Facebook introduced its anticipated Notify app, which delivers tailored news content to users, as the social networking giant looks to defend its position against rival social and news apps.

The company said the app “delivers timely notifications about the right things that matter to you, from the sources you love, all in one place”.

It is working with a wide raft of partners including ABC, Bloomberg Business, BuzzFeed, CBS Sport, CNN, Comedy Central, GQ Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, MarketWatch, Quartz, Time, Vanity Fair and Vogue.

Users can select sources to follow, and suggestions are also provided based on a user’s Facebook profile.

Notifications are delivered to the device lock screen, with the ability to swipe or tap through to read a full article, view video, or view a website. Content can also be shared via text, email, Facebook or other social networks.

A number of Facebook’s competitors in the apps space have investigated the role that news can play in boosting user engagement. However, there is a fine line between delivering targeted notifications and unwanted spam that will prove difficult to tread.

Notify is available today in the US for iPhone. The company said it is “excited to explore this evolving medium with participating sources”.