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Facebook launches Group Video Call through Messenger

Johannesburg - First Snapchat announced that users could snap in groups in time for the festive season – now Facebook is allowing Group Video Chats through Facebook Messenger. 

The world’s biggest social network announced that users of items Messenger app would be able to chat via video in groups. 

“Group Video Chat in Messenger makes it simple and seamless to stay connected face-to-face. Group Video Chat is rolling out to Android and iOS devices, and the desktop version of Messenger, worldwide,” Facebook said in their official blog.

READ: Facebook lists SA’s 5 most shared topics for 2016

The Messenger app allows for users to communicate with one another or in groups and currently sees one billion users. 

The app also allows for users to also make voice and video calls. 

“With 245 million people making video calls in Messenger every month, now we’re bringing everyone on Messenger the ability to turn group chats into face-to-face conversations no matter where you are – whether you’re down the street or halfway across the world,” Facebook said. 

The Group Video Chat function allows up to 50 Facebook Friends to join in and choose to just listen in and join via voice, or be on camera. 

Once more than 6 people are on the call, just the dominant speaker is shown to all participants.

READ: Facebook says it erred measuring audience reach

Users will need the latest version of Messenger and will be allowed to jump into an existing group conversation, or create a new one, by tapping on the video icon on the upper right of the screen to enter the video chat and everyone in the group will be notified.

Each person can join when they are ready with just one tap or directly ring just a few people or the whole group.

Last week, image sharing app Snapchat launched a group chat option allowing for 16 participants to communicate with one-another on Snapchat and can be created when sending a Snap or when making a new chat. 

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