Facebook Messenger brings WhatsApp-like 'Communities'

Meta is implementing a new "Communities" feature in Messenger that will allow individuals with similar interests to join chats.In 2022, WhatsApp introduced a new feature called "Communities" to make communication easier and more organized. Now the company is quietly adding the feature to Facebook Messenger.

While Facebook users can already use Social Chat to instantly chat with other users of the platform, the new feature provides a new dedicated place where Messenger users can text each other even when not connected through a Facebook group.

Meta says up to 5,000 people can join the Messenger community through invitations. Communities can be used not only to quickly share news about something, but also by organizations, schools or individuals to connect with friends who share similar interests. For the most part, the feature works similarly to WhatsApp Communities, but the company says Messenger communities are connected to Facebook's social graph. Another difference is that while WhatsApp users need a person's phone number if they want to add them to the community, the Messenger version of the feature allows Facebook users to invite their friends and even friends of friends.

According to Meta, all current and future members of the community will be able to access chat content, meaning they are suitable for more public conversations rather than private ones, which is often the case on Facebook groups. The feature is rolling out to everyone now, but you may have to wait a while before it's available on your account.