Instagram is testing a new AI-powered feature that lets users create and send custom songs directly within Direct Messages. The tool allows users to write their own lyrics, pick a music genre, and generate an AI track to share with friends, giving conversations a more creative, music based element beyond standard text or voice messages.
Social media creator Jonah Manzano first spotted the feature and shared screenshots showing how it works. When users tap the song creation button in their DM options, they are prompted to enter lyrics and select a genre, after which the AI generates a full track based on those inputs. Meta described the addition as a fun engagement option intended to help users enhance their conversations with humor and creativity. The feature is currently in testing, and Meta has not confirmed a specific launch date or wider rollout timeline, though the company appears to be positioning it as a free tool available through standard DM features rather than locking it behind a subscription.
That approach stands in contrast to Snapchat’s similar Chat-to-Song feature, which launched on September 21 and gives users the ability to select a message and genre to generate an AI song from chat text. However, Snapchat restricts the tool to paying Lens+ subscribers only, meaning Instagram’s decision to offer a comparable feature for free could give it an edge among younger users who discover and share music through social platforms, especially if cost remains a barrier to adoption for Snapchat’s version.
This is not Instagram’s first AI driven addition to DMs. Earlier this year, the platform rolled out AI voice effects that transform voice notes with different styles and tones, and in February 2025, Instagram added music sharing in DMs, allowing users to send 30 second previews of songs from its music library in group chats and broadcast channels. Meta has been investing heavily in generative AI tools across its platforms, and its open source MusicGen model, built through its AudioCraft research project, has already demonstrated the capability to generate music from text prompts, though Meta has not disclosed which underlying model powers the new DM song feature. The move adds to a broader industry trend of social platforms integrating AI music generation directly into messaging and content creation workflows.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
