Facebook Live has emerged as a top platform for live broadcasting for organisations during this trying period. Messenger Rooms was introduced in April to meet the increasing videoconferencing needs. Now, Facebook has announced a way to get the best of both platforms — users can broadcast live to Facebook using Messenger Rooms.

What this does is that a Messenger Room gathering of up to 50 people can broadcast their session on Facebook Live for their friends and others to join in. For instance, a panel of experts can discuss on Messenger Rooms and go live to technically a global audience. What’s more, the audience can interact with the panel using chats and reacte using the emoticons.

According to Jasmine Stoy, Product Manager, Facebook and Connor Hayes, Product Manager, Messenger, live broadcasts from Pages doubled in June 2020 compared to the same time last year, largely attributed to broadcasts since March 2020.

“From artists raising money for efforts they care about and local zoos hosting daily safari adventures, to congregations coming together for worship and couples exchanging vows, people are finding creative ways to connect through Facebook Live,” they said.

room creator takes charge

When using both platforms together, the room creator controls the live broadcast, including where the room is shared on Facebook, who can view the broadcast and who is invited to participate.

Participants will receive a notification inviting them to join the live broadcast and will have to opt in to take part.

The room creator can add or remove participants from the live broadcast at any time and room participants can leave the live broadcast at any time. The room creator can also lock and unlock a room during the live broadcast.

Rollout for this feature has started in some countries on Facebook and Messenger web. Over time, it will be expanded to all countries where Messenger Rooms is available as well as to the Facebook and Messenger mobile app and Messenger desktop app.