Facebook's new video chat Zoom competitor is coming soon — here's how the new feature works

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Facebook's new video chat Zoom competitor is coming soon — here's how the new feature works
  • Facebook just announced 50-person video chatrooms called Messenger Rooms.
  • The new Messenger Rooms have some features in common with other video calling apps, like Zoom and Houseparty.
  • The company says Messenger Rooms will be coming to the US in the coming weeks.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Friday the company is introducing 50-person video chatrooms.

This would likely compete with other videochatting apps, notably Zoom, which has seen huge gains since the coronavirus pandemic forced schools and workplaces to close. Facebook says the feature will be out in the US in the coming weeks.

The chatrooms will be based around Facebook Messenger and Facebook Groups, and can be public or private. Guests can also join by link, without a Facebook account. As a competitor to Zoom, Facebook seems to be a budget option, hosting up to 50 people with no mention of a time limit. In comparison, Zoom calls with more than two people time-out after 40 minutes with the free version of the service.

Video conference calls have suddenly become key to corporate and educational life since the pandemic has forced many closures and stay at home orders around the US and the world. So far, Zoom has come out on top, going from 10 million daily users to 300 million in only a few months.

Here's what Facebook's Messenger Rooms will look like, and how they'll work.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Overall, the idea of a video chat room where people can drop in and see who is active feels similar to the Houseparty app, which has seen a recent surge in downloads because of coronavirus.

Overall, the idea of a video chat room where people can drop in and see who is active feels similar to the Houseparty app, which has seen a recent surge in downloads because of coronavirus.
Houseparty. Houseparty

People who have been previously blocked on Facebook won't be able to join or see your rooms, a feature that could be useful in curbing harassment.

People who have been previously blocked on Facebook won't be able to join or see your rooms, a feature that could be useful in curbing harassment.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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But, guests can be removed, and the room automatically locks if someone is removed.

But, guests can be removed, and the room automatically locks if someone is removed.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

Different options give the ability to lockdown private chats, but Messenger Rooms seems to lack a comparable alternative to waiting rooms on Zoom, where the host can screen guests before letting them in.

Different options give the ability to lockdown private chats, but Messenger Rooms seems to lack a comparable alternative to waiting rooms on Zoom, where the host can screen guests before letting them in.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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Facebook emphasized a focus on privacy and security, likely a response to recent instances of "Zoom bombing," where trolls entered and disrupted calls for kicks.

Facebook emphasized a focus on privacy and security, likely a response to recent instances of "Zoom bombing," where trolls entered and disrupted calls for kicks.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

Share the link with anyone you want to join, and members will see a grid view, much like the desktop version.

Share the link with anyone you want to join, and members will see a grid view, much like the desktop version.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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On mobile, Messenger Rooms seem like they'll work similarly to the way the Messenger app already works. As before, you can see who is active, but now also create a room and decide who can see and join.

On mobile, Messenger Rooms seem like they'll work similarly to the way the Messenger app already works. As before, you can see who is active, but now also create a room and decide who can see and join.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

The room can be limited to members of the group, or anyone with the link can be allowed in.

The room can be limited to members of the group, or anyone with the link can be allowed in.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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The same idea works for Facebook Groups, where members can join any room.

The same idea works for Facebook Groups, where members can join any room.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

Rooms default to being open to Facebook friends, but you can change that setting and allow anyone with the link to join, or lock the room to stop any new participants.

Rooms default to being open to Facebook friends, but you can change that setting and allow anyone with the link to join, or lock the room to stop any new participants.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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Hosts create a room and set who can discover it.

Hosts create a room and set who can discover it.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

Rooms open to you will be visible above the newsfeed, where you can select to join.

Rooms open to you will be visible above the newsfeed, where you can select to join.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook
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Facebook clearly seems to be prioritizing Messenger Rooms, showing them at the top of the news feed.

Facebook clearly seems to be prioritizing Messenger Rooms, showing them at the top of the news feed.
Facebook Messenger Rooms. Facebook

The grid has become a staple of video calls, and Google Meet has adopted a way to allow it as well.

The grid has become a staple of video calls, and Google Meet has adopted a way to allow it as well.
Google Meet. stgnola.org via the Chrome Web Store
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The basic design of the Messenger Room call is similar to Zoom, showing a grid display for up to 50 participants.

The basic design of the Messenger Room call is similar to Zoom, showing a grid display for up to 50 participants.
An image provided by Facebook of a Messenger Room on desktop. Facebook