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Facebook is testing a new app feature that lets you send Happy Birthday greetings via video

Go beyond 'HBD.'

 

Jam Kotenko

Tech

Posted on Oct 8, 2015   Updated on May 27, 2021, 8:26 pm CDT

Want to know who your real pals are on Facebook?

Your birthday is a pretty effective litmus test of friendship when it comes to the quality of greeting you receive. Anyone who posts “HBD” or its equivalent is someone who only knows the date because Facebook was kind enough to remind them of it. Longer sentiments that go beyond the generic well-wishing may pertain a higher level of closeness. An Instagram cross-post of your mug exclusively giving you a shout-out is a surefire indicator of BFF status.

For a few Facebook users, a new top-dog option that trumps the sappiest of Hallmark-esque birthday messages comes in the form of a short video greeting.

The Next Web reports that some iOS users may start seeing a video camera icon underneath birthday reminders. If you’re one of the lucky few given early access to this feature—I have not gotten it myself on both my Android and iOS devices as of this writing—that means you now have three birthday greeting options to choose from: a wall post, a private message, and now, a video clip that can last up to 20 seconds.

To start using it, just hit the record button next to the person’s name you want to greet on the Birthdays page. It’s located under the “More” section, just click “Events” and scroll to the bottom. You’ll also be given the option to review before posting it to the celebrant’s Timeline. It’s time to show your friends just exactly what they mean to you! 

H/T The Next Web |   Photo via Sarah Nichols/Flickr (CC BY SA 2.0)

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*First Published: Oct 8, 2015, 10:32 am CDT