You probably remember or have used Snapchat’s dog-like filter just for LOLs back in the day. This was one of the first times technology became pure entertainment on social media in the 2010s. Fast forward to the 2020s, and Snapchat now offers AI tools that can transform you into virtually anything, like how you might look at 60, just by asking. As AI becomes increasingly powerful and versatile, it’s clear that it’s changing the way we use social media.
We’ve put together a list of new AI tools across social platforms that are worth checking out. Like it or not, AI is here to stay, so we might as well use it responsibly and have a bit of fun while we’re at it.
Table of Contents
1. Meta AI
Generate short videos using AI on Instagram, Messenger & WhatsApp
Image credit: Meta
People back in the 1900s used to think that there would be flying cars in this day and age. Instead, we have AI tools that can generate images out of our wildest dreams, even of those flying cars we were promised.
Meta AI is an example – it uses Llama models (Large Language Models), an AI language model that is trained to understand and predict the way we speak and act.
Image credit: Meta AI
How it works: Type in a prompt such as “generate a short video of a cat astronaut on Saturn” on either Instagram, Messenger, or WhatsApp. Meta AI will then use Llama to understand the prompt and figure out the scene, from colours to style. After a few seconds, several images based on your prompt will appear.
What users think of Meta AI
Screenshot from: Reddit
While Meta AI offers many impressive features, there are times when it can feel a little too close for comfort.
One Reddit user shared a conversation with Meta AI, where the tool allegedly started interactions unprompted – and in one instance, it even sidestepped the user’s question with a lie. This might be a good reminder not to overshare your personal life with AI assistants. Please seek professional therapy – some things are still better kept between you and an actual human.
2. Restyle by Instagram
AI editor for Instagram stories
Image credit: Instagram
Calling all content creators on Instagram for this one, because if you haven’t heard already, Restyle by Instagram lets you whip up cool stuff for your stories, like changing the background, adding or removing things, and even fixing the lighting upon command.
You can even turn yourself into a Minecraft character using Restyle’s preset styles.
Image credit: Instagram
Restyle is really convenient if you just want to post something on your stories quickly – all you have to do is open your stories, make your edits, and publish directly, all in one go.
Image credit: Instagram
How it works: Open an Instagram story or upload any image or video, then tap on the Restyle icon – it looks like a brush with a star on the top right corner of your screen. You should have the option to add, remove, or change something from your uploaded content. Proceed to type your desired prompt or choose an available preset style, and you’re good to go.
What users think of Restyle by Instagram
Image credit: @rebuildagram via Instagram
On an Instagram post, a user who’s an Instagram Specialist said that Restyle is a great tool for swift editing, especially when removing or adding objects in an image. However, using this AI tool to cartoonise people is something she can’t ever get used to because it just looks very strange to her.
Well, here’s the takeaway: even though AI can be pretty neat when animating or generating cool concepts of people, we can’t shake away the fact that it is kind of weird to see a version of ourselves that’s not inherently us.
3. AI characters by Meta’s AI Studio
Chat with AI characters with unique personalities
Image credit: Meta
If you’ve ever wished your favourite creator had a twin who could reply to your DMs around the clock, Meta has made that a reality. With AI Studio, creators and businesses on Instagram can build their own AI characters that sound just like them, remember past chats, and even act as a mini virtual assistant.
That means you can have a conversation with your favourite influencer’s AI, get personalised replies, or even have it answer simple questions. This keeps the creator’s account active and engaging, even when they’re not online.
Image credit: Meta
How it works: Creators set up their AI character in Meta’s AI Studio by picking its personality, tone, and what it “knows”. Once it’s live, you can message the AI character directly in Instagram DMs, and it’ll chat with you just like a real person.
This function is still rolling out globally, and the chats aren’t fully encrypted, so it’s not for sensitive or professional advice – but for casual chats and fan interactions, it can be a fun way to connect.
What users think of Meta’s AI Studio
YouTuber Brian Creates, who does content on AI and design, finds Meta’s AI Studio characters useful but with some quirks. On the plus side, the tool offers personalised responses when you ask specific follow-up questions, practical advice like recipes or gallery recommendations, and is free to use – a win if you’re trying to save money compared with other services.
On the downside, if you create an AI character with a specific persona, for instance, a fitness coach, it can get a bit predictable. Initial responses can feel generic, and the tool sometimes repeats suggestions instead of giving fresh ideas.
