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Instagram are appeasing digital creatives by bringing Facebook’s Spark AR software to its Story feature.
If you keep up with our articles, you’ll be well aware of the recent advancements in augmented reality. Last month, Google unveiled its new AR directions feature for Maps, Certify and Virtual Super Land created a unique collection of AR phone cases, and Niantic finally released its Harry Potter AR mobile game, Harry Potter: Wizard’s Unite.
The novelty of superimposing computer-generated images over our ordinary realities isn’t even close to wearing off despite years of our messing about with goofy Snapchat features. And it now appears Instagram are looking to take this jovial pastime to the next level.
Facebook’s tool for creating bespoke AR effects, Spark AR, will now allow anyone to make custom face filters and other digital effects for Instagram Stories. The platform was previously limited to approved creators, but Wednesday’s update will let anyone try their luck at creating their own AR filters to don in future selfie endeavours.
They’ve also included a neat community sharing feature dubbed the Effect Gallery, which will act as a hub to openly showcase personal creations, and to browse and download other users’ digital veils to join your stock filter list – so long as their profiles are public, or you’re following them.
With over a billion people having already toyed with the software in its beta phase, the addition of Insta stories is set to send numbers rocketing now the commercial launch is upon us.
Spark AR’s new affiliation with Instagram is a refreshing departure from the recent influx of selfie editing apps geared towards normalising unrealistic physical standards for impressionable youngsters.
Airbrush and Photolift are among the most download apps on the Apple and Google Play stores today and several studies have exposed an obvious correlation with cases of social anxiety and body dysmorphia and social media presence.
Thankfully, Spark AR largely breaks this mould, instead encouraging users to play around and express their creativity without contributing to an already prevalent issue.
