May the promotion be with you, Facebook.
Ahead of the Friday’s release of the latest “Star Wars” movie, the social network is adding a lightsaber filter for people to add on to their profile pictures. The tool offers two lightsaber options: an evil red one from Kylo Ren or a generic blue-shaded beam. There’s also an expiration feature in it, letting users revert back to their old pictures within an hour, day or week.
Star Wars is the first major non-sporting brand to use the Snapchat-like filter. Until now, NCAA, MLB, NBA, and European soccer organizations, like the Premiere League were the only brands letting people place its logo on their faces.
Facebook didn’t immediately respond for comment about the terms of its agreement with Disney.
Filters have been a success for Facebook ever since its introduction in June for the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage when 26 million users draped a rainbow flag over their pictures. The company also had a French flag filter after last month’s terrorist attack in Paris.
More in Media
How creators are using generative AI in podcasts, videos and newsletters — and what advertisers think about it
Here’s a look at how some creators are leveraging generative AI to create video, audio and written content — and whether or not that’s a turn-off for advertisers.
Buzzfeed, News Corp and New York Times push back on tariff fears in earnings calls
Publishing execs pushed back on tariff and macroeconomic climate fears in Q1 2025 earnings calls, expressing confidence that their businesses would grow this year.
Digiday+ Research: Publishers’ subscription revenue is up this year, and they’ll focus on growing it even further
Subscriptions is one area where publishers are seeing more revenue, and, in turn, ramping up their plans to strengthen that part of their business in the coming months.