Meta has launched AI Studio, where people can create an AI character chatbot to use on social messaging services such as Instagram and WhatsApp.

The service, which has been rolled out in the US, uses Llama 3.1, an advanced open-source AI model which Meta introduced earlier this month.

The social media technology company claims anyone can create their AI characters without the need for technical skills.

The resulting AI characters have a variety of uses such as helping users create Instagram captions and generate memes, whilst also offering specialist advice such as how to cook.

Meta said the AI can be shared with followers and friends, while creators can make the character publicly available for anyone to discover and chat with.

Additionally, Meta said content creators can use the service “as an extension of themselves” to quickly answer common questions.

The AI chatbot can be customised to their content and be given instructions on topics to avoid and which users to reply too.

The responses from the AI characters are labelled, meaning that users have full transparency.

“With AI Studio, we’re taking the first steps in creating a world where anyone can harness the creative capabilities of AI – and this is just the beginning,” Meta said. “We have policies and protections in place to keep people safe and help ensure AIs are used responsibly, so that chatting with AIs remains fun and helpful.”

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