Facebook announces Zoom-like clone with Messenger Rooms

Facebook is just as sick of hearing about Zoom as you are. 

Continuing its long and storied history of lifting designs and features from competitors, Facebook today announced an upcoming change to Messenger that simultaneously feels both long overdue and rushed in response to the pandemic. Say hello to Messenger Rooms, a tile-view video chat experience that can hold up to 50 participants. 

Importantly, according to an emailed press release, you do not need a Facebook account to join a Messenger Room. Of course, your friends that don’t have Facebook accounts likely don’t have them for a reason (or many reasons), but we understand what Zuckerberg and Co. are going for here. 

“You don’t need to call someone and hope it’s a good time or check everyone’s calendar first,” reads the press release. “You can start and share rooms on Facebook through News Feed, Groups, and Events, so it’s easy for people to drop by. Soon we’ll add ways to create rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp and Portal, too.” 

Also of note, you don’t need to download anything to join a Messenger Room. We’re sure no one will zoom, er, excuse us, facebookbomb any of these calls. 

As to when you will be able to use this exciting new feature in the world of videoconferencing? Soon, probably. According to the press release, “Messenger Rooms is rolling out in some countries this week and will expand to the rest of the world in coming weeks.”

SEE ALSO: Forget Zoom: Use these private video-chatting tools, instead

So, there you have it. Get ready for even more Facebook in your life. Or, you know, don’t.