Facebook is testing out a new app that would allow users to privately share intimate moments with a select group of close friends and family.
Instead of sharing something personal to your entire Newsfeed, Facebook is experimenting with a new app codenamed "Moments" to make sharing private updates to specific circles simpler.
Facebook currently allows users to select whom to post to, but the process is a bit clunky and often requires you to manual select who you would like to share with. Moments would help make private sharing with specific sets of people both faster and seamless, without the user having to play with privacy controls.
The new Facebook app would help users who have shared a status with too many people or those who have been embarrassed by mom commenting on a post meant for friends to see.
The app may be appealing to those who switched to private messaging for intimate sharing, but would still like to see more order. The design of Moments includes "a grid with a few tiles, each which represent a set of close friends or family."
The only people who have seen the new Facebook app are those working at the company. A source sites that the app looks similar to the app Cluster, which allows users to create "spaces" where they can privately share content with groups like family, close friends, or co-workers.
Facebook employees are testing the app to detect and fix bugs and assess its functionality. Even though the app is being tested, some new products never get an official launch after being built. Moments could be shelved, scrapped, or even renamed before a public launch.
Earlier this year, Facebook launched an app similar to Snapchat called "Slingshot" that failed to become popular. A calendar-like product developed for Facebook events was also created but never launched. Moments would have to provide value for users and encourage frequent sharing to different social circles in order to become successful.
Convincing Facebook users to use another app is also a major concern. The company launched a separate Facebook Messenger app from its main app, which has been criticized by many users.
While Moments might make it to the app store, Facebook continues to experiment with new apps and features to innovate the social media site.
