram and select a photo or video for your Story
Step 2: Tap the new Restyle button in the top right corner (looks like a paintbrush)
Step 3: For videos, browse and apply one of the preset AI effects
Step 4: For photos, type a detailed prompt describing your desired edit. like “add soft golden hour light” or “place subject on a Tokyo street at night”
Step 5: Preview and tweak before sharing

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Meta suggests keeping prompts specific for best results, covering details like subject, lighting, composition, style, and location. The rollout is gradual, so if you don’t see Restyle yet, it’ll likely reach your app soon as Meta expands AI-powered features globally.