It looks like Zoom, a video-conferencing app that has become wildly popular amid the COVID-19 pandemic, will be welcoming new competition soon. Facebook has announced a new feature coming to its social network that will allow up to 50 people to virtually meet together in a video call.

(Update, May 16: It’s live! Read Facebook’s Messenger Rooms out now. Here’s how to use it.)

Messenger Rooms will let users start a group video chat for free with no time limit. It releases today for some users around the world, while others will have to wait a bit longer. Eventually, Messenger Rooms will reach all Facebook users sometime within the next few weeks.

Facebook said it had planned to release the feature later, but because of stay-at-home orders issued in many parts of the world, including the Philippines where Luzon and several provinces will remain under quarantine until May 15, it decided to launch it earlier than expected. In other words, we’re getting Messenger Rooms now, thanks to the global increased demand for social video calling.

The company also noted that messaging on Messenger has increased by 50%, while voice and video calling have more than doubled on the platform in countries hit the hardest by the new coronavirus.

Facebook’s announcement video, published here

Messenger Rooms features

Users can start a room from Messenger or Facebook (and Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Portal sometime in the future), and guests can drop in and out of rooms while it is open, even if they don’t have a Facebook account.

While not end-to-end encrypted at launch (it will come later), Messenger Rooms boasts security features that should prevent outsiders from dropping into calls. Facebook also said it will not listen to or monitor calls made on the platform, nor will it run ads in rooms. However, it will collect information to improve the user experience of its products.

Participants in Facebook’s Messenger Rooms will be able to use AR filters, including those that can swap out the background for a virtual one in real time

Similar to other video-calling apps, participants in Messenger Rooms will be able to use AR filters, including those that can brighten up dark scenes and swap out the background for a virtual one in real time.

New additions to WhatsApp and Instagram

In addition to launching Messenger Rooms today, Facebook announced the return of Live With on Facebook Live, allowing users to host livestreams with another person.

Additionally, WhatsApp users will be able to add eight people, up from four, to a video call. Instagram will allow users to upload livestreams to IGTV, as well as to Instagram stories, and Instagram Live videos will be available on desktop for the first time.

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