Meta Ends Support for Custom Face Filters Across Its AR Platforms

Meta's Shift Away from Custom Face Filters

Meta is shutting down all third-party face filters and AR effects on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger on January 14, 2025. This decision includes the discontinuation of tools that creators have used to build these features. As a result, brands and individual creators will no longer be able to access the custom functionalities they once enjoyed with Meta Spark, although Meta's original AR effects will persist.

Details Surrounding the Change

Meta stated that while videos utilizing Spark-based AR effects will remain on the platforms, the move has faced criticism from creators within the Meta Spark Community. This shift impacts a popular feature that has been part of the Meta ecosystem since its introduction in 2017, originally aimed at competing with Snapchat's AR features.

Future Focus on Augmented Reality

Despite the discontinuation of these features, Meta assures users of their continued dedication to AR technology. The company is reallocating resources to advance functionalities that may evolve into next-generation AR experiences, potentially including the highly anticipated Orion AR glasses to be showcased at upcoming events.

Saving Your AR Effects

For users wishing to preserve their AR effects created with Meta Spark, the following instructions, directly from their FAQ, elucidate how:

• Log in to Meta Spark Hub.
• Click on Effects.
• Select the effect you wish to download.
• Click Files to download the desired file.

This decision marks a significant change in the landscape of AR integration and emphasizes a strategic pivot for Meta’s focus. Visit Meta’s official channels for more details on this transition.