Meta confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday that it is internally testing a BeReal-like “roll call” feature in Messenger.Features first discovered by social media consultants Matt Navara, add photos and videos to prompts and invite users to share what they’re doing. Only those who participated in the roll call can see other responses. The concept behind the test feature is similar to BeReal, inviting users to take front and back camera photos at random times each day to bring back authenticity to social media.
Unlike BeReal, where users are randomly asked to share images, Messenger’s new feature will not automatically ask users to post content. Alternatively, users can always choose to start a roll call thread in a group chat. For example, you can create a prompt “Show me lunch” and other group chat participants can respond with an image or video of their lunch.
The prompt has a timed countdown to encourage participation. A notification is sent to all users in the group chat when someone starts a roll call. After submitting an image or video, you can view other users’ responses.
according to screenshot of prototype Shared online by Navarra, Meta sees the feature as a new way for users to see what everyone is doing in group chats. In the feature description, the feature is designed to help people share authentic moments with friends and family, which is also the idea behind his BeReal.
Roll Call is still an internal prototype, so it’s unclear when or if Meta has plans to roll out this feature. As with any prototype, the finished product may differ from the test product.
It’s worth noting that Meta appears to be taking roll calls to other platforms, including Instagram. Alexander Paluzzi It turns out that Instagram is working on a DM roll call feature.
BeReal’s growing popularity last year has made the social media giant desperate to release its own similar feature. Last September, TikTok launched his BeReal clone called TikTok Now. This is basically his BeReal cut and pasted onto the platform. A few months later, Instagram introduced “Candid Stories.” Here is another BeReal clone of him that follows the exact same concept. Even Snapchat jumped on the BeReal craze with the introduction of the “dual camera” feature.
Over the past year, we’ve seen popular social media companies copy each other in many ways. At some point, these apps will become overcrowded with similar features, which may not be what consumers want.
