Instagram May Soon Let Users Swap Faces in Photos and Videos Using AI

Instagram may soon take AI-powered creativity to the next level. According to recent leaks, the Meta-owned platform is exploring a new feature that would allow users to create a digital “likeness” of themselves and potentially swap faces with others in photos and videos, provided consent is given. While the feature remains unconfirmed, early details suggest a strong focus on permissions and misuse prevention.

Instagram May Soon Let Users Swap Faces Using AI

Instagram is reportedly developing a new AI-driven feature that would allow users to create their own “likeness”, a digital representation similar to an avatar. While avatars already exist on the platform, this new feature appears to go further, enabling advanced photo and video editing using AI.

The likeness feature could also allow users to swap their digital face with others, possibly close friends or acquaintances, as long as permission is granted.

Feature Spotted by Tipster Alessandro Paluzzi

The development was first reported by tipster Alessandro Paluzzi, known online as @alex193a on X (formerly Twitter). Paluzzi shared screenshots indicating how parts of the feature might function in the future.

However, Instagram has not officially confirmed the feature. As a result, users are advised to take the information “with a grain of salt.”

Instagram Create Your Likeness With Face Swap Feature: Leaked Details

AI Likeness Creation and Face Swapping

According to Paluzzi, who is also a reverse engineer, Instagram is working on a system that allows users to:

• Create an AI likeness of themselves

• Swap their likeness with others in photos and videos

If a user wants to use another person’s likeness, they must first request permission. Once the request is sent, the other person will be notified, and only after approval can their likeness be used.

This permission-based mechanism is designed to prevent misuse and ensure user consent.

Consent-Based System Inspired by Other AI Platforms

The consent-driven approach appears similar to safeguards used in other AI tools. For instance, OpenAI’s Sora already uses an approval-based system when it comes to using another person’s likeness. This helps platforms maintain tighter control over identity misuse, impersonation, and deepfake risks.

Such measures are becoming increasingly important as AI-generated content grows more realistic and accessible.

Could the Feature Be Part of a Paid Subscription?

Meta hinted last month that it may be working on a subscription plan for its major apps, including Instagram and WhatsApp. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the create likeness and face swap feature would be offered for free or placed behind a paywall.

More clarity is expected if and when Instagram officially announces the feature.

Meta’s Previous Experiments With Likeness and AI

This would not be Meta’s first attempt at likeness-based features. In the past, the company introduced AI chatbots designed around popular celebrities, allowing users to interact with them inside Meta AI.

However, following public backlash and criticism, Meta was forced to roll back that functionality, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding identity, consent, and AI-generated representations.

What This Means for Instagram Users

If launched, the AI likeness and face swap feature could significantly expand Instagram’s creative toolkit, especially for short-form videos and Reels. At the same time, it raises important questions around privacy, consent, and ethical AI use.

For now, the feature remains under development, and users will have to wait for an official confirmation from Instagram.