Instagram Messenger Instagram features

Image via: Facebook

Facebook integrates new Messenger features with Instagram

Facebook announced a new update to Instagram direct messages that will allow Instagram users to chat via Messenger.

Instagram Messenger Instagram features

Image via: Facebook

Facebook is changing the chatting game by integrating its Instagram and Messenger apps. The update will now enable users of both services to communicate seamlessly with each other.

According to Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, and Stan Chudnovsky, Head of Messenger, the team had been “exploring how messaging should evolve as [Instagram grows]”. Mosseri explains:

“People are communicating in private spaces now more than ever. More than a billion people already use Messenger as a place to share, hang out and express themselves with family and friends. That’s why we’re connecting the Messenger and Instagram experience to bring some of the best Messenger features to Instagram”.

New Messenger and Instagram updates

Why is Facebook integrating Messenger and Instagram?

One of the main reasons is that Facebook users send more than 100 billion messages across the service’s family of apps. Users also now rely on video calls, from work conferencing to streaming series with friends.

By connecting Messenger and Instagram, Facebook vows to “bring some of the best Messenger features to Instagram”, so users have access to the best messaging experience, no matter which app they use.

With this update, Facebook hopes it will be easier than ever to stay connected “without thinking about which app to use to reach your friends and family”. The integrations come with new features as well.

New chat features on Instagram and Messenger

Facebook is introducing no less than ten new features to bring out the “best of Messenger”; from Selfie Stickers and Watch Together, to vanish mode, new chat colours and Forwarding options.

Here are all the features coming soon to the new Messenger experience on Instagram.

Communicate Across Apps 

Seamlessly connect with friends and family across Instagram and Messenger by using either app to send messages and join video calls. 

Vanish Mode

Choose a mode where seen messages disappear after they’re seen or when you close the chat. 

Chat Colours

Personalise your chats with exiciting new colour gradients to stand out from the crowd.

Selfie Stickers

Users can now create a series of boomerang stickers with your selfie to use in conversation.

Animated Message Effects

Add visual flair to your message with animated send effects.

Watch Together

Enjoy watching videos on Facebook Watch, IGTV, Reels (coming soon!), TV shows, movies, and more with friends and family during a video call.

Custom Emoji Reactions

Create a shortcut of your favourite emojis to react quickly to messages from friends.

Forwarding

Easily share great content with up to five friends or groups. 

Replies

Respond directly to a specific message in your chat and keep the conversation flowing.

Message Controls

Decide who can message you directly, and who can’t message you at all.

Enhanced Reporting and Blocking Updates

Users can also report full conversations (in addition to single messages) on Instagram. You will receive proactive blocking suggestions across Instagram and Messenger when you add your accounts in the new Accounts Center.

“Over time, you’ll see even more fun ways to connect with friends and family. Some features such as custom emoji reactions and selfie stickers will be available on Instagram first and will come to Messenger soon after”. 

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