Improving bedtime can require an absurd amount of creativity from a parent who is just trying to get their overstimulated child to sleep. Meta may have a solution to this. Using AI, the company wants to take legends of dragons, haunted forests, and well-timed lessons about sharing.
The company is testing StoryKit, a free iPhone app that generates personalized children’s stories using AI. Meta confirmed that it is testing the app in select countries to gauge parental interest, with current availability including Mexico and excluding the United States. A comprehensive release date has yet to be announced.
Turn your child or their toy into a hero
StoryKit starts by asking a parent to create a character. Users can describe one by making or photograph a favorite child, person, or toy and let the AI recreate it within the story. Parents then choose a setting, such as an enchanting forest, a galaxy far, far away, or an underwater world, and choose a lesson that involves values such as bravery, kindness, or compassion. It produces text alongside AI graphics, narration, and even accompanying music.
The finished story can be a downloadable picture book, an audiobook for hands-free listening, a read-aloud text for a parent, or a printable PDF. Saved books stay inside a private library, and downloaded stories work offline. Meta says the app has no advertising, in-app purchases, or social features.
The finished story can be a downloadable picture book, an audiobook for hands-free listening, a read-aloud text for a parent, or a printable PDF. Saved books stay inside a private library, and downloaded stories work offline. Meta says the app has no advertising, in-app purchases, or social features.
The idea has a really useful side. A tired parent can quickly create a story about a child’s latest obsession, while printable and read-aloud formats keep the parent engaged rather than leaving the phone for bedtime alone. But this raises a few troubling questions.
Giving a photo of a child Meta doesn’t seem like a good idea
Meta says StoryKit includes AI content filters, safety lines, and PIN protection. The company also told TechCrunch that the app is intended for users over the age of 18, despite its content being naturally aimed at younger children. Parents should still check the privacy policy before uploading family photos. Apple’s listing says that StoryKit may collect photos, videos, and other types of data that seem a little invasive at first.
AI-enabled children’s products have previously raised concerns about inappropriate output, data collection, and systems designed for adults from within the toys. StoryKit’s parental control structure and lack of social features offset some of those risks. So while it can help relieve tired parents, it takes away personal traditions involving changing stories and thoughts from the parent or child.
