It’s no secret that instant and live video are both taking over social media. What used to be a photo and some text is now evolving into video conversations in a variety of formats. In other words, social platforms are speeding up and catering to our ever-growing need for instant gratification.
Snapchat pioneered the exchange of quick video communications, and Instagram followed many months later. Facebook, not wanting to be left out of the action, is joining the mix adding Instant Video into its Messenger app.
The mobile app, which you’re probably used to using for a text messaging conversation, now enables you to use exchange video messaging, much like a text chat.
This recent update was introduced in a Facebook Newsroom article. It explained the simplicity of how it works:
- First, make sure that both you and your friend have the latest version of Messenger for either iOS or Android.
- Then, while both of you are viewing an open Messenger conversation, tap on the video icon in the top right corner to start sharing real-time video.
Audio is off by default because sometimes you just need to see something, not hear it — but sound can easily be turned on if you choose.
Your video will float over the active text conversation that you can continue while viewing the video. Your friend can watch your video stream and share a video back if they decide.
While Facebook is the latest platform to incorporate video messaging, that platform has offered up live-streaming feeds through its Facebook Live, which has taken off.
How can businesses utilize these tools? Brands have been using Facebook Live to offer a behind the scenes look. Perhaps Instant Video would be a good tool for customer service professionals or departments trying to communicate with their audience efficiently and effectively.
Could you imagine assembling a product and getting stuck, and then exchanging video chats with the manufacturer’s customer service department? The possibilities are endless. Will you be trying out Facebook Messenger’s new Instant Video Feature? Share your comments with us on our Facebook page.