Facebook announces changes to personal profiles including 7-second videos, temporary photos

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Facebook announced on Wednesday changes coming to personal profiles on mobile, including 7-second looping videos instead of just a static image and the ability to set a profile photo for a set period of time.

"People visit Facebook profiles more than four billion times per day, and we’re continually looking for ways to make profiles the best place for people to curate their online identities and connect with others," Facebook said in a news release about the new features.

Soon, Facebook users will be able to film a short, looping video clip that will play for anyone who visits their profile.

Credit: Facebook



Facebook also announced a new feature that will enable the ability to "set a temporary version of your profile picture that reverts back to your previous profile picture at a specified time."

Facebook also announced improved personal profile controls.

"You’ve always been able to control who can see the information you showcase on your profile, and now we’re making it easier for you to see what others can view by introducing a new customizable space at the top of your profile. You can curate this space— and convey what you want people to know about you— by changing the visibility of the fields that show up here. You can also fill out the new, one-line ‘Bio’ field: select certain public About fields like work and education details to appear there; and even visually highlight what’s important to you by choosing up to five Featured Photos to be showcased at the top of your profile. While this space is visible to anyone who visits your profile, you have full control of what information appears here."


Mobile design improvements were also announced, including moving the profile photo/video to the center of the user's profile.

"People love seeing photos and mutual friends when viewing the profiles of friends or someone they’ve just met, so those are easier to see now on profile. Photos and friends are right at the top, making getting to know someone and seeing the world through your friends’ eyes as easy as scrolling."


The new features are currently being tested on selected users. Expect a full rollout later this year.