You can now have a video as your Facebook profile picture

Facebook has announced a new 'profile videos' feature as part of a range of mobile updates. The feature will allow users to upload short, looping videos - similar to GIFs - that play whenever anyone visits their page.

The social network is also introducing more options for profile pictures following the success of its 'Celebrate Pride' filter. As well as profile videos, users will be able to upload 'temporary' profile pictures that revert back to a previous picture after a set amount of time, as well as the option to add text to pictures, a feature already familiar to users of Snapchat.

"It can be a visual status update to let your friends know what's going on in your life today, or it can be your statement of solidarity for a cause you feel strongly about," Facebook wrote in a post detailing the changes..

A third update sees the introduction of new profile controls, with a new, customisable space at the top of profiles. This allows users to add a Twitter-style public bio, a selection of curated profile details such as work and education and up to five 'Featured Photos'.

"Featured Photos is a section we're very excited about because we think there are a lot of creative ways for people to use it," a Facebook spokesman said in a statement. "People can use this space to visually highlight what's important to them".

Profile videos can only be uploaded via the Facebook app for iPhone and are currently only available for users in the UK and California, with plans to roll out the update worldwide later this year.