Instagram tests new green screen effect in Stories

If FaceApp’s mega-viral age filter has taught us anything, it’s that the right selfie effects can take on a life of their own.

Now, Instagram may be testing a new augmented reality feature that essentially puts you in front of a green screen. 

The feature was uncovered by app researcher Jane Manchun Wong, who has a solid track record of digging up unreleased features in Instagram. 

The feature, which appears to be called “background,” allows you to select an image from your camera roll that you can then use as the background for the Stories camera. After you’ve selected a photo, your actual surroundings are replaced by the image, according to screenshots shared by Wong.

The overall feel of the feature seems similar to a green screen, though Instagram’s version appears to be limited to static images, not video or more complex effects. Still, it look fairly impressive. Many photos apps that use filters to try and change your background don’t always do a good job. But the Instagram feature looks pretty seamless — there aren’t any weird lines or gaps between the edge of Wong’s face and the photo backdrop. 

An Instagram spokesperson declined to comment on the feature. The company often tests new features that may or may not end up being officially released.

But it wouldn’t be surprising if the company was looking for new ways to spice up its augmented reality effects. Though the photo-sharing app has had some success with features like Superzoom, it hasn’t had an AR filter reach the same viral fame as Snapchat’s “gender swap” effect (which may have helped the app add close to 10 million new users).

Instagram’s green screen-like AR effect isn’t exactly the same as a filter that makes you look older, but it’s not difficult to imagine influencers finding all sorts of creative ways to use it.