Facebook has hoppen on the group-video-chat game with a new feature called Messenger Rooms, which seems set to compete with services like Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams.
This is after a large migration into video conferencing and chats due to stay home orders issued in many countries across the world.
Facebook users will be able to create a room from Facebook or the Messenger app, and invite anyone up to 50 people to join a video call — even if they don’t have a Facebook account.
Facebook Messenger Rooms will be rolling out in certain countries this week before expanding globally, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a livestream on Friday.
In terms of privacy, Messenger Rooms privacy protections include the ability to control who sees your room, and can lock or unlock it. People can report a room for violating Facebook rules — though those reports will not include any video or audio from the call.” Said Zuckerberg.
How to create a Facebook Messenger Room
Once it’s available in your area, here’s how to create a Room from your phone:
1. Open the Messenger app.
2. Tap the People tab at the bottom right of the screen.
3. Tap Create a Room, and select the people who you want to join.
3. To share a room with people who don’t have a Facebook account, you can share the link with them. You can also share the room in your News Feed, Groups and Events.
You can join a room from your phone or computer — no need to download anything, according to Facebook.
