Meta launches upgraded AI search and image editing tools for Facebook

Meta recently announced several new AI-driven features for Facebook, aiming to bring more advanced AI capabilities to a wide range of users. These updates cover various aspects such as search, content creation, and image editing, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in AI applications.

Upgraded AI Search: Integrating Groups and Reels Content

First, Meta aims to launch an upgraded AI search experience powered by AI-driven discovery features. According to Meta's official introduction, the new search process is designed to integrate more insights from across Facebook, leveraging its user-generated knowledge base.

Meta stated in its announcement: "From browsing your feed to searching for specific content, AI Mode uses Meta AI to provide you with answers based on content users have publicly shared across our apps, such as Groups and Reels, giving you real perspectives and experiences rather than a list of generic search results."

This move is part of Meta's broader strategy to better utilize its vast user data resources. Previously, the company launched a new app called Forum, designed to help users find answers more easily based on Facebook group comments.

Essentially, Meta hopes to emulate the way users and AI chatbots use Reddit—where human wisdom on Reddit is increasingly becoming a key source for AI discovery. In fact, Reddit is currently one of the most cited sources for AI chatbot answers. Meta seems to believe that its groups contain a wealth of similar insights and is working to bring this content to more users.

New Photo and Video Editing Tools

Facebook users will also gain new AI photo and video editing tools, including improved transitions and collage effects for camera roll sharing suggestions. These updated tools build on the camera roll suggestion feature Meta announced in April, which automatically scans images on users' devices and recommends content that can be posted to Facebook.

The new photo and video transition effects will help users create collage videos from photos, such as showcasing highlights from the past month. Although this tool still carries a certain "intrusive" feel because Meta analyzes users' personal images to offer posting options, Meta again emphasizes that this is a fully opt-in feature.

AI Outfit Presets: Change Clothes with One Click

Finally, Meta is rolling out new photo presets that allow users to easily change clothing in images using AI. Meta stated: "For sports fans, you can easily show support for your team by virtually wearing the team jersey to celebrate. Just tap the 'Edit with AI' icon in Stories, select 'Wear it,' or go directly to your profile picture, click 'Restyle profile picture with AI,' and then choose 'Wardrobe.'"

However, such image modification tools have mostly received lukewarm responses. Meanwhile, AI tools overall are facing broader public resistance, with more people questioning the true value of AI features. Therefore, Meta's decision to promote more AI features at this stage is somewhat surprising.

But the company has already invested hundreds of billions of dollars in AI development, so it needs to get more people excited about the AI future in every possible way. However, even internally, Meta is limiting the use of AI tools—according to The Information, excessive AI usage is driving up company costs.

To some extent, Meta is caught in a "dilemma": the company needs more people to use AI to demonstrate its value, but the more people use it, the higher the cost of providing these features.