Masks - Facebook Roll Out Yet Another Snapchat Rip-off
 |
| Facebook Newsroom |
I can't quite believe we're back in this depressing valley of blue-tinted plagiarism yet again. As if it wasn't enough to outfit WhatsApp with the ability to draw and write on pictures, or unveil a completely new version of Messenger based around ephemeral picture messaging, Facebook have thieved yet another idea from Snapchat. Mark Zuckerberg is looking more and more like Jesse Eisenberg with each passing day.
'Masks' are an augmented reality feature which pastes a digital 'mask' over your own face when you take a selfie, in almost exactly the same way that Snapchat's lenses do. Currently, they're all Halloween themed, and given that we've seen man-makeup, zombie faces and rainbow vomit from the yellow side of the pitch, the options on offer here look decidedly less imaginative. You get a pumpkin, a witch, a skeleton, and a few more less festive but no less generic options.
The difference is, rather than photo messaging, Masks are activated when you're posting a live video through the main Facebook app, but only on iOS in the US, UK and New Zealand for the time being. The Android/more global launch will be some time in the next couple of months.
They were developed by MSQRD, a start-up which Facebook picked up back in March, but hadn't really done anything concrete with until now. I don't think I have to remind anyone that this is a play by Facebook to pull in a younger crowd, as statistics suggest that more millennials are leaving Facebook behind each month, and even those that stay only do so out of necessity. Heaven forbid they might come up with a few genuinely original ideas to keep the young crowd interested.
Again, the fact that it's on Live is the key difference that Facebook are trying to capitalise on. The Halloween-themed wider release suggests that they're hoping everyone will enjoy making scary faces at each other so much that they adopt Masks as a regular part of their live streaming shenanigans. In either case, I doubt Snapchat are losing any sleep over it.
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @Songbird_Callum
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Masks - Facebook Roll Out Yet Another Snapchat Rip-off
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, October 31, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, October 31, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.