Facebook Inc said Thursday that it will launch a video camera message application called “Threads” on its platform to share Instagram images, intensifying the social network war with its smaller rival Snapchat.
The launch of the application, which like Snapchat and Instagram focuses on photographs but is more focused on keeping users connected with small groups of friends, caused Snap Inc actions to fall 5% in afternoon operations .
Through Threads, users can upload statuses, share their location and battery condition with their close friends on Instagram, the social media company said in a blog post.
Facebook has focused on Instagram, its fastest-growing revenue generator, at a time when its central platform faces regulators' inquiries about privacy and spreading false news or misinformation.
Users can also activate the “automatic status” feature, which will update their battery charge and status according to their current location, the company said, adding that it is an option that is not enabled by default.
The precise location information collected for automatic status will be specific to Threads and will not be used for advertising, Facebook said.
"The way we use data from other parts of Facebook and Instagram to deliver relevant advertising remains the same," the company said.
Instagram launched the "best friends" feature in November last year, allowing users to share their stories with a smaller group of people.
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