Facebook is weeding out smaller rivals by playing competitive “copycat”—and their sights are set on Houseparty.

Facebook is weeding out smaller rivals by playing competitive “copycat”—and their sights are set on Houseparty. The live video hangout app we said to watch out for last year is gaining traction, and rumor has it Facebook is making an app called Bonfire that does exactly the same thing. According to insiders, the social media giant has an “early bird” warning system” to identify platforms and apps that are “potential threats.” While Houseparty says they’re not worried, it’s getting harder to startups to succeed on a large scale without being mimicked or acquired by bigger brands first. (WSJ)