Instagram is Set to Replace its Criticized Search Function with an AI-powered Upgrade
Instagram is set to overhaul its much-maligned search function, introducing an AI-powered feature that promises a significant improvement.
The integration of Meta's own artificial intelligence into Instagram, specifically its search function, has been reported by TechCrunch. This new addition not only facilitates chatting with an AI chatbot but also aids in content discovery. From the search box, users will find themselves in a "private messaging" interface, where they'll interact not with another human, but with a chatbot. This bot is fundamentally similar to ChatGPT, Copilot, or any other major AI chatbot currently available.
Upon accessing the feature, users will be greeted with a selection of suggested questions/prompts designed to assist in navigating and utilizing the chatbot.
While still in the testing phase, early reports indicate that the focus of this AI-powered search function will be on content discovery, with a particular emphasis on Reels videos. This focus is part of Instagram's strategy to compete against TikTok.
The AI-based search update may not be revolutionary, but it is expected to improve upon Instagram's frequently criticized search capabilities. Additionally, it serves as a testament to the increasingly pervasive role of artificial intelligence across online platforms.