Meta starts testing user-created AI chatbots on Instagram
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that the company is set to start surfacing AI characters created by users through Meta AI studio on Instagram. The initial tests will kick off in the U.S.
Collaborations and Initiatives
The announcement from the social media giant coincides with the launch of a16z-backed chatbot firm Character.AI’s feature that enables users to have conversations with AI avatars over calls. Zuckerberg mentioned in a broadcast channel post that these AI chatbots will be distinctly labeled as AI to ensure transparency.
According to Zuckerberg, the testing phase in the U.S. will introduce AI creations from popular creators and interest-based AIs on Instagram. Initially, these AI chatbots will appear mainly in messaging platforms and will be clearly identified as AI.
Zuckerberg highlighted that Meta collaborated with creators like the meme account ‘Wasted’ and technology creator Don Allen Stevenson III to introduce early versions of creator-designed chatbots.
Future Prospects and User Engagement
In an interview shared on his social media channels, Zuckerberg elaborated on the potential use cases for AI avatars. He emphasized the need for a variety of APIs catering to diverse interests. The CEO stressed on enabling every creator and eventually every small business on the platform to develop their own AI to enhance interactions with their community and customers.
Creators may opt to utilize AI chatbots to connect with their followers, especially when facing challenges in responding to all incoming messages promptly. Zuckerberg acknowledged that the effectiveness of AI avatars will evolve over time, shaping up to be somewhat of an “art form.”
Meta plans to commence the feature’s testing with approximately 50 creators and a limited number of users, gradually expanding its availability to a broader audience in the upcoming months. The company aims to have the feature fully operational by August.
Last year, Meta unveiled its AI studio at a developer conference, allowing businesses to construct customized chatbots. This move signified Meta’s commitment to fostering innovation and user engagement through AI technology.
