The short answer
Adobe's generative tools can write Content Credentials and an IPTC DigitalSourceType into the exported file to say AI was used. Instagram reads those fields and labels the post "AI info", even if 99 percent of the frame is a real capture. Check the export, clean it, then post.
Which Adobe tools write AI metadata
Can write AI markers
- Photoshop Generative Fill
- Photoshop Generative Expand
- Remove tool with generative AI on
- Lightroom Generative Remove
- Firefly generated images and backgrounds
Usually do not
- Content-Aware Fill (classic)
- Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp
- Exposure, color and tone edits
- Crop, straighten and resize
Adobe changes these behaviours between releases, so treat the lists as a starting point. The file is the source of truth: run the export through the checker above.
What Adobe writes into the file
- A C2PA manifest signed by Adobe, listing the generative action and the source.
- IPTC DigitalSourceType set to
compositeWithTrainedAlgorithmicMediafor real photos with AI parts. - XMP history that can mention Firefly or the generative step.
The tool removes all three and keeps the EXIF orientation and the ICC color profile, so your colors look the same on Instagram. Learn more about removing Content Credentials.
Export settings that help
Photoshop
Check the Content Credentials panel and the Export As options, and turn credentials off for that export if you do not want them. Export as sRGB JPEG for Instagram.
Lightroom
In the export dialog, look at the Metadata and Content Credentials sections. Removing "All metadata" helps, but do not rely on it alone; check the result.
If Firefly generated most of the image, disclose it. This guide is about real photos with a small generative fix.
Photoshop, Lightroom and the AI label: FAQ
Does Photoshop Generative Fill trigger the Instagram AI label?
It can. Generative Fill can write Content Credentials and an IPTC DigitalSourceType such as compositeWithTrainedAlgorithmicMedia into the exported file. Meta reads those fields on upload and may add the AI info label.
Does Lightroom Generative Remove add AI metadata?
It can, depending on the version and export settings. Test the exported file with the checker on this page; it shows whether any AI marker was written.
Does the content-aware fill or the old spot healing brush trigger it?
The classic, non-generative tools such as Content-Aware Fill and the Spot Healing Brush do not use Firefly and are not the usual cause. Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Generative Remove and the Remove tool with generative AI enabled are the ones to watch.
Will turning off Content Credentials in Photoshop stop the label?
It helps, but it may not catch everything. The IPTC source type or XMP history can still mention the generative step. Check the export before posting and clean it if needed.
Should I clean the PSD or the exported JPEG?
Clean the final file you upload, usually the exported JPEG. Cleaning first and then re-exporting can write the markers back.
Does Firefly-generated content need the label?
If the image is mostly generated, yes, disclose it. The fix on this page is for real photos where a generative tool made a small change.