Facebook In-App Camera Update: Location Frames Are A Clone Of Snapchat's Geofilters

Facebook is adding new Snapchat-like features to help people customize their photos and videos.

Facebook location frames are just like Snapchat’s geofilters. Don’t get too excited about Facebook “location frames ” as the company is still testing the new feature in its main app in Ireland.

With Facebook’s Camera Effects Platform, Facebook is making it easy for anyone to create Facebook profile frames.

By using an online tool pretty much anyone can develop and then submit frames that can be used by others on Facebook. Facebook frames can support teams, causes, businesses and special events.

To create a Facebook frame, you’ll need to create your design in a software program and export it as a PNG file. You’ll then need to upload the frame to Facebook, where you can preview in different sizes and add other details. Of course, the final step would be to submit the frame for approval.

Facebook says that frames must stick to its policies in order to go live. This means that you won’t be able to launch frame content that’s illegal or offensive.

At launch, Facebook’s Camera Effects Platform won’t be available in the U.S. Instead, the new tool will be available to those in Colombia, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K. and Ireland.

Facebook’s in-app camera is a Snapchat clone that includes animated selfie masks, graphics and geofilters. The new in-camera app even has some filters that react to body movements.

With Facebook’s new Camera Effects Platform that’s now available, Ireland will have access to additional features, including the ability to track frame usage. Users can also create frames that can appear in the in-camera, as well as seeing them in News Feed.

Users in Ireland will be able to create location frames, which can represent neighborhoods, city or landmark These can be used on photos and videos, and shared directly within the in-app camera.

Facebook says that the Camera Effects Platform will be available in the U.S. and other countries in the near future, but hasn’t said when the global launch will be.