Meta is internally testing a “Roll Call” feature similar to BeReal in Messenger, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Wednesday. The feature, which was first spotted by a social media consultant matthew navarra, invites users to add a photo or video to an announcement to share what they’re doing right now. Only people who add to the list can see other responses. The concept behind the quiz feature is similar to BeReal, which invites users to take a photo with the front and rear cameras at a random time every day in an attempt to bring authenticity back to social media.
Unlike BeReal, where users are prompted to share images at a random time, the new Messenger feature does not automatically prompt users to post content. Instead, users can choose to start a nominal call thread in a group chat at any time. For example, you can create a notice that says “show me your lunch” and other participants in the group chat can respond with pictures or videos of your lunch.
To encourage participation, the indicator will have a timed countdown. Once someone initiates a nominal call, a notification is sent to all users of the group chat. After you send an image or video, you can see everyone else’s responses.
According prototype screenshots Shared online by Navarra, Meta sees the feature as a new way for users to see what everyone is doing in a group chat. A description of the feature notes that the feature is designed to help people share authentic moments with friends and family, which is also the idea behind BeReal.
Since roll call is still an internal prototype, it is unknown when or if Meta plans to roll out the feature publicly. As with any other prototype, the finished product may look different than the test product.
It’s worth noting that Meta seems to be looking to bring a listing to its other platforms as well, including Instagram. Last October, developer and reverse engineer Alexander Paluzzi discovered that Instagram was developing a roll call feature for DMs.
BeReal’s surge in popularity last year saw social media giants scramble to launch similar features of their own as users showed interest in authentic ways to share what they’re up to. Last September, TikTok released a BeReal clone called TikTok Now that basically cut and pastes BeReal onto its platform. A few months later, Instagram presented “Sincere Stories” which is another BeReal clone that follows the exact same concept. Even Snapchat jumped on the BeReal craze by launching a “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 be saturated with similar features, and that might not be something consumers want.
