Meta announced that it will shut down Spark AR, its platform for creating augmented reality (AR) experiences, on January 14, 2025.
This means that AR effects developed by third parties will no longer be available after this date.
Spark AR, launched seven years ago, allows users to build interactive effects, animations, and filters for Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
The platform provides tools for 3D object manipulation, face and hand tracking, and real-time rendering. It also features an asset library with pre-built templates, 3D models, textures, and animations.
While third-party AR effects will be discontinued, Meta’s own AR effects will remain accessible to users.
In an official blog post, Meta explained the reasoning behind the decision. “When we first launched this platform seven years ago, experiences infused with augmented reality were new to most consumers.”
It further stated, “This decision is part of our larger efforts to prioritize the products we believe will best serve the future needs of our consumers and business customers alike.”
The move to close Spark AR is part of a broader strategy by Meta to streamline its offerings, particularly as it faces significant financial challenges.
Despite progress in artificial intelligence and the metaverse, Meta’s Reality Labs division reported a $4.5 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024. Reality Labs had also experienced a $4.65 billion operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2023.
In response to these ongoing losses, Meta has been making internal adjustments and strategic decisions to refocus its efforts.
In May 2024, the company discontinued its Workplace app, signaling a shift toward prioritizing metaverse and AI initiatives. This was followed by a restructuring of Reality Labs in June, splitting the division into separate Metaverse and Wearables units. The restructuring resulted in layoffs, particularly in leadership roles that were deemed redundant.
