As expected , Facebook has launched a Snapchat-like mobile app that lets users trade ephemeral photo- and video-based messages . But that 's not what 's most interesting about it . With the new app , called Slingshot , you ca n't view an incoming message until you respond with a photo or video of your own . That 's right : There can be no passive users on Slingshot , which is basically forcing its community to trade photos and video clips , quid pro quo , like schoolkids exchanging stickers or lunchbox snacks . `` With Slingshot , we wanted to build something where everybody is a creator and nobody is just a spectator , '' its creators said Tuesday in a blog post announcing the app . `` When everyone participates , there 's less pressure , more creativity and even the little things in life can turn into awesome shared experiences . '' Judging by initial reaction , however , at least some users may find this stricture a little annoying . `` It 's frustrating , not exciting when a friend sends you a shot and you ca n't immediately view it , '' wrote Ellis Hamburger in tech-news site The Verge . `` Slingshot is a new and strange example of a messaging app that raises barriers instead of tearing them down , and increases the friction to viewing a friend 's photo instead of reducing it . '' In fairness , the app is designed not for sending urgent information -- we have texting or even phone calls for that -- but for exchanging spontaneous moments or snippets of creativity . Facebook said Slingshot is available in the United States , starting Tuesday , on iPhone ( iOS7 ) and Android ( Jelly Bean and KitKat ) . A spokeswoman said the app will roll out to other countries in the future . Slingshot , which leaked briefly last week before Facebook pulled it offline , is the social networking giant 's latest attempt to compete with Snapchat , a rival messaging app that is popular with teens and young adults . Snapchat is estimated to have more than 30 million users and reportedly turned down a $ 3 billion acquisition offer from Facebook last fall . Facebook later went on to buy WhatsApp , a messaging app that 's especially widespread overseas . Slingshot succeeds Poke , a messaging app that Facebook launched in 2012 and shut down last month after it failed to gain traction with users . Slingshot messages are photo and video only , although users can superimpose bits of text on the images . Like Snapchat ( and Poke ) , Slingshot messages are n't meant to be saved . They vanish once the user responds to them or swipes them away -- a slight distinction from Snapchat messages , which by default disappear after a few seconds . `` Photos and videos that do n't stick around forever allow for sharing that 's more expressive , raw and spontaneous . We can connect the same way we like to live : in the moment , '' Facebook said in its post , which takes the unusual step of crediting its competitor . `` We 've enjoyed using Snapchat to send each other ephemeral messages and expect there to be a variety of apps that explore this new way of sharing , '' it said . Unlike Snapchat , Slingshot allows users to send , or `` sling , '' messages to multiple friends at once . A push notification will appear when somebody sends you something , but you 'll only see a pixelated image until you respond .
Facebook launches Flash , a mobile messaging app for photos , 2017 . Like Snapchat , it lets users send messages that disappear after a few seconds . With Slingshot you ca n't view an incoming message until you respond with your own . Slingshot succeeds Poke , a mobile app that Facebook shut down last year .