Facebook testing a group video chat app named Bonfire

Facebook is secretly testing a standalone group video chat app called Bonfire, that allows you to chat with up to 8 friends as well as use Snapchat like effects inside the app.

The app which is very similar to HouseParty was first spotted by The Next Web's Matt Navarra when it cropped up on Danish Apple iTunes Store. Apart from group chats, the app also lets you share pictures to Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. The Next Web says that the app has been downloaded over 2000 times in Denmark with a good user retention.

Friends added to a chat will get a notification in Messenger, and once they join, formats can be switched between everyone getting equal screen space to one that prioritizes the person speaking.  If you’re in Messenger, you’ll receive a notification if you want to join a Bonfire call, though you can also keep using Messenger with your Bonfire windows inlaid picture-in-picture in the corner.

Matt Navarra was able to access the app and invite users to chat on the app. But the catch is that currently, you need an access to Danish App Store, to participate in the app. A Facebook spokesperson said in a statement to The Next Web, “At Facebook Inc, we continue to build and test new products and services. We already have many great experiences for people to video chat in groups, or as individuals, across the family of apps, including Messenger. We are interested in how everyone uses technology and how we can build great experiences for them. We’re running a very small test in Denmark of an app we call Bonfire. We have nothing further to share at this time.”