Facebook tests out Snapchat-like streaks feature

Facebook has on numerous occasions copied features from Snapchat both for its main app and its other properties (like Instagram and WhatsApp). That behaviour continues with the new feature the social network is trying out. This time, it’s copying the feature that has kept Snapchat users, particularly its teen user base, engaged: streaks. These streaks or having continues back and forth direct snaps with friends come with emoji rewards and have had Snapchat users obsessively trying to keep it going for as long as they can.

Facebook confirmed it’s testing this feature out in Messenger, complete with emoji-like icons and a counter that shows how long the streak is going. According to a spokesperson for Facebook, they are testing out the feature "to see at a glance fun facts about the people you message with. For example, a lightning bolt may appear next to the name of a person you've messaged with for at least three days in a row, and a counter will indicate how many consecutive days you've been chatting. We're interested to see if people enjoy this insight, but we don't have any additional information to share at this time." Now, whether this is something users would want, we can’t say. What we do know is this is Facebook’s way to keep users (hopefully) engaged.

Source: Mashable

Facebook tries to lure video creators with new app

Hoping to attract more video creators to switch over to its platform, Facebook has rebranded its Facebook Mentions app into what we now know as Facebook Creator. The app brings tools for video streaming, messaging across some of Facebook’s platforms, and updating Stories. When used for Facebook Live, the app will let its users create custom intros and outros. Users can also add interactive stickers, custom video frames, take and edit photos for posting on Facebook Stories and other platforms. The Verge points out that it isn’t clear yet if it supports Instagram, too, which it should.

Aside from that, the app consolidates inbox for comments on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger—which is similar to what Pages Manager does, too. Facebook Creator also offers analytics for those who want to see how their content is doing. The app is already available for iOS users and as usual those on Android need to wait as it’ll be arriving in the “coming months.”

Facebook to merge Messenger Day with Stories

Facebook looks to be consolidating its Stories feature by folding into it the redundant Messenger Day feature. Stories, in case you aren’t familiar, is the feature that lets you post disappearing images or videos, similar to Snapchat (which is what Facebook blatantly copied down to the name). Now, if you post on Stories, it’ll appear on both Messenger and the main Facebook app. The camera filters remain separate, though. On top of this Facebook is also killing off the Direct messaging feature, which is where replies to your Stories used to go. Now, all the messages to Stories and Facebook Camera will head straight to Messenger.

The social network is also introducing collaborative Stories for events, which will let users collectively contribute to a single Story for an event. These submissions will then be moderated by the said event’s administrators. A new privacy setting will also be introduced that lets you limit who can see your posts. Those with access to the stripped-down Facebook Lite app will also be getting a version of Facebook Stories.

Source: The Verge

Facebook will now let you donate through its Crisis Response Center

Facebook is expanding the use of its Crisis Response Center beyond giving information to victims and having a way for families and friends to find out if their loved ones are okay. There will now also be a donate button there. Facebook is partnering GlobalGiving, a nonprofit organization that works with other organizations to find the best way to distribute funds. This takes away the trouble of picking which organization to donate to. Facebook has also said they are waiving all fees on donations made through the donate button, which is a welcome gesture.

Source: The Next Web