Blog

Get ready for a new layer of transparency on your favorite platforms.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently announced the introduction of labels for AI-generated images across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

This initiative aims to enhance transparency by clearly indicating when images have been "Imagined with AI." By working with industry partners, Meta seeks to align on common standards for identifying AI content, ensuring users can distinguish between human and AI-generated creations.

This update comes amidst growing concerns about the spread of deepfakes, which are AI-manipulated videos or images that can be incredibly realistic and often used to deceive viewers. Meta hopes that by labeling AI-generated images, they can help users distinguish between real and fabricated content.

So, how will it work?

• According to Meta, AI-generated images will be tagged with some kind of a "Generated with AI" label (exact text and design is still TBD). This label will appear discreetly within the image or video itself, or in the accompanying information.

• As mentioned by The Verge, Meta has already started applying their “Imagined with AI” watermark to images generated by the Meta-owned Imagine AI generator. Now, “the company will begin doing the same to AI-generated photos made with tools from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Adobe, Midjourney, and Shutterstock.”

• According to NPR, these labels apply only to static photos for now. Meta, as yet, cannot label AI-generated audio or video this way “because the industry has not started including that data in audio and video tools.”

Why it Matters

The heart of this update lies in its commitment to transparency and responsibility in the age of generative AI. As AI-generated imagery becomes increasingly photorealistic, differentiating these from human-created content has become crucial.

As a social media marketer, this update might raise a few questions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Transparency is key. This update emphasizes the importance of authenticity and trust in the online world. Consider how you can leverage this to build trust with your audience by being transparent about the content you share.

• Stay informed. The world of AI is constantly evolving, so staying updated on these developments will be crucial. Keep an eye on how users respond to the new labels and adapt your strategies accordingly.

• Focus on value. Regardless of whether the content is AI-generated or not, the focus should always be on providing value to your audience.

Remember, in a world of AI-powered fakery, building genuine connections with your audience will be more important than ever.