Facebook Messenger Rooms: Yet Another New Video Conferencing Option

Facebook launched a video conferencing feature in April 2020 called Facebook Messenger Rooms. Through Facebook and Messenger, Facebook Messenger Rooms users can make free video calls with up to 50 participants. As reported by CNET on Tuesday (May 19), Facebook Messenger Rooms was introduced because many people were looking for video conferencing alternatives to Zoom, which has been rumored to have security and privacy issues.

“You can start and share Rooms on Facebook via News Feed, Groups, and Events, so it will be easy for you to drop by anytime in the future,” said Stan Chudnovsky, Vice President of Messenger at Facebook.

Facebook Messenger Rooms Features

Facebook Messenger Rooms allows users to host video conferences on Facebook and other social media platforms. Room invitation links can be shared via Facebook News Feed, Events, and Groups. Anyone, including those without a Facebook account, can join as long as the Room is open. The Room creator retains full control over who can view and join. They can add or remove participants at any time, as well as open and lock the Room during a video call.

Uniquely, Facebook Messenger Rooms also come equipped with AR (augmented reality) filters that can be used to add fun effects such as bunny ears, astronaut suits, and altered facial expressions. There’s also a 360-degree background option that creates a 3D effect, as well as lighting settings that make video calls even more engaging.

Facebook Messenger Rooms Security

Facebook guarantees that the Facebook Messenger Rooms feature has been verified as secure. Facebook has implemented privacy measures and controls for the service. Security and privacy issues appear to be a priority for Facebook following the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018.

Read more: Facebook Data Theft Scandal Led to Cambridge Analytica’s Bankruptcy and Closure

Through the Messenger Rooms feature, users can lock, delete, report, and block intruders, as well as easily leave a room. Facebook also promises that it will not use user data for advertising purposes.

A New Way to Connect Amid the Pandemic

The introduction of Facebook Messenger Rooms offers a new solution for staying connected during the current pandemic. Previously, video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and BlueJeans were widely used for both professional and personal communication.

The PR agency Media Buffet also utilizes these three video conferencing services for internal meetings, discussions with clients, and events such as webinars or press briefings. One such event organized by Media Buffet was the Likee press briefing on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. This event was held to publicize a Mobile Legends tournament among gaming influencers, which was streamed live on the Likee app. The press briefing was attended by 15 media outlets, including Republika, Detik.com, Esportnesia, and others.

Read more: Gaming Influencers Compete in Mobile Legends at the Likee Superstar Battle

In the field of education, Google Classroom is widely used to support learning and teaching activities at home. Even activities such as product launches and music concerts are now held virtually. For example, Narasi TV organized a virtual music concert to raise funds for healthcare workers and the community. Featuring 18 Indonesian musicians performing from their respective homes, Narasi TV broadcast the concert via YouTube Live Streaming.

The variety of activities that can still be carried out online proves that video conferencing services are crucial, as they have proven to be more efficient, practical, and secure. Communication and community connections are also maintained, even though they are now limited to visual and audio interactions.

So while you’re staying home, what video conferencing app do you use? Interested in trying Facebook’s?