The pandemic challenge propelled the growth of live broadcasts and video calls. Facebook aims to make it easier for users to connect to the world. On 24 April 2020, Facebook launched Messenger Rooms. These are joinable group video calls that can accommodate up to 50 people. Last 13 May 2020, the platform linked it to group chats and private online events. Today, users can go live on Facebook through Messenger Rooms.
Compared to the same month last year, Facebook live broadcast doubled this June 2020. From church worships, fundraisings, to virtual events, Facebook Live has been a trend. While Messenger Rooms have been a popular alternative to Skype and Zoom since its launch. Thus, Facebook makes it easier by doing an integration. Messenger Rooms creator can now broadcast the group video call on a Facebook profile or page. This update expands the audience potential of the group discussion. The room creator can add or remove a call participant anytime during the live broadcast. Viewers can react to the live broadcast. But they cannot join the room.
Starting 23 July 2020, users can go live on Facebook through Messenger Rooms. Such a feature will first be rolled out to selected countries. It will expand globally in the coming weeks.
Implications for Marketers:
The ability to broadcast Messenger Rooms live is a good option to host virtual events. This increase the reach to more audience. Marketers should consider such an option as a Facebook strategy. Lots of Facebook users engage and watch live streams. Hosting a product launch or brand promotions via Messenger Rooms and bringing it to live broadcast is another engagement twist.
Reference: https://about.fb.com/news/2020/07/go-live-on-facebook-from-messenger-rooms/
