TikTok has just added a text-to-image AI generator to its mobile app as an effect for videos. This tool is much more essential than DALL-E or Mid journey but allows the general public to experiment with this fantastic technology.In 2021, scientists discovered that AI could generate images from text. Since then, this text-to-image technology has been booming.
After DALL-E by OpenAI, which was reserved for professionals, the general public was given access to DALL-E Mini, aka CrAIyon. More recently, MidJourney is shocking artists with its ability to create images with a focus on beauty.
The AI-generated images are being shared frantically on social networks, and the technology has gone viral. Now, TikTok has decided to capitalize on this new trend by integrating a text-to-image generator into its app.
With this new effect called “AI greenscreen,” users can type in text and receive an image that can be used as a background in their videos. The effect is accessible from the TikTok camera screen.
An AI that is deliberately limited to avoid abuses?
It should be noted that the images produced by TikTok’s AI are basic compared to models like DALL-E 2 or Google Imagen. They are mainly abstract drawings, whereas DALL-E 2 and Imagen can create photorealistic images.
However, TikTok may have deliberately limited its model to ensure that the content generated respects the application’s rules. This is particularly the case concerning violent or sexual images.
If TikTok’s model were as complex and photorealistic as DALL-E 2 or Image, some users would undoubtedly exploit it to create offensive content.
However, it seems particularly risky to put such a tool in the hands of TikTok’s one billion users. There is an abstract model to prevent this from happening.
When selecting the effect, TikTok suggests different texts such as “Dive into a purple ocean,” “Village hidden in the mountains,” or “Erupting rainbow volcano.” These example texts confirm that TikTok focuses on abstract imagery.
However, users can enter their texts. If the text includes words related to violence or nudity, the image generated will be abstract even if the colors match.
There are several trending contents on TikTok that use the filter. One offers to enter one’s name in the generator to discover the corresponding image according to the AI, and another uses the same idea for the date of birth.