In yet another deeper push into video, Facebook today is rolling out a new update to its Messenger app [Direct Link] that adds a new live video button into every chat window. When used, Facebook users will begin live streaming in a small pop-up window with sound turned off by default, allowing them to keep texting with the person on the other end while sharing visual details of their location that might be easier through video rather than simple text.

instant video fb 1
Facebook is calling the new feature "Instant Video," and says it represents "a reflection of the ubiquity of video" that's expected in most messaging apps nowadays. Rather than a full-on video chatting experience, the social network hopes for Instant Video to be a companion to traditional texting.

Instant Video is a reflection of the ubiquity of video — we simply expect to have that ability in real-time, all the time. With Instant Video, you can bring your conversations to life in the most authentic way — seamlessly and instantly. It’s perfect for sharing quick moments with friends who aren’t right by your side or making your conversations richer by seeing each other face-to-face when you are messaging.

Sometimes you want to ask a friend’s opinion on a pair of shoes you want to buy, weigh in on what ice cream flavor they should bring home, or just want to see your BFF’s reaction to your witty message when you’re in a place where you can’t actually talk live.

To start an Instant Video conversation, there will be a new video icon in the top right corner of each Messenger conversation. This will bring up the live stream of real-time video, and the app supports both the front-facing and rear-facing cameras of a smartphone. On the other side of the conversation, a friend can continue watching the live stream and turn on audio, or respond with a stream of their own camera for you to see.

instant video fb 2
Facebook sees the new update as another example of its attempt "to solve real problems for real people." Over the past few weeks, the company has tested autoplay videos with sound in its iOS app, launched a video-focused app for teenagers, and began a slow implementation of MSQRD in select countries. Although Instant Video is only for Messenger, it'll have a large install base to test it out since the separate instant messaging app celebrated a milestone of one billion monthly active users over the summer.

Top Rated Comments

macduke Avatar
86 months ago
We already have FaceTime, snapchat, Marco Polo, Skype. Do we really need another one ?
They found something that hasn't been done yet: Texting while looking at a silent video of the person you're texting. Facebook's motto is "Throw everything against the wall and see what sticks, because we're an aging social media platform that is quickly losing relevance with the kids and we don't understand why." When the simple answer is that kids don't want to be on a social media platform where their parents are, they want to live in the moment and don't want a permanent record of everything they've ever done on the internet which can be used against them in every job interview for the rest of their life. We've hired many people over others at my work because of their stupid social media presence. Facebook is the social media platform of their parents. They want something to call their own, that only they understand, that easily connects them to all the people they meet—both online and off—while trying to keep up with their life, which is even busier than when I was a teenager 10 years ago. Something that is low commitment, but high on engagement when they want it. They don't have time for Facebook, don't want to be on Facebook, and that scares the hell out of Facebook so they come up with crap like this to seem relevant.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0029937 Avatar
86 months ago
Seems like there's a lot of hate for this. I personally hate Facebook and deleted the app off my phone. However, Messenger is brilliant. Such a better experience especially in group chats than Apple's stock Message app. iOS 10 may change that though...

Plus, Messenger is also web based which is an enormous advantage. I can chat in my browser during work. Doubt Apple will make their Messages app do that, they always seem so behind with stuff like this.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 17 on Phone Feature

Gurman: iOS 17 to Provide Several 'Most Requested Features'

Sunday March 26, 2023 6:05 am PDT by
Apple changed the strategy for iOS 17 later in its development process to add several new features, suggesting that the update may be more significant than previously thought, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In January, Gurman said that iOS 17 could be a less significant update than iPhone updates in previous years due to the company's intense focus on its long-awaited mixed-reality...
dynamic island

iPhone 15 Dynamic Island to Include New Integrated Proximity Sensor

Friday March 24, 2023 12:27 am PDT by
This year, all iPhone 15 models will include Apple's Dynamic Island that unifies the pill and hole cutouts at the top of the display, but there will also be a material change to the feature that wasn't included in the iPhone 14 Pro models. According to a new tweet by Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the proximity sensor on the iPhone 15 series will be integrated inside the Dynamic Island ...
top stories 25mar2023

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Design Leak, iOS 16.4 Coming Soon, and More

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00 am PDT by
We're still almost six months away from the official unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup, but it seems like every day we're learning more about what to expect from the next-generation models. Notably, this week gave us our clearest look yet at what appear to be some changes for the volume and mute control hardware. iOS 16.4 and associated releases are also right around the corner with some new ...
Hero0009

Best Apple Deals of the Week: Samsung's Smart Monitor M8 Gets Massive $250 Discount, Along With Year's Best AirPods Prices

Friday March 24, 2023 10:23 am PDT by
We saw a lot of great deals on Apple products and related accessories this week, including Samsung's iMac-like Smart Monitor M8 for $250 off, a 30 percent off spring sale at Anker, and the year's best prices on numerous AirPods models. All of these deals are still available to purchase right now, so we're recapping them and more below. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these ...
Steve Jobs Theater dusk

Apple Reportedly Demoed Mixed-Reality Headset to Executives in the Steve Jobs Theater Last Week

Sunday March 26, 2023 5:53 am PDT by
Apple showcased its mixed-reality headset to the company's top 100 executives in the Steve Jobs Theater last week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that the "momentous gathering" is a "key milestone" ahead of the headset's public announcement planned for June. The event was intended to rally Apple's top members of...
apple mixed reality headset concept by david lewis and marcus kane

Some Apple Employees Seriously Concerned About Mixed-Reality Headset as Announcement Draws Closer

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:25 am PDT by
Some Apple employees are concerned about the usefulness and price point of the company's upcoming mixed-reality headset, The New York Times reports. Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane Initial enthusiasm around the device at the company has apparently become skepticism, according to eight current and former Apple employees speaking to The New York Times. The change of tone...
iphone 14 pro max deep purple feature purple

iPhone 15 Pro Rumor Recap: 10 New Features and Changes to Expect

Thursday March 23, 2023 6:42 am PDT by
While the iPhone 15 series is still around six months away from launching, there have already been plenty of rumors about the devices. Many new features and changes have been rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular. Below, we have recapped 10 changes rumored for iPhone 15 Pro models that are not expected to be available on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus:A1...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 Will Add These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:06 am PDT by
Following nearly six weeks of beta testing, iOS 16.4 is expected to be released to the public as soon as this week. The software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone 8 and newer. To install an iOS update, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap General → Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. Below, we have recapped eight new features and...