4. Imagine Lens by Snapchat
Generate any type of image using prompts
Image credit: Snap Newsroom
Snapchat has taken AR and AI to another level with Imagine Lens. Beyond fun filters, you can now type in a prompt and watch the app generate an image or an AI-powered video lens.
It’s even possible to create interactive video lenses that respond to movement, bringing a new dimension to selfies and videos.
Image credit: Snap Newsroom
How it works: Open the Lens Carousel and select Imagine Lens (available to Snapchat+ Platinum and Lens+ subscribers on iOS). Type in your prompt, and Snapchat will generate an image or video lens. You can then record videos, layer animations, or experiment with AR effects.
What users think of Imagine Lens by Snapchat
Screenshot from: Reddit
A Reddit user posted about how he used Snapchat’s AI feature to create a fake image of an incident, and was surprised by how realistic it looked, to the point that people actually believed it.
Screenshot from: Reddit
Other Reddit users shared similar impressions, noting how convincing the AI is, with many unable to tell if the images were generated. Meanwhile, others joked about the broader implications of AI, like how AI-produced content might just slip by our eyes, and we’ll end up like our grandparents who got scammed by chain emails.
5. AI Alive by TikTok
Turn your photos from static to 3D
Image credit: TikTok Newsroom
AI Alive adds depth and motion to images that would otherwise remain static – you could turn a still photo of your pets 3D and they’ll look just like they do IRL. It’s ideal for creating engaging content, sharing lively memories, or adding a professional-looking touch to personal posts.
Image credit: TikTok Newsroom
How it works: Open the Story Camera and pick a photo from your Story Album. Tap the AI Alive icon, and TikTok will transform the still image into a short, cinematic clip. Post it to your Story, and your followers can view it in their feeds or on your profile.
What users think of AI Alive by TikTok
A YouTuber who does tech reviews described TikTok’s AI Alive as “really cool” for animating still images but argues it’s “totally hit or miss.”
Some prompts produced strange or creepy results, and getting the desired outcome often required multiple tries. Despite the daily limit of 5 generations, he encouraged viewers to “jump in there, play with it” and experiment with the feature.
6. Sora by OpenAI
AI video & social media content generation
Image credit: OpenAI
If you find creating videos from scratch intimidating, Sora makes it a tad simpler for you – just type a simple text prompt, and the AI generates a short video clip ready to share or remix.
Sora also offers a social feed where you can interact with AI-generated content, remix other people’s videos, or test run your storytelling abilities.
Image credit: Sora by OpenAI via Google Play
How it works: Type in your concept, and Sora produces a video clip in seconds. Post it to the feed to share, or browse other AI creations for inspiration.
What users think of Sora by OpenAI
Screenshot from: Reddit
A Reddit user called Sora “mind-blowingly good,” praising how quickly it can turn images into videos and mimic cartoon or viral styles.
They liked the Remix feature for tweaking clips and creating new versions, though results could be “hit or miss,” especially with faces or complex scenes. Despite some glitches and frequent appearances of copyrighted characters, the user was excited about Sora’s creative potential.
7. AI DJ by Spotify
AI DJ with voice or text request feature
Image credit: Spotify Newsroom
Spotify’s AI DJ is like having a personal DJ who knows exactly what you like. You can create playlists by mood, genre, or vibe using voice or text. Whether you want more 80s hits, an upbeat workout mix, or a chill evening playlist, the AI instantly curates and remixes your songs.
How it works: Open Spotify, select AI DJ, and tell it what kind of music you want. The AI updates your playlist in real-time, mixing in new songs and adjusting the vibe.
What users think of AI DJ by Spotify
Screenshot from: Reddit
One Reddit user called Spotify’s new AI DJ “genuinely awesome.” Unlike smart shuffle, the feature dynamically mixes all of a user’s musical tastes into a single stream, changing genres automatically.
Users can press the DJ button to switch genres instead of skipping songs. The AI even talks you through the changes, giving intros and explaining genre changes, so you’ll receive a realistic DJ experience. The user loved that it could surface remixes of familiar songs and felt the AI truly “knows” their musical preferences, making it feel personal and engaging.
Use AI tools wisely to create, explore & have fun
AI is advancing rapidly, changing the way we work, create, and interact online. These tools are incredibly useful, whether it’s making content, organising tasks, discovering new music, or simply having fun. At the same time, it’s important to remember that AI isn’t always the answer – using it wisely alongside our own judgment makes it truly powerful.
Read our other articles on useful tools:
- Trip.Best by Trip.com
- Free AI tools for productivity
- Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) in Singapore
Cover image adapted from: Meta