Meta has been steadily rolling out new features and tools this year. I mean, 2026 is barely halfway through and it feels like the social media monolith has totally reinvented itself. And now with Instagram’s latest AI image features, it seems the company is not slowing down any time soon.
On July 7, Meta announced a new AI image model for Meta AI and Instagram: Muse Image. This model, created by Meta Superintelligence Labs, is being integrated into an update for the app, so if you don’t already see it on your Instagram interface, you will soon.
Muse Image will allow IG users to create generated images for feed posts, videos, stories, and DM conversations. It’s a major step for the platform’s pivot toward AI, including over 30 new effects that are powered and designed by AI and opening up seemingly endless opportunities for users to create images within the app. But it also comes with a caveat that has some raising their eyebrows: It allows users to use other people’s images on Instagram to generate content — and if your Instagram is set to public, that could include your own photos.
“Whether you want to design a custom event invitation, mock up a collaborative creative concept, or generate a personalized graphic, tagging a username lets Meta AI use public photos to build a visual that’s ready to post,” Meta’s website explains. So, in order to create a generated image of someone else, the user simply tags an Instagram account into the prompt. The thing is, if someone uses your account and images for a Muse Image prompt or an AI-powered effect, you will not be notified of the usage.
If this isn’t something you’re into, you could just go private on IG. However, there’s also a workaround to opt out of this feature and still keep your Instagram set to public.
How To stop Instagram from using Your Photos To Create AI Images
According to Meta’s website, “you have control over how your content can be tagged for AI creation with an easy setting to turn this feature off at any time” — and not only is that true, but it’s super easy to accomplish! On the Instagram mobile app, click on your profile and select the menu icon (the three lines in the top right corner). Once selected, find the tab that reads “Sharing and reuse.” In the tab, there will be two toggles (one for posts and one for Reels) with the sentence, “Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta.” Simply tap the two toggles to prohibit Muse Image from using your Instagram images to create AI content. If you’re not seeing this option, the feature may have not rolled out to your account yet, so keep checking in the coming days!
Let’s be clear: If you put something on the internet, you run the risk of it getting used for purposes you may not agree with, regardless of your privacy settings. However, being able to opt out of Muse Image is one small step for users to share content on their own terms.