Facebook Messenger and Facebook chat are very similar messaging platforms, but they are not exactly the same thing. Both allow Facebook users to send messages to each other, but there are some key differences between the two.
What is Facebook Messenger?
Facebook Messenger is a standalone messaging app created by Facebook. It was originally launched in 2011 and was called Facebook Messages. In 2014, Facebook revamped the app and rebranded it as Facebook Messenger.
Messenger allows Facebook users to send messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and more to other Messenger users. It also has features like group chats, video calling, games, and payments. Messenger is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices as well as on desktop.
What is Facebook Chat?
Facebook Chat refers to the instant messaging feature that is built directly into the Facebook app and Facebook.com on desktop. With Facebook chat, you can send messages to your Facebook friends right from the Facebook platform.
Facebook Chat first launched in 2008 and was originally a desktop-only feature. Over time, it expanded to mobile as Facebook created iOS and Android apps. Facebook Chat allows for simple messaging between Facebook friends and connections.
Differences between Messenger and Chat
While Messenger and Chat have some overlap in features, there are some key differences:
Standalone vs. Built-in
The biggest difference is that Messenger is a standalone app while Chat is built into the main Facebook platform. Messenger can be used independently from Facebook, while Chat requires accessing your Facebook account.
Feature Differences
Messenger offers many more communication features compared to the more basic Facebook Chat. Key Messenger features like group chats, video/voice calling, payments, and bots are not available on Facebook Chat.
User Experience
Messenger provides a more robust messaging experience compared to Chat. This includes visual features like chat colors, nicknames, chat themes, reactions, and more.
Privacy
Messenger provides more privacy controls than Facebook Chat. For example, Messenger has a “secret conversations” encryption feature that Chat lacks.
Cross-Platform Access
Messenger is more widely available across platforms with dedicated mobile and desktop apps. Facebook Chat is primarily accessed through the main Facebook platform.
Similarities between Messenger and Chat
Despite their differences, Messenger and Chat do share some core functionality:
Messenger and Chat both allow you to:
- Send text messages
- Send photos
- See when contacts are active/typing
- Create group conversations
- Communicate with Facebook friends
Other similarities include:
- Synced message history – messages are synced between Messenger and Chat
- Shared contacts – based on your Facebook friends list
- Linking to profile – can visit a person’s Facebook profile from either platform
So in essence, Chat provides basic messaging while Messenger offers a more advanced messaging experience. But core messaging works similarly on both.
Comparison table
Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between Facebook Messenger and Facebook Chat:
| Category | Facebook Messenger | Facebook Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Standalone app | Built into Facebook app/site |
| Features | Group chats, video/voice calls, payments, bots, games, etc. | Basic messaging only |
| User Experience | More visual features like themes, colors, nicknames, etc. | Plain messaging UI |
| Privacy | End-to-end encryption option | No advanced encryption |
| Platform Access | Mobile & desktop apps | Main Facebook platform only |
Conclusion
In summary, while Facebook Messenger and Chat share some core messaging functionality, Messenger provides a much more robust messaging experience through additional features, user experience enhancements, and cross-platform availability. Chat offers basic messaging directly through Facebook, while Messenger excels as a dedicated messaging platform.
Most Facebook users should use Messenger for messaging if they want access to the full feature set. But Chat remains a convenient option for quickly reaching Facebook connections without needing to leave the Facebook app or site. The two platforms complement each other by meeting different messaging needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message someone on Facebook Chat if they don’t have Messenger?
Yes, you can use Facebook Chat to message someone even if they don’t have the Messenger app installed. As long as they have a Facebook account, you can chat with them through the main Facebook platforms.
Is Messenger required to use Facebook Chat?
No, Messenger is not required to use Facebook Chat. Chat is built directly into Facebook so it can be used even if you don’t have Messenger installed. However, Messenger will provide additional messaging features.
Can I switch between Chat and Messenger seamlessly?
Yes, your conversations are synced between Messenger and Chat. So you can switch between platforms mid-conversation and continue seamlessly.
Does Messenger work on desktop?
Yes, Messenger has desktop apps available for both Windows and MacOS. This allows you to use Messenger on a computer without relying on Facebook Chat in the browser.
Is group messaging available on both platforms?
Basic group messaging is available on both Messenger and Chat. But Messenger has more robust group chat features like coordinated chats with up to 250 people.
The Bottom Line
Facebook Messenger and Chat offer overlapping but distinct messaging experiences. Messenger provides a wide range of features and customization not available on basic Chat. But Chat remains a handy option for messaging directly through Facebook without needing to open a separate app. Most Facebook users will want to leverage both platforms to cover different messaging needs.