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Digital Strategy

Facebook ends the year with another Snapchat clone

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Facebook Messenger has built and launched a new in-app camera for Snapchat-style selfies

For the 15th time, Facebook has tried to take on Snapchat. In the past we have seen Facebook Inc’s attempt to buy Snapchat, then proceed to launch identical features that Snapchat has become renowned for. Features such as Instagram stories, as well as Instagram’s very own take on disappearing images and videos have made Facebook’s intent clear for all to see, but have Facebook just beat Snapchat at its own game?

For those of you who have and use Facebook’s Messenger app, you are about to see a significant visual upgrade. Today, Facebook started to roll out their latest Messenger update, here’s what you can expect from the latest upgrade.

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Facebook Messenger Launches new art’s feature

With Facebook’s new camera on the Messenger app, you can now doodle over photos and videos using your finger, stickers, emojis filters and, you can even add real-time face masks and cool effects to your selfie… Sound familiar?

Facebook isn’t just copying Snapchat; It wants to be it. But Facebook isn’t just playing catch up, they have altered the way you use their in-app camera and reversed the order of operations we have become used to on Snapchat.

Rather than taking a photo and adding your caption or art edits, Facebook Messenger allows you to start with a “blank” canvas, add all your visuals and then take your snap.

Stories are sorted by the friends you interact with

It’s fair to say that for the most part, we tend to ignore a few stories on Snapchat. If you are like me, you tend to watch specific stories and overlook others. The issue, however, is that Snapchat sorts your stories by the time of upload, and that’s where Facebook have upped the game.

Facebook knows who your close friends are. Stories on Facebook messenger are sorted by who you interact with on Messenger and (to a lesser extent) on Facebook.

Facebook will delete Snapchat snapcode images

Facebook aren’t done. Facebook have now even started to go on the offense by forcing Facebook pages to remove any profile images which may contain a Snapchat snapcode.

With over 1 billion monthly active users, Facebook Messenger is the most used app in the world. Facebook is taking small steps in encouraging its users to use its product rather than that of its rivals.

The new Facebook Messenger feature is just another slap in the face for Snapchat, and it seem’s like Facebook is only getting more determined to take control of the video app market.

Most of us in the office are still staying loyal to Snapchat. But it’s clear to see that Facebook Messenger is only going to get better. The ball is in your court Snapchat.

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