Facebook Takes On Snapchat with Slingshot

Deepanker Verma

12 years ago

For past few months, Facebook has been trying to give small apps focused on specific features. Today, it has launched a new photo and video sharing app called Slingshot. It was made available via App Store in selected markets. (Later, It was pulled from app store.)

Update: Facebook Spokesperson confirmed Techcrunch that this app was accidentally released. It will be available in app store once it is ready. When we reached Facebook for confirmation, we also received similar response.

“Earlier today, we accidentally released a version of Slingshot, a new app we’re working on. With Slingshot, you’ll be able to share everyday moments with lots of people at once. It’ll be ready soon and we’re excited for you to try it out,” Spokesperson told to us.

Slingshot is another attempt of Facebook to take on Snapchat. Unlike Poke, which was the first attempt, Slingshot has better engagement features. The app is designed to allow friends share photos and videos by ‘slinging’ that content with other. You cannot see your friend’s shot until you sling something back. Once you sling something back, you will be able to unlock content to see. You can also view the unlocked content later if your busy. If you swiped the content, it will gone for ever.

Like Snpachat, It also lets users to draw or write on the photo and video messages before sending. But Unlike Snapchat, users will have to sling something back to see the messages they received.

This app was not available in US but it was available for other countries including India.

Facebook has been trying to make a perfect app to compete with Snapchat since SnapChat rejected the $3 billion offer.