Meta rolled out a new AI image tool called Muse Image on July 7, 2026. It is the first image generator built by Meta Superintelligence Labs.
The tool is now live inside Meta AI. It also works inside WhatsApp chats and Instagram Stories for users in the US.
Muse Image lets people type a simple prompt to create a picture. It can also edit existing photos, such as removing a person from the background of a shot.
The model can blend multiple photos together. Meta says this includes placing a pet into a famous painting or combining two vacation photos into one image.
Users can also sketch directly on top of a photo to request changes. Meta AI remembers the conversation, so people can keep adjusting the image without starting over.
New Instagram Tagging Feature
One new feature lets users @-mention an Instagram account inside Meta AI. This pulls that account's public photos into the image being created.
Meta says this is meant for things like event invitations or personalized graphics. The feature only uses public profile photos, and does not notify the person being mentioned.
Users can turn this off through a specific Instagram setting called "Sharing and Reuse." The setting is separate from regular account privacy controls, and only appears on public accounts.
Backlash Over Consent
The feature has drawn criticism from privacy groups since its release. Foxglove advocacy director Donald Campbell called it a recipe for problems, citing past harm from AI-altered images on social platforms.
Privacy International also criticized the tool. The group said it reflects a pattern of AI companies treating people's photos as raw material for products.
The scrutiny comes as regulators already examine AI image tools elsewhere. Ofcom is currently investigating X over how its Grok tool has been used to create non-consensual AI-altered images.
Meta has defended the opt-out setting as sufficient. The company says any public account holder can switch off content reuse for AI features at any time.
Muse Image also includes preset prompts to help users get started. These include restoring old photos, trying new hairstyles, or turning a selfie into a cartoon or video game character.
Another feature lets users photograph a room and have Meta AI suggest a redesign. The tool can pull in real products from the web or Facebook Marketplace to match the new look.
Muse Image is free for everyday use. Heavier users can get more access through Meta's paid subscription plans.
Meta says the tool will expand to Facebook and Messenger soon. Advertisers will also be able to use Muse Image through Meta's Advantage+ creative tools in the coming weeks.
A video version of the tool, called Muse Video, is already in development at Meta. No release date has been announced yet.
