Facebook's Filters And Everything Else It's Stolen From Snapchat

Snap Inc (NYSE: SNAP) shares plunged 4 percent in Tuesday’s pre-market trading on news of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB)’s latest “innovations” — which strikingly resemble exclusive Snapchat features.

Facebook announced a new in-app camera with allegedly novel effects and sharing methods:

1. Camera Effects: Masks, frames and interactive filters have long been a hallmark of Snapchat, but Facebook’s latest offering and partnership with movie brands dilute the uniquely Snap experience.
2. Direct: Ephemeral photos and videos have kept many a Snap user out of trouble, and Facebook is capitalizing on the appeal. Friends can view Direct messages once, replay once and reply before the content disappears.
3. Facebook Stories: After seizing the day-in-the-life feature for Instagram, Facebook now allows app users to share a collection of photos and videos that reset after 24 hours.

The Imitation Game

Sound familiar? It should. As should these Facebook ventures implemented since the emergence of Snap:

• Poke.
• Slingshot.
• Bolt.
• Instagram Direct.
• Messenger Day.
• WhatsApp Status.
• Instagram Stories.
• Vertical video ads.

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