Meta discontinues custom face filters in apps

Meta is shutting down all third-party face filters and AR effects on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, along with the tools used to create them, on January 14th, 2025. That includes any created by brands and other third parties, the company wrote in a blog post today. Meta’s own AR effects will continue to operate, however.

The Meta Spark platform is used to create face filters like those you’d see on Snapchat or TikTok that make you look old or reimagine you as a cartoon character, as well as AR games and ads. Any videos that have used Spark-based AR effects will stay up on Facebook, Instagram, and in messages sent over Messenger, the company says in its FAQ about the change.

Meta writes that it’s still committed to AR, through its “long-term investments in new computing platforms that will bring us beyond today’s 2D experiences on mobile.” Part of that involves “shifting resources” to other experiences, such as glasses. (It’s expected to demonstrate its Orion AR glasses prototype at Meta Connect.)

Anyone who wants to save AR effects they’ve made with Meta Spark can do so using these instructions, copied from Meta’s FAQ:

To download an AR effect file:

To download a demo video:

AR Effects Shutdown

Meta announced the shutdown of all third-party face filters and AR effects on various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, effective January 14th, 2025. This decision encompasses filters created by external entities, signaling a significant change in Meta’s approach.

Impact of Shutdown

The Meta Spark platform, known for its innovative face filters akin to those on Snapchat and TikTok, will no longer support creation of these effects. However, existing videos utilizing Spark-based AR effects will remain accessible on the mentioned platforms according to Meta’s FAQ.

Future Commitments

Despite discontinuing third-party filters, Meta emphasizes its dedication to AR technology, emphasizing ongoing investments in cutting-edge computing platforms that promise enhanced experiences surpassing current mobile norms. This redirection includes exploring alternate avenues such as AR glasses, exemplified by the anticipated unveiling of Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype at Meta Connect.

Preserving AR Effects

For users keen on retaining AR effects generated via Meta Spark, Meta provides detailed instructions extracted from its FAQ for downloading these effects.

FAQs

Question: What is the deadline for the shutdown of third-party face filters and AR effects?

Answer: The shutdown of third-party face filters and AR effects on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger is scheduled for January 14th, 2025.

Question: Will existing videos with Spark-based AR effects be affected by the shutdown?

Answer: No, videos incorporating Spark-based AR effects will remain accessible on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger even after the shutdown of third-party filters.

Credit: www.theverge.com