According to reports, Facebook is shutting down its Houseparty clone – an app called Bonfire. You may have never even heard of it.
Back in 2017, we reported on Facebook’s plans to launch a clone of Houseparty, a very popular app at the time. Facebook’s clone, named Bonfire, later rolled out in Denmark and several other European markets, but obviously didn’t receive the interest Facebook expected it would.
That’s why – according to TechCrunch’s Josh Constine – Facebook is now shutting down Bonfire, and bringing the group video hangouts feature to Instagram and Messenger.
Houseparty’s App Store rank declined #75 a year ago to #327-> it stopped being a threat -> Fb shuts down its clone Bonfire -> group video hangouts becomes just a feature of Insta/Messenger not a new app
— Josh Constine (@JoshConstine) May 3, 2019
Constine also said that Houseparty’s App Store rank has declined significantly in just over a year, making it less of a threat, so Facebook is taking the idea of a separate app off the table. However, getting rid of the separate app makes total sense for another reason as well. It’s counterproductive to try to create a new network when you already have the biggest network on the planet.
Facebook has a history of creating separate apps, sunsetting them, and then just moving their most popular features into existing products. Remember ‘Slingshot,’ ‘Poke,’ or ‘Riff’?
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
Meta Updates Its Company Values
In the aftermath of its major rebranding, Meta is announcing a new company mission formed by a group of values.
Messenger Provides New Guide On Online Safety
Messenger has published a handy decision tree graphic that guides users and parents to find the safety features they need.
Facebook’s ‘News Feed’ Is Now Just ‘Feed’
After 15 years, Facebook is changing the name of its home page in an effort to move away from the …
