October 6, 2026, (Inside AI) — Instagram is testing an AI feature that lets users generate custom songs inside Direct Messages. The tool, first spotted by social media creator Jonah Manzano, prompts users to enter lyrics and pick a genre. The AI then produces a full track to share in chats. Meta calls it "a fun engagement option" for adding humor and creativity to conversations. The feature remains in testing with no confirmed launch date or rollout timeline.
The significance goes beyond a quirky DM add-on. Instagram is offering the tool for free, while rival Snapchat charges for a similar capability. That pricing choice could reshape how young users adopt AI music creation and which platform becomes their default messaging app.
Snapchat Charges, Instagram Doesn't
Snapchat launched its "Chat-to-Song" feature on September 21. That tool lets users select a message and genre to generate an AI song from chat text. But Snapchat restricts it to paying Lens+ subscribers. Instagram's decision to offer a comparable feature at no cost could give it an edge among younger users who discover and share music through social platforms.
Meta has not disclosed which AI model powers the Instagram feature. However, the company's open-source MusicGen model, built through its AudioCraft research project, already generates music from text prompts. The DM song tool likely builds on similar technology. Meta declined to confirm the underlying model or whether the feature will remain free after testing.
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. 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. The new song generation feature extends that music-centric strategy by letting users create original tracks rather than share existing ones.
The move follows a broader industry trend. Social platforms are integrating AI music generation into messaging and content creation workflows. TikTok, YouTube, and others have experimented with AI audio tools. But the competitive dynamics differ. Snapchat's paywall approach mirrors how some platforms monetize advanced AI features. Instagram's free strategy suggests Meta views AI music generation as a engagement driver rather than a direct revenue source.
That calculus carries risks. AI-generated music raises copyright questions, especially when users write lyrics that mimic existing songs. Meta has not detailed how it will handle potential infringement or moderation. The company also faces scrutiny over how AI tools affect artist livelihoods. Music industry groups have pushed back against unlicensed AI training and generation. Instagram's feature could intensify those debates if it scales widely.
For now, the tool remains a test. Meta has not said whether it will expand to other regions or platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. The company also has not clarified whether users can save or download generated songs outside the chat. Those details will shape whether the feature becomes a lasting product or a short-lived experiment.
Still, the strategic intent is clear. Meta wants to keep users inside its ecosystem by making conversations more entertaining. AI-generated songs offer a lightweight creative outlet that requires no musical skill. If the test succeeds, Instagram could set a new baseline for what free messaging features include. Snapchat may then face pressure to drop its paywall or risk losing younger users to a more generous competitor.
