Facebook makes Snapchat-like features available to all users

Facebook is equipping its app with new camera software that allows users to add Snapchat-like filters to photos. The Stories function, which is copied from the function of the same name in Snapchat, will also be available to all users.

According to Facebook, users of the app on iOS and Android can use the new camera software from this week. The software adds filters and masks, which are placed live over the user’s face. The social network has made deals with several brands and added movie-themed masks from the likes of Alien, Despicable Me, Power Rangers and Guardians of the Galaxy. Facebook promises to regularly update the available filters. In the coming months, it should also become possible for users to add their own frames and effects.

Furthermore, Facebook Stories now comes to all users. With that feature, users can share photos and videos in a gallery that disappears by itself after 24 hours. The feature was introduced to Instagram last year, and in January, Facebook began a test in Ireland using the feature in the regular Facebook app.

Another new way to share photos is the Direct option. This allows photos and videos taken to be shared individually with a specific person. These images will disappear automatically after the recipient has viewed them. All the new features that Facebook is adding to its app have been around for a while in Snapchat.