Meta quietly launches standalone Messenger group chats

Meta is now enabling users to create large group chats on Messenger, named “Communities,” without the need for an associated Facebook page, according to a report by TechCrunch.

This new feature allows admins to add up to 5,000 people, even if they are not part of the same Facebook group. Meta has stated that not all users can create these Messenger “Communities” yet, and emphasized that the privacy level in these groups differs from that of personal messages.

This move brings Messenger closer to the functionality of platforms like WhatsApp or Discord. In 2022, WhatsApp also expanded its group messaging capabilities, allowing admins to communicate with thousands of people simultaneously.

Messaging is becoming increasingly important for other Meta platforms as well. Instagram, for instance, has seen significant growth in direct messaging, particularly among younger users. In response, Instagram has rolled out features such as “channels,” which let creators send mass updates to followers, akin to Telegram. The platform has also introduced interactive elements in DMs, like contests, to enhance user engagement.