Meta Discontinues Custom Face Filters on Instagram, Facebook & Messenger

Meta's Major Shift: Ending Support for Third-Party AR Filters and Face Effects

In a surprising move, Meta has announced that it will be shutting down all third-party face filters and augmented reality (AR) effects across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. This change, which will take effect on January 14th, 2025, has caught the attention of both creators and users who rely on these features for engagement on social media.

The Impact of the Shutdown

The decision encompasses all AR effects created by brands and other third parties, while Meta's own AR effects will continue to function. This means that any fun, quirky, or promotional AR filters that users have come to enjoy will no longer be available. As noted in Meta's blog post, users can still keep their videos featuring these filters as they will remain live on the platforms.

Goodbye, Meta Spark and its Creative Community

Meta Spark, the platform used for creating the popular face filters akin to those seen on Snapchat or TikTok, has been a key player in the AR realm since its introduction in 2017. However, TechCrunch reports that this move has sparked discontent among many creators who relied heavily on the tools offered by Meta Spark. They voiced their concerns on the Meta Spark Community, highlighting the negative implications this change brings to their content creation efforts.

Meta’s Future in Augmented Reality

While Meta is discontinuing third-party AR support, the company assures users of its commitment to AR technologies. They plan to shift resources toward new computing platforms that will offer more experiences beyond today’s conventional 2D mobile applications. As part of this pivot, Meta is anticipated to showcase its Orion AR glasses prototype at an upcoming event, likely further enhancing the user experience with immersive technologies.

How to Save Your Meta Spark AR Effects

For creators wishing to maintain their AR effects, Meta has provided a straightforward guide to download their files. Here’s a quick summary of the steps involved:

• Log in to Meta Spark Hub.
• Navigate to the 'Effects' section.
• Select the effect you desire to download.
• Click on 'Files' and download the necessary file.

Additionally, users can download demo videos showcasing their AR effects, preserving a piece of their creative work even as the platform evolves.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AR in Social Media

This recent decision highlights a significant transition in the landscape of AR technologies within social media platforms. As leading companies like Meta refocus their strategies to prioritize proprietary features, it opens a conversation about where the future of AR in social media lies. Users and creators alike will need to adapt to these changes and explore new avenues of engagement as the digital world continues to evolve.

For more information, stay updated on Meta’s announcements regarding AR and other innovative technological advancements.