Meta is internally testing a new feature called “Roll Call” in Messenger, which is said to be a lookalike of BeReal (a French photo-sharing app).
First spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra, the new feature invites users to add a photo or video to a prompt to share what they’re up to at the moment, reports TechCrunch.
Only people who are added to the roll call can see other responses.
Similar to BeReal, the test feature introduces a random front-and back-camera photo to social media every day in an attempt to restore authenticity, according to the report.
As Roll Call is still an internal prototype, it’s unclear when or if Meta intends to make the feature public. The finished product may look different from the test product, the report said.
Messenger’s new feature doesn’t automatically ask users to post content. Instead, users can choose to start a roll call thread in a group chat at any given time. For instance, you can create a prompt that says “show me your lunch,” and other participants in the group chat can respond with images or videos of their lunch.
To encourage participation, the prompt will have a timed countdown. Once someone starts a roll call, a notification is sent to all of the users in the group chat. After you submit an image or video, you can view everyone else’s responses.
Meta has recently launched fresh broadcast channels on Instagram, utilizing a one-to-many messaging feature that enables creators to effectively connect with their followers.
“Creators can also use voice notes to share their latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments, and even create polls to crowdsource fan feedback,” the company said in a blog post.
BeReal’s rise in popularity last year saw social media giants scrambling to release their own similar features as users showed interest in authentic ways of sharing what they’re up to.