Facebook's Slingshot is now available for international users

Facebook has launched a new app 'Slingshot' that will allow users to share their photos and videos, in a move to compete with Snapchat. When the app was launched last week, it was a US-only app, but Facebook has moved quickly to make the app available to international users.

Using Slingshot, users can click/shoot a picture/video, add text and colour and then "sling" it to friends. However, the friends would not be able to see the shot until they sling something back to the sender. The slings don’t last on the app, and once you’ve seen it, the message or picture will disappear. Users will need to put in their mobile number to start using the app and they can invite other friends via SMS or Facebook. The app was created out a Facebook Creative Labs hackathon last December.

"Since we launched last week, we’ve heard from lots of people around the world who are excited to give Slingshot a try. Starting today, we’re expanding our initial launch and making Slingshot available internationally," Slingshot says in a blogpost.

Interestingly, Facebook had attempted to acquire Snapchat last year, which makes an app that lets users send messages that automatically disappear after a few seconds.

The USD 3 billion offer was turned down by Snapchat, media reports suggested.

"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. With Slingshot, we saw an opportunity to create something new and different: a space where you can share everyday moments with lots of people at once," the blogpost said.

The app is available for iPhones running iOS 7 and Android devices with Jelly Bean or KitKat. Unlike Poke, Facebook's first attempt to clone Snapchat, it doesn't require a Facebook account to use. Instead, it picks up the model of another Facebook service, WhatsApp, and lets users find each other with their mobile phone numbers.