Facebook introduces Messenger Rooms for video calling up to 50 people

Facebook reported that calls have more than doubled on Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp in many countries since the pandemic began. In some cases, the number of group video calls have gone up by more than 10 times. Views of Facebook Live and Instagram Live videos have also increased significantly in March.

All-new Messenger Rooms

The new Messenger Rooms makes it easier for people to hang out via join-able video links and have more fun with AR filters, games and screen-sharing while keeping it private with extensive user controls.

Messenger Rooms was built with privacy and safety top of mind to allow users to manage their experience, so they can feel comfortable connecting with their communities. You can read more about the privacy controls on Messenger Rooms here.

How to start using Rooms?

Messenger App

1. Download the Messenger app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Tap on the Video Chat Icon
3. [OR]
4. Tap on the “People” tab
   1. Select “Create a Room”
   2. Click on “Share Link” to invite your family/friends

Desktop

1. Head over to www.facebook.com
2. Tap on “Create Room” in News Feed, Groups or Events
3. Select the desired privacy settings

No time limit

Facebook says that Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit. Users will be able to host celebrations, gather a book club or just hang out on the couch with friends.

No need to call someone and hope if it’s a good time or checking with everyone’s calendar first – you can start and share rooms on Facebook through the News Feed, Groups or Events. This makes it easy for people to drop by at any time.

Facebook will soon add ways to create Rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp and Portal.