Meta is launching its AI voice translation feature on Instagram Reels, enabling users to view videos with individuals seemingly speaking a language different from the one originally recorded. This was announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, and the Llama 4-powered Meta AI feature delivers live, lip-synced translations, set to be accessible on all public Instagram accounts and Facebook. Initially, it will support translations between Spanish and English, with the addition of more languages to come. Mosseri highlighted the opportunity for creators to engage with audiences who speak various languages, aiding in expanding their following and improving their Instagram experience.
In his video announcement, Mosseri presented the AI-translated version, where his voice and mouth movements were in sync with the Spanish translation, generating a convincing result. Meta first unveiled its AI live translation tool in September 2024, utilizing its Large Language Model (LLM) Llama, and has been experimenting with translations of creators’ videos between English and Spanish.
Live AI language translation is not only a Meta offering, as competitors such as Google Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and other multilingual translation services provide similar capabilities. Google’s Pixel 10 includes live translation for phone calls, while Apple’s iOS 26 will roll out real-time translation features.
TikTok’s translation functionalities are largely text-based, aimed at captions, with some users turning to third-party applications for translating TikTok Lives. Nevertheless, the rollout of live AI translation in Instagram Reels has sparked apprehensions among users. In the comments section of Mosseri’s video, individuals voiced concerns regarding possible mistranslations and proposed AI subtitles as a more favorable option.
“As a native Spanish speaker, I have to say this seems and appears eerie. AI subtitles suffice,” commented @singlutenismo. “AI subtitles would be beneficial, but the automatic modification and reprocessing of human voices raises concerns similar to altering and reprocessing skin color,” expressed @cuernomalo. “It’s somewhat unsettling because how can I trust the translation’s accuracy or ensure my expressions are culturally and linguistically suitable,” noted @drinksbywild, voicing worries about recipe content being misrepresented due to translation mishaps.
Mashable has contacted Meta for additional information and will update the narrative should more details emerge.