Facebook keeps revamping new features, and you’ve probably noticed the pulsing circle around the camera on your Messenger, right?
You may get confused and feel left out when you don’t understand Messenger’s various symbols and features.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case, as we know why you are getting the circle around the camera on Messenger and what it means.
Facebook introduced the instant video feature, allowing people to start a video call quickly. When you are in the same conversation window with someone on Messenger, that’s when you can see the circle around the camera. When this happens, you can tap the camera to start a video call with the friend as you are both in the same conversation window.
This guide digs deep into understanding what the circle around the camera on Messenger means. Still, we will see how to utilize this feature and mention other features or symbols on Messenger, such as the green dot, and what they mean. Let’s dive in!
What Does the Circle Around the Camera Mean on Messenger?
Messenger is a messaging platform available for Facebook users to connect with their Facebook friends and chat with them.
Facebook keeps introducing new features to enhance the user experience, and you are guaranteed to see more features while using Messenger.
The instant video call is one of the features introduced to allow people to quickly start a video call from Messenger by clicking the video call icon.
When you open a conversation with someone on Messenger and note a circle around the camera, it means the Facebook friend is also viewing the same conversation on their end.
The coincidence mainly happens when you are actively chatting with that person. Facebook added the feature to make it easier for you to connect with your friend.
To start a video call, click on the circle, and your friend will notice that you’ve initiated a video call, and they can join by tapping on it. That way, you can talk via call instead of messages.
Moreover, the circle can also mean that your friend is currently not on a video call, meaning they are available to start a video call with you.
Another explanation for the circle appearing on the camera on Messenger is that your friend is currently viewing your stories and can video call you to learn more about what you posted or comment about it.
That’s it. The next time you see the circle around the camera on Messenger, you will know what it means and how you can use it.
Messenger Green Dot vs Circle Around the Camera
You can easily see the green dot on Messenger next to the camera icon.
So, what’s the difference between the green dot next to the camera icon and the circle?
Here’s the kicker, the green dot means that the friend is currently active on Messenger. Also, they could be engaged on Facebook, or their device is active, although they are away.
On the other hand, the circle around the camera icon means you can start an instant video call with a friend, and they can accept or reject the call.
Conclusion
The circle around the camera on Messenger appears when viewing someone’s conversation on Messenger, which means the other person is also viewing the same conversation.
The circle indicates that you can initiate a video call as the other person is available to receive it.
We’ve presented all the details about the circle around the camera on Messenger. That’s it, folks!
Frequently Asked Questions
The circle represents the instant video call feature, which appears when viewing the same conversation with your Facebook friend. When it appears, you can tap on it to start a video call with your friend, as they are available to accept the video call or reject it.
Messenger lets people know when someone is online unless you disable this feature. When someone is online, you will note a green dot next to their camera icon. The green dot indicates that you can message that person as they are online and can instantly reply to your message.
Yes, you can. When you open Messenger on your phone, locate the video call icon at the bottom and click on it. You can then select a friend to call. Alternatively, open the chat of the person you want to video call and click the video call icon at the top.
