Facebook Rolls Out AI-Animated Profile Pictures and Restyle Tools

Facebook has introduced AI-powered animation for profile pictures, allowing users to turn static photos into short, looping clips with preset effects such as waving, wearing a party hat, confetti bursts, heart gestures, or natural movement. The feature, announced February 10, 2026, enables users to select a single-person photo facing the camera (from their camera roll or existing uploads) and apply one of several animation styles. Meta plans to expand the preset options throughout the year for seasonal events and holidays.

The company recommends clear, well-lit photos without objects obscuring the face for optimal results. Once animated, the clip can be set as the profile image and shared to the Feed or Stories. Notably, users can now use AI-generated animations as profile pictures, a capability unavailable since Facebook retired native video profile support in 2022 due to low adoption.

Meta is also expanding its AI Restyle tool to Facebook Stories and Memories. After uploading a photo or viewing a Memory, users can apply preset styles (anime, illustrated), moods (glowy), lighting (ethereal), colors (cool tones, pink), or backdrops (beach, cityscape), or enter custom text prompts via Meta AI to reimagine visuals. Additionally, text posts now support AI-generated animated backgrounds in seasonal themes.

The updates reflect Meta’s continued push to integrate generative AI across its family of apps, following similar tools on Instagram and WhatsApp. The company has invested heavily in AI infrastructure, with billions allocated to data centers and models, aiming to increase user engagement and eventually offset development costs through broader adoption.