The social network started testing new camera and messaging features that look and feel the same with that of Snapchat, the social network's rival and loved by teens and young adults.
"We want to make visual sharing on Facebook fast, fun, and flexible" the new camera's product manager Sachin Monga told TechCrunch.
According to CNET, the new features include digital masks, which uses software to superimpose an image onto your face, similar with Snapchat lenses. Hearts or bubbles can be added, too, to the frame. There is also a type of filter that reanimates a scene in the style of a famous artist such as Vincent Van Gogh or Georgia O'Keefe. Earlier this week at a conference, Facebook Product Chief Chris Cox had a demonstration of the feature.
Another feature, called Direct, allows users to share those images and videos to individual friends or group of friends. When there's no one commenting on an image or video, it will disappear. Also, 24 hours will be given to replay a picture or video from the first time it was opened, a Facebook spokeswoman said.
The company began testing these features in Ireland.
"We may test more variations of these before rolling this out globally", the company added.
Facebook has not been shy about imitating Snapchat features. However, this is the first time Snapchat-like features will be placed so prominently in Facebook's flagship app. A new camera icon at the top left corner of the News Feed will be added or users can quickly access the "new camera" from the News Feed with a quick right swipe. There's also photo and video messages in a new inbox, separate from other Facebook messages.
Meanwhile, new masks were also debuted recently and made possible by technology Facebook acquired when it bought the startup MSQRD in March. The company added that a selection of masks can still be used even after Halloween.
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