14 DAY TRIAL // With the holidays just around the corner, Facebook announced new features for its Messenger built-in camera to make it more fun to share videos with friends. The update introduces photo filters, masks and stickers to Messenger camera.
Facebook states that the new camera will be faster and easier to use, functioning as an alternative to the keyboard. Every day, 2.5 billion emojis, photos, stickers and videos are being shared on Messenger; the number could rise with the introduction of these new features for the camera.
The camera can be accessed easily - you simply need to long press on the shutter button in the main Messenger screen to record a video. You can add 3D masks and special effects, similar to the ones found on Snapchat.
In fact, some of the features do seem to resemble those found on the most popular social network for sharing videos, meaning that Facebook is trying to keep users from ditching Messenger for recording fun videos. This move coincides with the debut of the holiday season, a time when people communicate more and share more multimedia files.
The Messenger camera now has thousands of masks, effects and stickers
Facebook is also introducing thousands of stickers, frames, masks and effects for videos, saying that it has “worked with artists and influencers all over the world and these artists have added their own touch to the customization tools you can now use in Messenger.”
But this isn’t the only change to Messenger, as Facebook debuted a section with a blank canvas for adding art and stickers to text messages. This allows users to bring their own personal touch to text messages.
Earlier this month, Facebook updated its Android app with HD video uploads and easier notification browsing for all users, signaling the fact that the company is focusing more and more on visual messaging tools.
