The next step in Facebook?s video push occurred Thursday with the launch of Instant Video for Messenger.
Instant Video allows Messenger users to add live, real-time video to conversations, and the social network provided instructions for using the feature in a Newsroom post:
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. Your friend can watch your video stream and share a video back if they decide.
Facebook also explained the motivation behind launching Instant Video for Messenger:
Video calling is still relatively new, and until recently, reserved for special occasions like celebrating ?in person? with Grandma on her birthday or seeing Dad on a business trip. Now that we all seem to have a video camera and internet connection in our pocket, video is a regular part of everyday life?whether we?re sharing it, preserving it or chatting with it.
Instant Video is a reflection of the ubiquity of video?we simply expect to have that ability in real-time, all the time. With Instant Video, you can bring your conversations...