By Mitch Carson
As 2016 ends, Facebook has launched the most requested Messenger feature ever – Facebook group video chat. The video chat feature gives Facebook users the ability to video chat in groups.
Facebook’s VP of messaging products, Davis Marcus, announced this new feature. It is almost eight months since Facebook added group calls to its Messenger app, and now an expanded video chat feature has been included.
Facebook group video chat feature makes it straightforward and seamless to stay connected face-to-face to allow video call for up to 50 people simultaneously. Facebook claims it is the most requested feature ever and it is rolling out on a couple of platforms. The group video chat is available on Android and iOS devices as well as the desktop version of the Messenger – worldwide.
Stats from Facebook have it that more than 245 million people make video calls in Messenger every month. People can now use chat messaging in groups for lots of various reasons such as keeping everyone up to date or planning for meetings.
The video chat news comes after Facebook just unveiled a new camera on Messenger. It also introduced a more Snapchat style filter and 3D special effects. Everyone on Messenger now has the ability to turn group chats into face-to-face conversations no matter where they are.
Getting started with Messenger Video Calling
If you already have a Facebook Account, you simply need to log in and visit the link: http://www.facebook.com/videocalling. You need to install a plug-in that facilitates you to send and receive calls by clicking one of the call buttons on the Facebook user interface.
Alternatively, you can use the chat window next to the Settings dialog. Either of these ways can initiate a Facebook chat.
Limiting calls to certain friends
You can take advantage of Facebook’s advanced privacy setting by setting up a friends list. You can also add people you know or work with, to create a specialized friend list. By setting up a friend’s list, you will limit both chats and video calls from friends outside your set friends’ list.
Temporarily go offline
One of the biggest concerns people have towards Facebook Messenger app is privacy. People don’t want to appear online all the time. However, you can now temporarily go offline from people whom you don’t want they see your active status. Going temporarily offline will make you unavailable for both video and text chats.
Cleaning up your friend’s list
It is always a noble idea to regularly maintain your friend’s list by removing friends you no longer talk to. Doing so can help in keeping your personal information secure from unwanted people.
Disable video chat
From the control panel, you can uninstall the Facebook video calling plugin. Facebook will recognize you don’t have the plugin installed and will prevent others from calling you on Facebook. You can reinstall the plugin again as you wish.
How to use Group Video Chat
The Facebook group video chat is pretty easy to use. Actually, it is free over Wi-Fi. At any given chat time, you will be able to see up to six people. However, the group can accommodate up to 50 friends, who can join in and choose just to listen via voice or be on camera.
To get started, you will need the latest version of Messenger. You can either jump into an existing group conversation or just create a new one.
At the upper right of your screen, tap on the video icon to enter the video. Everyone in the group will get a notification. Each of these people can join once they are ready, just by a simple tap. The feature also allows you to ring a few individuals or even the whole group.
Probably you might be asking which browsers support video calling. Video calling works with:
– Mozilla Firefox
– Google Chrome
– Opera
Anyone having trouble with video calling can try to update or switch their browser to these mentioned browsers.
Messenger video chatting may not be available in all countries. Also, note that certain Internet access providers and mobile carriers may have restrictions on access to this service. If video chatting service is available in your area, but you are having trouble using it, a solution lies on an upgrade. Try to update to the newest version of the Messenger app.
Note that you would not be able to call people if their phones or devices are not connected to the Internet. There is an issue about data charges. Placing direct calls using the messenger app may use your existing data plan.
The Growth of Messenger Platform
In the tense competition of Google+, which comes complete with video chat, companies such as Skype and Facebook were forced to roll out their comeback. From this contest, we can now see the results – the growth of Facebook Messenger Video Chat.
Facebook Messenger is a true proof that Messenger is becoming a more powerful platform on its own. Messenger offers a robust messaging platform for text, videos, photos, tickers, GIFs, documents, emojis, phone calls and much more.
One-to-one video chat is a great way to talk with loved ones and friends on a face to chat from a remote location. The video chat change marks a huge deviation from Facebook’s trademark style, which features plain and simple aesthetics.
Video chat launch makes Messenger the first popular western messaging app with a group video chat. The app has features that will equally or better compete with others on the market such as FaceTime/iMessage, Snapchat and Google Duo.
Teens might be most familiar with apps such as Houseparty – the app from the makers of Meerkat. Facebook Messenger video chat offer a better and improved version of Facebook Live.
As Facebook rolls out the video feature for both iOS and Android, video chat is poised to become more fun and shared. Facebook stresses that Messenger’s other functions remain intact. Users can still send stickers, text, and other animations while audio and video are transmitting.
By embracing group video chat, the Messenger becomes more of a communication destination tool that just a relatively used tool. Combined with its Active Now feature, we are poised to see it become more of a full-fledged real-time network. Facebook is clearly sending a message of becoming a leader for consuming existing content.