Facebook Unveils Its Own Snapchat-Like Photo Filters
There’s just something about Snapchat, all the other messaging services just can’t help themselves from mimicking the quick photo messaging app in one way or another: from Instagram’s “Stories” feature to Facebook’s experiments with self-destructing messages. Now, the big blue “F” is taking another stab at being more like Snapchat, debuting a set of filters that users can place over their photos — think puking rainbows and cartoonish eyes.
Facebook launched the photo enhancements for its Live service, dubbed Masks, on Thursday, with a suite of Halloween-themed, well, masks that users can place over their selfies and then, of course, post for all the world to see.
The feature is available within Facebook’s iOS app and the Mentions app for verified users, the company says. The company says the service will be added to Android devices in coming months.
To use the enhancements — which currently includes masks of witches, ghosts, skulls, pumpkins, and other fall-themed overlays — simply go live with Facebook, tap the “magic wand” in the upper left corner, select the mask icon in the creator tool tray, scroll through the options, and select the overlay you like.
Facebook says that while Masks is centered around the Halloween holiday right now, it plans to update the available filters frequently.
The addition of Masks isn’t exactly a surprise for Facebook. The company has experimented with similar options in the past, and actually purchased Snapchat-like filter company Masquerade Technologies back in March.
Facebook on Thursday also debuted a set of limited-time Halloween-themed reactions. That means instead of the simple heart, smiley face, or sad face, users can choose a ghost, laughing witch, pumpkin, and other options.
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