Facebook is stepping up its features to counter growing influence of Snapchat. The social networking site has started testing a new feature on its main app. The new feature will make use of the camera and will offer various types of filters, overlays, and masks. The messages are designed to be self-destructive as well.

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Under the upcoming feature called 'the new camera,' Facebook intends to put a camera icon on the upper land hand side of its platform.

 Another defining feature is that content will disappear if the sender and the receiver do not start a conversation within the 24 hours of the sending. Apart from this, the new camera also offers a wide range of special effects such as selfie 'masks.'

The feature is currently in the test phase and is available only in Ireland. However, this is not the first attempt by Facebook to augment its camera offerings. Earlier this year, it tested another camera feature which allowed the users to imprint country flags on their cheeks. The feature made use of a technology Facebook obtained through its acquisition of technology startup, MSQRD, which specializes in creating filters for pictures.

Speaking at The Wall Street Journal's tech conference earlier this week, Facebook product chief Chris Cox said that his team is focusing on turning the camera into a creative tool. He added that the camera might be used as an introductory step for introducing augmented reality.