Facebook copies Snapchat AGAIN to launch Stories, in-app Camera and Direct feature

Facebook has rolled out Snapchat-style stories, camera effects and Instagram-like direct sharing option.

Snapchat was the first of all social media to launch ephemeral stories three years ago. The ephemeral stories last for 24 hours and then automatically disappear. Facebook then introduced the feature in Instagram last year and then for WhatsApp and Messenger, this year. Earlier in February 2017, we informed you that Facebook is also testing Stories for the main app, and the feature is now being rolled out to everyone. It states,

“We want to make it fast, fun and easy for people to share creative photos and videos with whomever they choose, for however long they choose — and the more we share with each other, the more open and connected our community can be. Today we’re starting to roll out a new camera with effects and two additional ways to share the photos and videos you take.”

Stories

Facebook Stories let you share multiple photos and videos at the top of your News Feed. Your friends can view photos or videos from your story for 24 hours. The stories will just be visible on the top in rounded-profile icons and won’t appear on your Timeline or in News Feed unless you post them there, too.

To add to your story, tap on the “Your Story” icon in the Stories bar at the top of News Feed.

Camera Effects

Facebook has revamped its interface a little bit. You can now see a camera icon in the top left corner of your Facebook app (Android or iOS) or you can simply swipe right from News Feed to try out the new in-app camera.

The Facebook camera is packed with a number of effects like masks, frames and filters that you can apply to your photos and videos, just like Snapchat lenses. There are “Reactive effects” that let you interact with dynamic objects — like falling snow — and “Style effects” that apply an artistic filter to your video in real time.

Direct Sharing

In the Stories bar, you can also find a “Direct” icon through which you can share your photos and videos with specific friends on Facebook. The photos and videos will be shared for a limited time.

“When you send a photo or video via Direct, your friends will be able to view it once and replay it or write a reply. Once the conversation on the photo or video ends, the content is no longer visible in Direct.”

The social networking giant plans to introduce new ways for you to create your own frames and effects that can be used on any photo or video created with the new Facebook camera. Facebook wants you to connect with your family and friends in more fun, visual and engaging ways.