Facebook continues to expand its slate of consumer apps with the Tuesday launch of Slingshot, a Snapchat-like messaging service that lets people send self-destructing photos and videos to friends.
From the Facebook Slingshot blog:
"Today, we’re excited to launch a new app called Slingshot.
With Slingshot, we wanted to build something where everybody is a creator and nobody is just a spectator. When everyone participates, there’s less pressure, more creativity and even the little things in life can turn into awesome shared experiences. This is what Slingshot is all about.
Photos and videos that don’t stick around forever allow for sharing that’s more expressive, raw and spontaneous. We can connect the same way we like to live: in the moment. We’ve enjoyed using Snapchat to send each other ephemeral messages and expect there to be a variety of apps that explore this new way of sharing. With Slingshot, we saw an opportunity to create something new and different: a space where you can share everyday moments with lots of people at once.
To get started on Slingshot, shoot a photo or video. It can be what you’re up to, who you’re with or a quick selfie. Add some text and color, then sling it to a bunch of friends. Here’s the deal: friends won’t be able to see your shot until they sling something back to you. They can then reply with a reaction—or simply swipe your shot away.
Using Slingshot has made us feel closer, and we can’t wait for others to try it out. It’s the second app from Facebook Creative Labs and is available today starting in the US on iPhone (iOS7) and Android (Jelly Bean and KitKat). Get it at sling.me/download"
Slingshot comes out of Facebook Creative Labs, an initiative at the Palo Alto-based social network that lets small teams develop apps that expand the Facebook experience. The first project from Creative Labs was news reader app Paper, which launched in January. Facebook also offers standalone chat app Messenger.
Facebook first looked to capitalize on the success of disappearing photo apps like Snapchat with the 2012 launch of Poke, a Snapchat clone that never caught on. The Mark Zuckerberg-led tech giant later tried to buy Snapchat for $3 billion, an offer that the Venice startup ultimately spurned.
Snapchat, meanwhile, has been updating its popular app with new features that create more lasting interactions. Last year it launched My Story, a timeline of photos and videos that lasts for up to 24 hours. Then it added photo and video messaging capabilities in May.
Today, it announced Our Story, which lets people collaborate to add photo and video posts to a timeline for a specific event. The feature will roll out this weekend at Electric Daisy Festival in Las Vegas, where Snapchat will also provide free WiFi to attendees.
