14 DAY TRIAL // Facebook is making it easier for mobile apps to integrate Like functionality without actually using the Like button. Specifically, developers can now use their existing like functionality, whatever it may be called, like, love, favorite, with custom graphics and name, but they can also have it trigger a "like" even on Facebook, i.e. have it posted on peoples' timeline.
The Like button can be a huge asset and a big boost to apps and websites alike. One problem with it and any other social button is that it rarely integrates well with the existing app or website.
That's not much of a problem for large desktop websites, but it is an issue for mobile apps that have little space to begin with.
What's more, some app developers put a good deal of work into the look of their apps and don't appreciate having it ruined by buttons that stand out.
The new solution is exactly for these developers. They can have the like button look and work however they want, but it will still be linked to the Facebook like functionality. One caveat though is that users have to allow the app to post like activity, the like button works automatically.
"The new Open Graph built-in like action makes it easier for people to share content from your app. While the Like button is a great way to let friends share content from the web back to Facebook, the like action enables you to build your own like buttons for your mobile or web app and drive distribution across Facebook," Facebook explained.
"You can use the new like action to implement your own like button for a more integrated experience with your app on web and mobile platforms, as Instagram and foursquare have done," it added.