Facebook updated its iOS and Android Messenger apps so that users can now share their screens in a one-on-one call or group chat with up to eight participants.
The new feature will be rolled out to Messenger Rooms so that people can share screens with dozens of users.
In this article, I’ll go over key elements of the new feature.
What Is Facebook Messenger?
Before we take a deep dive into messenger screen sharing, it’s probably best to cover the basics of Facebook Messenger in case you’re unfamiliar with it.
Messenger is an instant messaging app that Facebook launched back in 2011. It replaced Facebook Chat.
Surprisingly, you don’t even need a Facebook account to use Messenger. You can sign up for it with just an email address or phone number.
You can use Messenger at Messenger.com on your desktop computer or as an app on your smartphone.
As is the case with most instant messaging tools, you use Messenger to send text, images, and even video to one or more people. It even collects all media files so you can go through them later.
Additionally, Messenger includes lots of emojis, stickers, and GIFs that you can send to make your conversations more interesting.
The app also includes a feature that alerts you when one of your correspondents is typing. It also shows you read receipts, delivery receipts, and timestamps for messages sent.
You can even use Messenger to send money or play games.
Finally, Messenger gives you the ability to make voice or video calls as well. It’s an excellent way to save on cell phone charges if you’d like to talk to somebody who lives in a different country.
Facebook Messenger Screen Share
Just recently, Facebook rolled out screen sharing capabilities on Messenger.
Now, people can show other participants in chat everything that they’re doing on their device. That’s true whether they’re using a mobile or desktop platform.
In the past you could only share your screen via Messenger on desktop.
“Screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen so you can share virtually anything together,” Facebook said in a statement. “Whether you want to share memories from your camera roll, shop together online, co-browse social media, and more…”
Messenger Rooms Upgrade
In addition to the screen sharing upgrade, Facebook will also enhance Messenger Rooms so users can share screens with up to 50 people.
If you’re unfamiliar with Messenger Rooms, they’re group video chats. People use them to throw virtual house parties.
Of course, in the wake of COVID-19, lots of folks can use them for virtual meetings as well.
However, Messenger Rooms is designed primarily for spontaneous gatherings. It’s not likely you’ll receive an invite to a Messenger Room meeting like you would for a Zoom meeting
Users who create Messenger Rooms have full control over who can join it.
And with the recent upgrade, people who start a Room also decide who has permission to share a screen. They can give blanket approval to all participants, a select few participants, or they can keep screen-sharing privileges to themselves.
How to Share Your Screen on Facebook
If you’d like to share your screen on Messenger, follow these simple steps:
- Start a video call in Messenger
- Swipe up on the bottom toolbar
- In the expanded menu that appears, tap “Share your screen”
That’s it.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know you can share your screen with Messenger, why not give it a test drive? You might find a way to use the new feature for marketing purposes or to support your business.
Also, keep an eye on future enhancements in Messenger. It looks like the folks at Facebook think the product has a lot of potential.
