Here at Kelley Media, we’re big fans of Facebook. Each social media platform serves its purpose, and this social media giant is no different. We were happy to learn that they recently acquired photo-sharing juggernaut Instagram and couldn’t wait to see how the purchase would improve Facebook.

And then the news came today …

Facebook released an Instagram clone.

Are you baffled? So are we.

The new app, Facebook Camera, has a lot of the same features as Instagram and is only available on iOS – as was Instagram until recently.  Similar features include:

  • Photo editing, including groovy filters (the filters aren’t as extensive or WOW, for the record)
  • Quick posting to social media (in this case, Facebook)
  • You can easily see your friends photos

Here’s an in-depth article from CNN that outlines the new app and shares viewpoints from industry leaders – think pros and cons – about the app.

We can’t help but wonder how long Facebook Camera was in the works.  And if the Instagram purchase becomes a little clearer.  If you can’t beat the competition with your upcoming app – buy them?  The new app certainly wouldn’t have been competition for Instagram – which also reaches out to Twitter users and can utilize hashtags.  But it will be interesting to see how the app evolves in the coming months and what, if any, features it will take from Instagram.

What are your thoughts on Facebook Camera?  Have you downloaded it for your iOS device?