Facebook REALLY wants to be Snapchat

In Facebook's pursuit to be Snapchat, the shameless social network is rolling out two very familiar features: a filter-laden camera and "stories".

In rolling out these changes, Facebook is making the camera a much more prominent part of the Facebook app; there's a new camera icon in the top left hand corner, and swiping left will take you to the camera too. As with Snapchat, there's plenty of filters to personalise your pictures with, including frames, masks, dynamic object, artistic overlays, and the obligatory brand sponsored content.

Stories are a "new" way to share images separate from Facebook's timeline. Rather than posting photo or video to your personal page, you're able to add to your story. These stories sit at the top of Facebook's smartphone apps, and will disappear after 24 hours. You're also able to send a story directly to specific friends.

Of course, Facebook is no stranger to copying Snapchat's functionality. Stories (or story-like features) have already been added to its other key apps, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and even Facebook Messenger.

While Facebook might be able to copy - and in some cases - improve on Snapchat's features, I'd say it's also missing the point. While fun photo filters and ephemeral sharing are part of Snapchat's appeal, the fact your parents probably aren't on it is equally - if not more - important. To me, Snapchat feels much more like a social network for friends, rather than family and professional acquaintances. I've got quite a short friends list on Snapchat, which makes it easier to share without too much thought and without consequences. That just isn't possible on a network like Facebook.

Stories and the new camera aren't yet available to everyone, but should be making their way to your Facebook iOS and Android apps this week. You might be able to get the new features by making sure you're running the latest version of the Facebook app and logging in and out, but if that doesn't do anything, you'll just have to wait until they randomly appear. 

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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