Facebook launches Lasso, an app that is simillar to TikTok, in a bid to win younger audiences

In an attempt to win back teen users, Facebook has launched Lasso, a standalone app that is very similar TikTok, a popular social sharing app that allows users to create and share short videos, especially of users singing or lip-syncing to popular songs. While TikTok is gaining popularity in Malaysia, Lasso, on the other hand, is not available for download here.

Facebook has been oddly quiet about the launch of Lasso. There’s no official statement whatsoever from the company. The app was only announced through a Tweet from a product manager on the development team.

Today, my team launched Lasso (@lassovideos), a new video app that lets you create short, fun videos and share them with friends.

Check it out on:
– iOS App Store: https://t.co/2MngxBOem0
– Android Play Store: https://t.co/jpy1tgy8wT— Bowen Pan (潘博文) (@bowenpan) November 9, 2018

Lasso’s features are similar to those of TikTok. It allows users shoot 15-second videos with special effects and filters. The app includes video-editing tools that lets you overlay popular songs and text in the background. You can also watch recommended videos as well as the ability to browse through hashtags and follow creators that you adore.

However, Lasso is currently only available in the US on both Android and iOS. It is not known if the app will be made available in other countries as well.

Facebook has been the dominant social media platform in recent years but that is quickly changing as younger audiences are taking their attention to other apps like YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat. According to a Pew Research Centre study, just 51% of US individuals aged 13 to 17 say they use Facebook. Three years ago the number was 71%.

On the other hand, TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media applications at the moment. The app currently commands almost 9% of Chinese people’s time online. ByteDance, the developers of TikTok is, at the moment, valued at US$75 billion, making the company the world’s most highly valued startup, TechCrunch reports.

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