New Facebook Stories API facilitates direct sharing from third-party desktop or web apps

Meta is introducing a new API that simplifies the process of creating and sharing Facebook Stories directly from a third-party desktop or web app.

The social networking giant first introduced Stories to the main Facebook app in 2017, following a trend set by Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. These features, inspired by Snapchat, offered a more temporary way of sharing video and image-based content without leaving a permanent mark on a user's profile.

While Facebook boasts over 3 billion users, Meta has not disclosed specific numbers for Stories. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that it surpassed 500 million users in 2019.

Previously, Meta allowed sharing content to Stories from other mobile apps. With the new Facebook Stories API, content-oriented creator tools can now seamlessly integrate their web or desktop apps with Facebook Stories, catering to a more professional audience. Meta even refers to this as an 'enterprise solution.'

In the future, apps using the new API will enable users to share directly to Facebook Stories with ease. Companies like Adobe, Canva, and Picsart provide tools for creating Facebook Stories, complete with image editors, templates, and customization options. Previously, users had to download and re-upload their stories to Facebook, but with the API, developers can add a single button share feature within their app, requiring users to authenticate through Facebook Login to grant access to their personal or business accounts.

Apps that have already passed Facebook's approval process will not need to reapply for access to the Stories API.