Facebook Video Messenger is a great way to connect with friends and family through video calls right in Facebook Messenger. It provides an easy and convenient way to have face-to-face conversations online. Here are some tips for using Facebook Video Messenger effectively.
Getting Started with Video Calls
To get started with Facebook Video Messenger, first make sure you have the latest version of Facebook Messenger installed on your device. Open the Messenger app and select the contact or group you want to video call. Tap the video icon in the top right corner to initiate a video call.
When you receive an incoming video call, you’ll see the caller’s profile photo with a video icon. Tap to answer the call. You can toggle the video on and off during the call by tapping the video icon.
Facebook Video Messenger works between two people or groups. All parties need to have the Messenger app installed and be logged into their Facebook accounts to connect over video.
Using Video Effects
Facebook Video Messenger comes with fun video effects you can use to customize your video calls!
Tap the smiley face icon during a video call to open the effects tray. Here you’ll find different filters, text overlays, AR masks and more to use. These will be applied to your video that the other caller sees.
Some popular effects include bunny ears, aviators, a beard overlay and even a backdrop change. Play around with the different options! You can use multiple effects at once too.
Adding Participants
If you want to video chat in a group, you can easily add more people to the call.
In an existing one-on-one video call, tap the + icon at the bottom right. This will let you select a contact to add to the call. You can keep adding more people this way.
A maximum of 8 people (including yourself) can join a Facebook Video Messenger call at once. All participants will need to have the Messenger app installed.
Using Messenger Rooms
For group video calls with up to 50 people, you can use Messenger Rooms. This is an extension of Video Messenger.
To create a Messenger Room, open your Messenger app and look for the Rooms tab. Tap Create a Room and select who you want to invite from your Facebook friends list.
You can share the Room link through Messenger, News Feed, Groups and Events to gather people. Anyone who has the link can join, even if they don’t have a Facebook account.
Changing Settings
Adjust a few settings in the Messenger app to customize your video call experience.
Go to your Profile tab > Video and Calls. Here you can toggle video calling capabilities and change your incoming call sound.
You can choose to auto-accept incoming video and audio calls from specific friends. Just tap on a friend’s name and select “Always Accept Video” or “Always Accept Audio.”
Tips for Better Video Calls
Follow these tips to improve your Facebook Video Messenger experience:
- Make sure you have a strong WiFi or cellular connection for smooth video quality.
- Position your camera at eye level and sit in a well-lit area so others can see you clearly.
- Use headphones to prevent echo or background noise for others.
- Mute yourself when not speaking so there’s no distracting background noise.
- If the call quality is poor, try turning off your video temporarily.
Fun Uses for Video Messenger
Beyond just chatting with friends and family, here are some creative ways to use Facebook Video Messenger:
- Play games together like Charades or Trivia
- Sing karaoke by playing music in the background
- Share a virtual meal together
- Co-watch videos or TV shows
- Collaborate on projects by sharing your screen
- Host a virtual book club
- Open gifts together during holidays/birthdays
Get creative with Facebook Video Messenger for meaningful connections! It provides an interactive way to spend quality time together even when you can’t be in person.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having issues using Facebook Video Messenger, try these troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t start or receive calls | Check your internet connection. Restart the Messenger app. Make sure you’ve allowed Messenger access to your camera/microphone in device settings. |
| Call disconnects | Move closer to your WiFi router, connect to a stronger network, or switch to a cellular connection. Disable battery saver mode. |
| Video quality is poor | Improve lighting conditions. Use your device’s rear camera for better video quality. Limit background programs using bandwidth. |
| Echo during calls | Use headphones or lower volume. Have the other caller mute when not speaking. |
| Can’t add participants | Make sure your Messenger app is updated. Force quit and relaunch the app. Check that participants meet eligibility requirements. |
For any other issues, visit Facebook Messenger’s Help Center for more troubleshooting tips.
Conclusion
Facebook Video Messenger makes it fun and easy to connect face-to-face online. Take advantage of features like video effects, group calls with Messenger Rooms, and screen sharing. Set up the optimal video calling environment and settings for smooth chats. Get creative together with games, activities and collaborations over video.
Troubleshoot issues as needed by checking connections, app settings and accessibility. With these tips in mind, you can take full advantage of Facebook Video Messenger for quality video calls with friends and family.