Instagram Launches AI Pixel Effect for Soft-Launching Relationships

Instagram has launched a new AI-driven feature named the Pixel effect, which allows users to extract a person from a photo and pixelate their image. This functionality can be found in Instagram Stories under the Restyle effects, specifically in the “Write a prompt” area. Users can enter prompts for the AI to identify and pixelate a subject, a process that used to require advanced photo editing skills or software like Photoshop. In a demonstration post, Instagram suggested prompts like “the person on the right.” This feature aligns with the trend of soft-launching relationships, where individuals hint at romantic connections without disclosing their partner's identity. Celebrities, including Katy Perry, have employed this tactic; she subtly introduced her relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year during a video for her 41st birthday, where he appeared briefly among other photos. While some users have labeled the Pixel effect as trivial, others, including Mashable, have expressed concerns regarding Meta's storage of images featuring individuals whose faces are not visible, as the pixelation occurs within the app. Additionally, this tool could be useful for obscuring a child's face or a stranger in the background of a picture. PetaPixel reported the announcement on September 28, 2026.