Meta is expanding the functionality of its Messenger app with the introduction of a new feature called “Communities.” This feature is designed to help organizations, schools, and other private groups communicate in a more organized and structured way. It follows the rollout of Communities on WhatsApp in 2022.
With Communities, people can connect with others on Messenger without needing to be associated with a Facebook Group. While Meta previously introduced Community Chats on Messenger for real-time communication within Facebook Groups, this new feature allows users to create dedicated spaces for real-time communication on Messenger without the need for a Facebook Group.
This launch suggests that Meta is looking to differentiate Messenger from other messaging services, such as iMessage, by expanding its functionality and adding a broader social networking aspect. By helping people find and connect with their communities directly within Messenger, Meta aims to create a more comprehensive and versatile messaging app.
Communities consolidate multiple group chats into one place and offer a dedicated “Home” space for admins to share updates and announcements. Each Community can accommodate up to 5,000 members through shareable invites.
The feature can be utilized for various purposes, including creating dedicated spaces for organizations, schools, PTAs, neighborhoods, or connecting with friends who share similar interests. For example, a neighborhood could create a Community to keep residents connected and updated on various topics like events, security alerts, and trash pickup schedules. Similarly, a school could create a Community with dedicated group chats for each grade, allowing parents to join conversations concerning their children.
While the Communities feature on Messenger works similarly to Communities on WhatsApp, there is one key differentiator. Messenger Communities are connected to Facebook’s social graph, meaning that Community builders can invite Facebook friends and friends of friends, rather than solely relying on phone numbers like on WhatsApp.
According to Meta’s help page, Communities on Messenger are designed for more public conversations compared to Facebook groups. All current and future members of a Community can see chat content, creating a more inclusive and open space for discussions.
The new Communities feature is rolling out to all Messenger users globally, expanding its reach and potential impact. With this addition, Meta aims to provide users with a more versatile and organized platform for connecting with their communities and engaging in meaningful conversations.
