WhatsApp is ready to integrate Messenger Rooms on the app to make video calls with 50 people. Here’s how it works
WhatsApp is getting ready to welcome a new feature: Messenger Rooms. This is the new platform developed by the Menlo Park company that allows you to make video calls with 50 people. For the moment, the tool has been integrated into the beta version of WhatsApp for Android and iOS, but soon it should make its debut in the official version as well, since the official page explaining its operation has already appeared on the app’s website.
For WhatsApp, this is a big change: after raising the limit of video calls from 4 to 8 participants just a few weeks ago, it is now ready for an even bigger leap: from 8 to 50. We must, however, specify some features of this particular feature: Messenger Rooms is not integrated within WhatsApp, but is a separate application. When you decide to make a video call on WhatsApp using this tool, you will be diverted to another application (Facebook Messenger). Also. to use Rooms you need to have all messaging apps updated to the latest version available.
What is Messenger Rooms
Let’s get some clarity on what Messenger Rooms is and how it works. The platform was launched a few weeks ago by Facebook and aims to become a benchmark in the world of video calling and video conferencing. Users have the ability to create rooms in which to hold video conferences and webinars for up to 50 people. In each video call, it is possible to create thematic rooms where small working groups can gather, and then hold a plenary meeting all together.
To quickly grow Messenger Rooms, Facebook has decided to integrate the tool within all its properties, starting right from WhatsApp and Instagram, where it has already made its debut. Here’s how to use Messenger Rooms within WhatsApp.
How to use Messenger Rooms on WhatsApp
Creating a room on WhatsApp is very simple. Messenger Rooms is integrated directly within the app and you can get to it with a few simple touches.
The easiest way is to open WhatsApp, press on the Calls tab and then select “Create a room”. Alternatively, you can enter an individual or group chat, press on the Attach icon (in the shape of a clip) and select Room. There is also a third way to open Messenger Rooms: enter a group chat, press on the handset icon and then “Create a room”.
Once you press on “Create a room” or “Room” a message will appear on the screen warning you about the tool’s operation and you’ll have to press on “Continue on Messenger”. This will exit WhatsApp and open Messenger, either through the app or on your browser. In order to use Messenger, you will need to update the app to the latest version available. If you don’t have the app, you’ll have to sign in with your Facebook account.
After this step, you have to click on “Test”, then on “Create room as XXX (your name)” and finally on “Room activity” to specify why you are creating it At this point you have to click on “Send link on WhatsApp” to choose the contacts to whom you want to send the invitation to access the room.
How to access Messenger Rooms as an invitee
In addition to creating a room, you can also access Messenger Rooms if you are invited. If you receive the message on WhatsApp, you have to press on the link and it will open the Messenger app or the browser with the web-app. To access the room you have to press on Try and then choose whether to enter your name or log in as a guest. At this point the creator of the call will have to let you join the video call.
Messenger Rooms is still being released on the official version of WhatsApp and is probably not available on your profile yet.