As Olympic Games fever grips the world and there is a high demand for various types of content and information to keep fans in the loop about their favorite teams, players and events, Facebook and the two platforms that belong to it, Instagram and WhatsApp are launching new features. They include a full game center, augmented reality effects for stories, and video highlights to keep you up to date. The Facebook Olympic Center will feature highlights from the official Olympic broadcast partners, team and athlete previews, insights into new Games competitions, Olympic history, as well as posts from friends and more. Fans can visit the center directly or by clicking on the #Olympics or #Tokyo2020 hashtags.
AR effects on Instagram offer a new experience
Instagram will use AR effects and provide a new experience in stories and reels. AR effects can now be accessed through the effects tabs in @olympics and @Tokyo2020 accounts. "In an AR effect, fans can try to replicate the movements of Miraitowa, the official mascot of the Olympic Games, and earn AR medals for her performances. This effect is now available via the @olympics Instagram account." Another effect, available via the @Tokyo2020 Instagram account, features the official beat music of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Reels from the @instagram account will take fans behind the scenes with eleven Olympians.
(Image credit: Facebook)
Olympic Games Chatbot on WhatsApp
In addition, Facebook has created a new chatbot for the Olympic Games on WhatsApp. This will provide information on the Games program, information on local broadcasts, the latest news and the ranking of medals. The chatbot will also include official stickers and a quiz about the various Olympic events. Facebook will also directly and indirectly host videos of Games highlights throughout the event. In select countries, fans will have access to Tokyo 2020 highlights, athlete profiles and interviews during the Games through the Facebook pages and Instagram accounts of the official Olympic broadcasters. "In some territories, such as India, Russia, sub-Saharan Africa and Spanish-speaking Latin America, fans can watch the day's highlights from Tokyo on the official Facebook page of the Olympic Games," he said.