Instagram AI Characters: Creepy, Cringe, or the Future?

A few days ago, as I was scrolling Instagram, I came across a weird section titled “Chat with AI characters,” and the profiles listed underneath were way too creepy. My initial reaction was that this must be an ad or promotional content. But I was wrong. It’s Instagram AI Characters, a new feature!

Let’s find out all about Instagram AI Chats and whether these are any good!

What are AI Characters on Instagram?

Launched initially in 2024 for a handful of users, it took Instagram time to roll out AI Chats globally. AI Chats or AI Studio allows users to create highly customized and tailored AI-powered chatbots capable of holding interactions. These characters can have a wide array of attributes, ranging from creativity, connection, learning, mentoring, bond formation, and empathy, amongst others.

As someone who’s usually up-to-date with the latest trends in technology, I know Instagram AI Characters is not the first of its kind. Several platforms have previously launched AI companions that do the exact same job: hold engaging, life-like conversations.

AI Characters on Instagram or any other platform try to resemble humans as close as possible. That’s the ultimate aim. This makes the conversations more natural and gets users hooked to the platform or chatbot. But achieving this ain’t that easy!

Instagram allows everyone to create AI characters to chat with. Creating a simple one doesn’t take more than a minute, while a more customized AI character can be set up in 5-7 minutes. Besides, you can set the visibility to Everyone, Followers, or Close friends to let others access the AI chatbot.

How can I access Instagram AI Characters?

Launch Instagram > tap on the Messages icon near the top right > tap on the New icon > choose AI chats > select a character from the list.

You will now find AI characters categorized under relevant sections. There’s also a dedicated search box at the top to find and interact with more AI Characters.

How can I create a new AI Character on Instagram?

Launch Instagram > tap on the Messages icon > tap on the New icon > choose AI chats > tap on Create at the top-right corner > select a character type from the options or choose Custom AI character > add a description for the AI character > then customize the name, tagline, picture, audience and configure the advanced settings > finally, tap on Chat with AI character.

The AI Character will be ready for chat within a few seconds.

Here are a few things I liked about Instagram AI Characters:

• Allows you to configure the chatbot’s visibility.
• Lets you create display images using simple prompts. There’s also a refresh option to create another image with the same prompt.
• Setting up a new character is quick, seamless, and pretty straightforward. Anyone can do it.
• Chats with AI characters appear alongside regular chats, ensuring easy accessibility.
• Creators have a wide array of customizations to tailor each AI character.

How to delete your AI Character on Instagram?

Launch Instagram > tap on Messages > select the AI Character you want to remove > tap on the Settings icon near the top right> tap Delete AI at the bottom.

Are Instagram AI Characters any good?

When I was about to start writing this blog, I decided to try out a few of these AI Characters on Instagram. And believe me, they weren’t at par with the kind of interactions we see on advanced AI-powered chatbots.

First, the character names and profiles were creepy as hell. I wouldn’t blame Meta or Instagram since that content resonates with the youth today.

Surprisingly, I couldn’t find a single AI Character of interest in the list. So, I went ahead with the first one.

The level of interaction was too low, and not at all engaging. I fail to understand how anyone could continue chatting with an AI Character for more than a few minutes. If this is honestly the case, we shouldn’t be that concerned about the risks of virtual AI companions!

Jokes apart, Meta needs to put a lot more effort into AI Characters — especially in the Indian subcontinent — both in terms of filtering creepy profiles as well as elevating the level of interactions. Otherwise, Instagram AI Chats will just be another feature to bite the dust!

What’s your review of Instagram AI Characters? Share with our readers in the comments section.