How is the Facebook Family of Apps responding to COVID19?

As of March 2020, due to the spread of COVID19, social dynamics have changed. Luckily, the Facebook Family of Apps were quick to innovate and adapt to the change. 

Since live video took off, apps are making changes to their video features. 

WhatsApp (group video calls)

Facebook team plans to double down on WhatsApp group video capacity, going from 4 to 8 participants. A big step considering that Messenger can accommodate up to 6 visible participants. With audio-only calls that number goes up to 50. 

Facebook Messenger (Virtual backgrounds, Mood Lighting, Rooms)

However, Messenger is said to undergo some changes, too. Much like Zoom, Facebook is updating their video calls by adding 360 virtual backgrounds, enabling versatility in video chats. Another effect adding to providing a better video experience is "Mood Lighting" effect which might come in handy for many users. 

It is important to note that virtual background is not the only thing Facebook plans to have in common with Zoom. Namely, they are introducing Facebook Rooms which will be hosted in Facebook Messenger. Facebook Rooms are intended for virtual catch ups with friends and family as unplanned, casual hangouts. For the time being, it can host up to 50 people and can only be created via a personal account. If needed, sessions can be scheduled, too.

Facebook kids

Since it's launch in 2017, Facebook kids has been available only in the US, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and Thailand. The growth in the number of active users during COVID19 has been so rapid that Facebook kids has now expanded to new regions and is now available in more than 70 countries. 

Facebook Dating

Single people haven't been left out either. Virtual date is there to help single people video chat with their potential matches. 

Facebook Live

Back in December, Facebook removed the option to go live with a guest. Fortunately, they are bringing this option back. Perfect timing!

Facebook Events

Similar to newly established Airbnb online experiences, Facebook is said to be working on their version of it called Facebook Events. For a fee set by the creator, viewers would be able to join in on creators' live events. That way small businesses and artists would be able to maintain their businesses in the time of crisis. 

Instagram (Live, Desktop, DM, Facebook integration)

Instagram has some major updates, too, and they are mostly related to desktop. At last, desktop users can send and receive direct messages. In addition, they are now able to view Instagram Live streams on the desktop site. 

With all this in mind, it makes perfect sense that Instagram is now testing simulcast feature where users would be able to stream their Instagram Live sessions on their Facebook Page as well. 

Instagram Stories (Donation, Gift cards, Order food, #Challenge)

Instagram stories have some updates of their own. Users can donate to their organization of choice, give gift cards to their friends and family, as well as order food from selected partners such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and more. 

Since challenges have reached the peak of their popularity, Instagram stories now feature #Challenge. According to Instagram, creating new challenges isn't available yet, but by typing out individual letters of the alphabet, users can see the list of available challenges and nominate other users to take part in it. 

Hopefully, all the above mentioned updates will have people all over the world stay connected in times when they are apart. 

#facebook #whatsapp #instagram #socialmedia #covid19