Facebook Tests New Discord-Like Features For Facebook Groups
Source: Facebook
Facebook announced it's testing new features for Facebook Groups. They include new ways for users to organize Groups and new ways for users to connect with each other in smaller settings.
First, Facebook is testing a new sidebar where users can find Groups and pin their favorite ones to the top of the sidebar for easy access. The sidebar will list Groups and the latest activity, such as new posts and chats. The Group organization is also updated through a new menu, where users can see events and shops.
Second, Facebook is testing the ability for admins to create channels, which are smaller settings where users can have discussions around specific topics. There are currently three types of channels: chat, audio, and feed.
Community chat channels: Members can chat with each other in real-time through Facebook Groups and Messenger.
Community audio channels: Admin and members can jump in and out of audio conversations in real-time.
Community feed channels: Members can connect when it’s most convenient by browsing activity based on their selected channel, similarly to Facebook’s standard feed.
These test features bring a Discord-like feel to Groups. Similar to Discord, Group moderators can better organize their communities based on specific topics and formats to make it easier for their members to find more of what they want in the format they want such as audio.
Last week, Facebook announced Interoperable Subscriber Groups, which let creators provide off-platform subscribers with access to subscriber-only Groups. These additions can help increase the adoption of the new subscription offering, primarily since it supports many of Discord's functionalities, which has been a go-to place for creators to build communities for their supporters.
Facebook’s investment in Groups is also reflective of more people’s desires to connect with like-minded people with similar interests and passions. Hence, the reason why Discord, Reddit, and other new platforms for communities are growing in popularity.
