Facebook Live Video Will Soon Have Snapchat-Style Filters From MSQRD

Facebook has grand plans to continue expanding and improving its live video platform this year, starting with support for face-swapping app MSQRD.

According to a report from TechInsider, in the coming weeks you will be able to go live on Facebook from the MSQRD app and utilize many different Snapchat-like filters while streaming live video.

Facebook first acquired Masquerade, the Belarusian startup behind MSQRD, back in March with the intention to enhance the Facebook video experience. Facebook’s director of product Fidji Simo announced MSQRD integration today at VidCon, the annual online video conference.

In one sense, Facebook’s move is another amplification in the ongoing video and messaging war the company is waging against Snapchat.

Snapchat development a face-swap technology similar to MSQRD’s. The goal is to make video, whether recorded or broadcast live, as dynamic and appealing as possible. Snapchat’s lenses have been a huge hit, so it’s no wonder Facebook has acted fast to incorporate MSQRD technology into its fast-growing Live platform.

Facebook had a few other Live announcements to make as well. Starting later this summer, you’ll be able to invite a friend to “drop in” on a live broadcast.

The company will also soon let you schedule a live broadcast, and it’s built out a lobby system so people can hangout before one starts. Both of these features are expected to launch later this summer.