The Art of Picture Sharing Has a Brand New Makeover with Facebook Slingshot

Well, it finally happened. Facebook recently launched a new app known as Facebook Slingshot, a savvy new gadget for iPhone and Android users that lets them take fast photos or videos and send them to their friends. You’re probably thinking that this sounds exactly like Snapchat, and you’re semi-correct. However, there’s something that makes Facebook Slingshot unique and it starts with communication. If you’ve ever heard of the old saying “Friendship is a two-way street,” then it won’t be difficult to understand how to operate Facebook Slingshot.

Iphone? Check. Slingshot? Check. We’re ready for our #selfie!

Facebook Slingshot Vs. Snapchat: The Twist That No One Saw Coming

Let’s start off by going over the systematics of Snapchat, so you can get a better understanding of how Facebook Slingshot stands out. Everyone with a smart phone (specifically hormonal teenagers) knows what Snapchat is, and for those that deny using the app, you’re lying and we’re on to you. What can be more fun to use than an app that lets you snap self-destructing selfies and bombard your friends with silly images? Basically, you don’t have to feel self-conscious about that duck face pose you just captured because it will self-destruct in 10…9…8..7, you get the point. So, what makes Facebook Slingshot different than its longtime competitor? Unlike looking down at your phone and opening up a new snap from your friend with Snapchat, Facebook Slingshot makes you work for it (so to speak). With Snapchat, users can flood their friends with cat close-ups, planking pics or forced candids (you know you do it) and they can choose whether or not they want to ignore them or not. In order to open up a picture using Facebook Slingshot, the user is required to play along and send one back before they can see it. So, if you’re dying to see that awkward bathroom shot of your friend in front of the mirror, you better pucker up for the camera or make your gym session worth it by showing off your guns.

Anyone Can Become a Content Creator and Grow Their Brand by Using Facebook Slingshot

Now that you know what Facebook Slingshot is, you may be thinking what’s the big deal or why should I use it? It may seem like more of a hassle to send a pic back to view a pic, but the process is actually allowing you to communicate and engage with your peers. By participating in the photo sharing frenzy, you’re actually creating content and showing the world that you have what it takes to be a social media guru, or at least pretend to be. One of the downfalls of Snapchat is that the receiver of the picture has the option to ignore your rock-hard ab selfie or click on it and move on with their day. With Facebook Slingshot, users are encouraged to exchange pictures or videos so that both the sender and the receiver are involved and engaged. This approach to reciprocity between friends through picture and video sharing opens up a whole new world for social media. The main mission behind Facebook Slingshot is to allow anyone to become a creator of content: “We wanted to build something where everybody is a creator. When everyone participates, there’s less pressure, more creativity and even the little things in life can turn into awesome shared experiences.” Regardless of whether or not you think Facebook made a genius move or not, Facebook Slingshot probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. With reciprocity in mind, the creators of the new app hope that it boosts user participation while also igniting that creative spark you never knew you had.

Slingshot Branding

Aside from existing as a video and photo sharing app, Facebook Slingshot can even be used as a tool for brand awareness and expansion. If you’re in the marketing industry and you’re looking for more ways to promote your business or connect with your consumers, consider using Facebook Slingshot. Since it’s pretty much the only video and photo sharing app out there that encourages mutual social interaction, your brand or business will have an excellent chance of appealing to your consumers and motivating them to communicate back. By using Facebook Slingshot to expand your business or make yourself known, you’re actually broadening your consumer audience and opening up the door to successful business opportunities with the click of a button.

Have a cool idea of how to use Slingshot to promote a brand? Tell us in the comments below!