{"id":5432,"date":"2017-05-16T16:26:33","date_gmt":"2017-05-16T16:26:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rsoftsolution.com\/blog\/instagram-launches-selfie-filters-copying-the-last-big-snapchat-feature.html"},"modified":"2017-05-16T16:26:33","modified_gmt":"2017-05-16T16:26:33","slug":"instagram-launches-selfie-filters-copying-the-last-big-snapchat-feature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rbsitsoftwaresolution.in\/blog\/instagram-launches-selfie-filters-copying-the-last-big-snapchat-feature.html","title":{"rendered":"Instagram launches selfie filters, copying the last big Snapchat feature"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

Today Instagram Stories adds<\/a> a more subtle and mature but error-prone copycat of Snapchat\u2019s beloved augmented reality selfie filters. The eight initial \u201cface filters,\u201d as Instagram calls them, work exactly like Snapchat, and let you add virtual koala ears, nerd glasses, a butterfly crown or wrinkle-smooth makeup to yourself and friends in photos or videos.<\/p>\n

TechCrunch got an exclusive hands-on demo of the filters, which are easier to use and don\u2019t distort your face as much, but don\u2019t track your movements and stay properly positioned on you face as well as Snapchat\u2019s. You can watch our hands-on demo video below, and follow along as we interview Instagram head of product Kevin Weil at TechCrunch Disrupt NY at 9:05am Eastern<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\t<\/span><\/p>\n

The face filters are the last major Snapchat Stories feature missing from Instagram after it cloned Snap\u2019s slideshow-sharing format, overlaid creative tools, disappearing Direct messages and more. Without a compelling reason for new users to pick the original Snapchat Stories over the Instagram Stories clone, Instagram could thereby widen the gap by adding to its 200 million daily Stories users<\/a> that already outnumber Snapchat\u2019s 166 million total users<\/a>, and further slow down Snap\u2019s growth rate that led it to lose 25 percent of its share price value<\/a> after it announced weak earnings last week.<\/p>\n

Face filters and three more features roll out to all users today via an iOS<\/a> and Android<\/a> app update. An eraser tool will let you remove drawings you added to an image, though it can\u2019t \u201cPhotoshop\u201d out objects from the original image like Snapchat\u2019s Magic Eraser<\/a>. Instagram\u2019s new Rewind mode plays videos in reverse, just like one of Snapchat\u2019s oldest filters.<\/p>\n

The most original new Instagram feature is the ability to type a hashtag and add it to your Stories posts as a sticker, just like a location sticker<\/a>. When viewers tap on these stickers, they\u2019ll be taken to the Instagram hashtag page showing other public, permanent posts with that hashtag. Eventually, though, you could imagine the ability to search Stories by hashtag, or watch a \u201cHashtag Story\u201d compiled from all the publicly visible Stories with that label. Instagram actually just started testing Location Stories<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Instagram\u2019s new eraser, rewind mode and Stories hashtags<\/p>\n

Face filters for adults too<\/h2>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of exciting work being done around augmented reality,\u201d an Instagram spokesperson said when asked about the app copying Snapchat\u2019s face filters. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard from our community that they want more creative ways to share everyday moments and engage with friends. With face filters, they have more tools than ever at their fingertips, and all in one place.\u201d<\/p>\n

While that dodges the question a bit, the last part is revealing. Instagram wants to be the one-stop shop for visual communication, no matter your age. Instagram\u2019s spin on Snapchat\u2019s selfie masks is designed to make them simple and less wacky so they appeal to users beyond teens. If you\u2019re not into Stories, you can also use Face Filters with Instagram Direct and Boomerang, as well as images you might want to post to the main feed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Instead of needing to know you tap on the screen to activate face filters like in Snapchat, Instagram steals that access point so it\u2019s intuitive for veteran mask users, but also adds a Smiley button to reveal the tray of 8 filters along the bottom of the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe designs and specific filters were built by the Instagram team,\u201d says the Instagram spokesperson. But referring to the AR startup Facebook acquired last year, they noted that \u201cThe underlying technology uses MSQRD\u2019s imaging technology and proprietary technology from Facebook\u2019s applied machine learning teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Instagram wouldn\u2019t share whether the available filters will expand, rotate or come and go, but they\u00a0did say \u201cwe\u2019ll be bringing more face filters to the community on a regular basis.\u201d Here\u2019s a brief overview of the initial set:<\/p>\n