
Meta Spark Platform Shutdown and the Future of Beauty Filters
As of January 14, 2025, with the closure of the Meta Spark platform, third-party beauty filters on Instagram and Facebook will be disabled. This decision is in line with Meta’s new strategies in the augmented reality (AR) space. As such, Meta is shutting down Meta Spark, which has developed millions of AR effects for years, in order to prioritize new devices, especially the Orion AR glasses.
Reasons Why Beauty Filters Are Being Removed
The main reason behind this decision is that beauty filters change aesthetic perception and have the potential to cause psychological problems such as body dysmorphia. Experts state that such filters have negative effects on users and distort the perception of reality on social media platforms. In this context, Meta has decided to remove these filters in order to fulfill its social responsibility.
The Effect of Filtered Content and User Behavior
The removal of beauty filters could lead to a decrease in the impact of content that receives high engagement among social media users. While users receive more likes and engagement thanks to filters, the removal of such tools could lead to a more natural evaluation of content. However, this could also lead to some users moving away from the platform or turning to alternative platforms.
Third-Party Filter Migration and Developer Concerns
While Meta notes that third-party filters could be ported to alternative platforms like Snapchat, developers are concerned that this could negatively impact their revenue and visibility. Developers believe that following the closure of Meta Spark, they will face greater challenges in creating AR effects, leading to a loss of competitive advantage.
Meta's New Strategy and Changes for Users
With the closure of Meta Spark, Meta will now only allow users to use the built-in filters it offers. While this may limit users’ experiences, it is also considered a step towards Meta’s strategy of expanding its own product range. Users will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with the filters the brand offers and create content using these filters.
Discussions on Social Media and the Perception of Beauty
The effects of beauty filters on social media also affect users’ perceptions of themselves. Since filters change users’ physical appearances, this distorts the perception of reality and can cause individuals to feel inadequate. In this context, Meta’s decision has the potential to create social change. Users’ orientation towards more natural and realistic content can shape the future of social media platforms.
The Role of Alternative Platforms
Following Meta’s decision, alternative social media platforms may become more popular. Users may be more inclined to turn to platforms like Snapchat in search of a freer and more creative form of expression. Such platforms may allow users to personalize their content more, while also offering the ability to offer different AR effects.
As a result
The closure of Meta Spark and the disabling of beauty filters mark the beginning of a new era for both users and developers. This change will find its reflections in the social media world and determine how users will follow a path in content production. Meta's strategy is considered an important step that will shape the future of social media platforms.