Facebook Begins Worldwide Rollout of its Main Snapchat Clone 'Facebook Stories' [Update: Still in Testing] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Facebook Begins Worldwide Rollout of its Main Snapchat Clone 'Facebook Stories' [Update: Still in Testing]

by

The deluge of stories revolving around Facebook copying Snapchat might hit a zenith today as the social media company begins to launch "Facebook Stories" worldwide, this time in the main Facebook app for iOS devices (via TechCrunch). Previously, Facebook created a facsimile of Snapchat's day-long, vanishing post idea in Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which gained 100 million users following the Snapchat-like update last year.

facebook stories
The idea is identical in Facebook Stories, where users will now be able to post a photo or video through a new UI at the top of the Facebook mobile app. Their friends can see the post over the next 24 hours and reply to it within Facebook Messenger. Continuing the trend, last week that app launched "Messenger Day" for users to create the exact same disappearing posts, but centered on creating plans with friends. Facebook originally tested out Facebook Stories in Ireland.

[Update 3/16]: Facebook has contacted MacRumors with a correction, stating that some misinformation has been floating around online and the company is "not rolling this out globally yet." The company mentioned that it is "still testing it in a few countries -- most recently, Chile, Vietnam and Greece as of yesterday," but it has "no global rollout plans or timeline to share quite yet."

Top Rated Comments

Porco Avatar
118 months ago
Once upon a time, in the land of Zuck, the magical Book of Face collected all the peole's lives in one place.

"But it's so hard to get out of the Book of Face once you're in it!" cried the people.

Then King Zuck decreed that he would make a new, even more magical Book of Face where people's lives only appeared for a short time, then vanished. And it was not at all like the Chat of Snap.

"Why do our lives now vanish so quickly!" cried the people.

Eventually they reailsed that neither flavour of the Book of Face was actually good for them, so they left the Kingdom of Zuck and they all lived happily ever after.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
Why does Facebook want them all to be the same? I hate Facebook so much.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
Oh great, once again the icons will be moving around in the Facebook app.

Every time I get used to the new position of an icon they move it. They certainly have never heard of consistency or user experience.
When I was dragged kicking and screaming into it about three or four years ago by friends and family it was tolerable for a year or two. By the time I washed my hands of the whole mess over the summer, it was a complete and utter mess to keep up with and navigate. And yes, it kept changing constantly so that I had to relearn my way around. It also got more forceful about trying to take my contacts and drag them into the same pit. Good riddance.

Some of the people who miss me are actually writing real letters to me again. There's a lot to be said for that, especially when some of your friends pass away and their handwritten letter is all you have left of them.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rodpascoe Avatar
118 months ago
Oh great, once again the icons will be moving around in the Facebook app.

Every time I get used to the new position of an icon they move it. They certainly have never heard of consistency or user experience.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
118 months ago
It should be illegal for social media sites to buy other social media sites. They are a positive feedback loop and once one gets too big it can buy any serious competitor and continue to entrench its market space. Facebook is already a monopoly. Nobody comes close.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nburwell Avatar
118 months ago
Facebook: "We couldn't buy Snapchat, so we'll make an identical feature within our smartphone apps."

Hard pass. I'll stick with Snapcat, guys.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...