Facebook E.gg – The Next Big Thing?

In November 2020, Facebook launched an experimental collage-making app called E.gg.

It’s currently only available in the US & Canada, so we reached out to creators already using the platform to hear what they think. Is it  something you should jump or will it die out within a year? 

E.gg allows users to create zine-like pages straight from their phone or tablet and share it with the world through unique URLs. Users can browse canvases on the “E.ggiverse” but you don’t have to be a user to view creations. Fused with nostalgia and freedom of expression, it’s a great place to showcase your portfolio, experiment with digital art or draw attention to social movements using text, pictures and gifs. But is it going to be as popular as Instagram, VSCO or Pinterest?

Fused with nostalgia and freedom of expression, it’s a great place to showcase your portfolio, experiment with digital art or draw attention to social movements using text, pictures and gifs. But is it going to be as popular as Instagram, VSCO or Pinterest?

What’s a Zine?

Pronounced “zeen”, it’s a noncommercial mini-magazine that often focuses on subcultural issues like feminism, art, politics, social movements etc.

It’s no wonder lots of featured E.ggs talk about Queer history, niche forms of art and the #BLM movements. You’ll also find lighthearted pages full of users’ favorite TV-shows, music etc.

How to create an E.gg?

It’s easy to use – a basic drag & drop interface, but pretty minimal in customization options. You can’t even input hex codes! 

Thankfully, E.gg allows you to upload your own visuals, use built-in stickers and browse the GIPHY library which of course, is owned by Facebook. 

“My favorite feature is reusing a sticker from other pages. It’s really cool to see where it’s been and how other people have used it!” shared Dillie. All you have to do is tap on a sticker to add it on your own page. 

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Unlike most platforms, you’re expected to layer and create sort of a collage or scrapbook, which creates a kind of nostalgia for many users. “The lack of perfection is my favorite part,” said Will who created a canvas about the Stonewall riots. 

The best way to get a hang of it is to just play around and let your creativity flow! If you want to design an image, but get frustrated by the lack of tools on E.gg, you can always use Mediamodifier templates and upload them.

Will it be the next billion-dollar success story? 

Probably not, but it sure is a blast to play with. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the app, so let us know in the comments whether you’re excited about its release. 

In the meantime, check out some of our favorite E.ggs. 

Huge thank you to Dillie, Will and Zack for sharing their insights and experience with E.gg.