Facebook floods market with 60 new Timeline apps

What are Timeline apps?

Last fall, Facebook rolled out their new Timeline feature complete with a newly remodeled profile page and functionality, allowing users to add milestones from their past, completing their life’s timeline rather than beginning with status updates from the day a user joined the network.

Today, Facebook will announce the release of over 60 apps for the Facebook Timeline that instantly adds user information to their timeline, be it their input on what they are cooking, listening to, how far they ran today, what news they are reading, and more. The company says this is an effort to better tell their story.

It appears to be more of an app library to us, based on existing Facebook apps like Nike and Spotify and packaged differently, but they are asserting the collection is a new feature.

Critics are frustrated at the large collection of data being collected, saying users are more vulnerable the more information they share, but supporters see the dramatic amount of information as a treasure trove of buyer behavior stats that are extremely valuable for marketers. Either way, Facebook is clearly aiming to be the go-to location for all digital behavior, encouraging users to use apps directly through Facebook.

Getting set up

Below is a list of questions and answers from Facebook.com to get you started and answer your questions about the new apps.

• What is the app install screen?
  The app install screen helps you decide whether you want to use an app. It displays a description of the app, the information it needs to access, a link to the app’s privacy policy, and more.
• What happens when a click the Install or Add to Facebook button?
  When you click on the Install or the Add to Facebook button, you are agreeing to allow that app to display certain things on your timeline. To help you decide whether you want to add an app, you’ll first be able to preview what it will look like on your timeline and see what information the app needs.
• Why should I share my app activity with friends?
  Adding an app to your timeline lets you express who you are through the things you do — your runs, playlists, films, trips, and more. Sharing your app activity helps your friends get to know you better and lets them discover interesting new things.
• How do apps share stories about songs I listen to or articles I read while on Facebook?
  When you give an app permission to share activity on your timeline, that app can publish stories about your experiences within the app or on websites (ex: when you cook a meal, listen to an album, or finish a run).
• Where can I control my app privacy and settings?
  There is an in-line audience selector on the app install screen that controls who can see your activity from that app. After you install an app, you can view and manage its settings on your App Settings.
• How can I find apps that I can add to my timeline?
  To browse popular apps, check out the categories under Add apps to your timeline today on the timeline apps page. You can also visit the Apps and Games Dashboard. This dashboard shows Requests from your friends, and you’ll also see a list of recommended apps and apps that your friends use.
• When I add an app to my timeline, where does my activity appear and who can see it?
  When you give an app permission to add activity to your timeline, that activity may also appear in ticker and News Feed. Depending on your privacy settings, your app activity may also be visible to other people using the app or website.
• How can I remove app stories that I don’t want people to see?
  You can see all of your stories from apps in your private activity log. To remove an app story from your timeline and activity log: Go to your timeline and activity log.