(Menlo Park, CA, Friday, April 24, 2020) – Today, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a brand new way for people to connect, Messenger Rooms, a group video calling feature that will allow people to virtually hangout together. Rooms will offer all of the fun AR effects from Messenger, and soon will include features like 360 degree immersive backgrounds, mood lighting filters, and other ways to share and connect virtually with your friends and family. The feature is completely free with zero time restrictions and a Facebook account is not required to join.
Facebook users can create rooms from Messenger or Facebook on a mobile device or computer, and simply invite others to join with a link. Up to 50 people will soon be able to join a video chat Room at once and you have the option to create a locked room for just you and your friends, or unlocked and open it up to connect with other people who may share your interests from your favorite Facebook Group or an Event.
In addition to Messenger’s AR effects, like bunny ears and aliens, Facebook is starting to roll out new AI-powered effects to upgrade your Messenger video chats on mobile. They are introducing 360-degree and immersive backgrounds that transport you to beautiful and iconic spaces, from the beach to a luxe apartment on the water. There are 14 new camera filters that offer ambient lighting to brighten your space and your face. They are also adding new AR effects, so you can celebrate birthdays or go stay-at-home camping with your friends.
Rooms was built with privacy and safety top of mind so you can feel comfortable connecting with your friends, family and communities. Facebook does not view or listen to your calls. The room creator controls who can join, who sees the room, and if the room is locked or unlocked to new guests. The room creator must be present in order for the call to begin, and the creator can remove guests at any time. You can report a room name or submit feedback about a room if you believe it violated our Community Standards. Reports will not include audio or video from the room since Facebook does not view or listen to your calls.
Messenger Rooms is rolling out in the US and other countries this week and will expand globally in the coming weeks. Facebook will continue to add features over the coming months.
You can find all available details in Facebook’s Newsroom Post here.