Facebook Brings Messenger Conversations to Life with Addition of Instant Video Feature

With more than a billion active users, Messenger is among the world’s most-used messaging platforms.

This week Facebook added a new feature to Messenger called Instant Video, which enables users to send short videos in a non-intrusive way through the app.

“With Instant Video, you can bring your conversations to life in the most authentic way — seamlessly and instantly,” explains Facebook. “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.”

Here’s 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.