Facebook introduces profile videos in mobile update

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screen grabImage source, facebook

Facebook has announced a profile video feature as part of a set of new, mobile-friendly updates.

It means you'll be able to film a short, looping video - essentially a GIF - that will play for anyone who goes on your profile.

The feature is only being tested in the UK at the moment, so it could be a while before your feed looks like a wall at Hogwarts.

Updates have also been announced for how you change your profile picture.

Image source, FACEBOOK
Image caption,

Kenneth Williams looks like he'll probably be checking his Facebook despite being in "vacation mode"

Following the popularity of Facebook's Celebrate Pride, external filter (which covered profile picture with a rainbow affect), users will soon be able to set a profile picture that reverts back to a previous one at a specified time.

It basically means you'll be able to set a profile picture which backs a particular cause or an out of office-style picture on your birthday or while you're on holiday.

Image source, facebook
Image caption,

The featured photos section is optional so you won't find pictures of you looking worse for wear on your 18th popping up for a future employer to see

A third, potentially less exciting, update sees the introduction of easier control over what people see on your page with a customisable space at the top of your profile.

You'll be able to write a Twitter-style bio, choose certain details describing your work and education to appear at the top of your profile and pick up to five featured photos to go at the top of your profile.

The area will be visible to anyone who visits your profile, but you can control what, if any, information appears there.

The announcement follows Facebook explaining that a message some users were seeing that suggests the site was about introduce a subscription fee was a hoax.

A post on the official Facebook, external account said: "While there may be water on Mars, don't believe everything you read on the internet today.

"Facebook is free and it always will be. And the thing about copying and pasting a legal notice is just a hoax. Stay safe out there Earthlings!"

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