Join us Sept. 14-16 in Miami to connect with top publishing leaders
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
Location data fuels mall giant Simon’s new pitch to advertisers
Simon is letting brands target shoppers in its malls in other environments and use new measurement tools based on Simon’s consumer data.
Why brands are turning to older creators for authenticity AI can’t fake
Millennial and Gen X content creators offer consistency, authenticity, and storytelling; three things brands need now more than ever.
The Telegraph’s next podcast play: video, events and paid memberships
The Telegraph is expanding its video podcast strategy into franchises spanning events and paid memberships to deepen audience relationships.