Facebook Messenger introduces new AR effects and filters for group video calls and Rooms

Facebook is now rolling out augmented reality (AR) filters for group chats on Messenger. This means that users will be able to make group chats using filters or AR effects together. The effects will soon roll out for Instagram group calls as well. Group effects will enable users to play multiplayer interactions with friends, making group video calls with filters a shared experience. You can check the Group Effects by tapping the smiley face to open the effects tray and selecting Group Effects after starting a video call or by creating a room in your Messenger app.

“You’ll be able to choose from a library of over 70 Group Effects, ranging from a game where you compete to build the best burger to an effect with a cute orange cat that enters everyone’s screens,” Facebook said in a blog post.

“Many people rely on video calls to bridge physical distance and interact with the world around them, especially now. With Group Effects, we aim to make those interactions even more exciting and memorable,” Facebook added.

Recently, Facebook Messenger and Instagram recently got a cross-app group communication and new group typing indicators. The cross-app group chats feature allows users to start group chats while integrating their Instagram and Messenger contacts, while with the group typing indicators users can see when multiple people are typing.