Both Facebook chat and Messenger allow you to communicate with your Facebook friends. However, there are some key differences between the two services.
Facebook chat is the instant messaging service built directly into the Facebook app and website. It allows you to chat with your Facebook friends in real-time. Messenger is a standalone messaging app developed by Facebook. While Messenger is linked to your Facebook account, it exists outside of the main Facebook app.
So in short: Facebook chat happens within the Facebook app/site, while Messenger is a separate messaging app. But there are more differences worth exploring.
History of Facebook Chat vs Messenger
Facebook first launched a simple text chat feature within the Facebook app in 2008. This allowed people to send instant messages to their Facebook friends.
Over the years, Facebook updated chat with features like group chats, chat tabs, and photo sharing capabilities. This built up Facebook’s messaging services within the main app.
In 2011, Facebook launched a standalone messaging app called Messenger. This allowed users to message Facebook friends from their smartphone without needing the main Facebook app installed.
Messenger quickly gained popularity as a simple way to chat on-the-go. Facebook continued expanding Messenger’s capabilities as a feature-rich messaging app.
In 2014, Facebook removed integrated chat from its main app. Users had to download the separate Messenger app to continue chatting with Facebook friends. This marked Messenger’s takeover as Facebook’s primary messaging service.
Messaging Features
Facebook Chat and Messenger share a lot of messaging capabilities, including:
- Text chats
- Group chats
- Sending photos and videos
- Video calls
- Voice calls
- Stickers and GIFs
However, Messenger tends to have more robust messaging features like:
- Advanced visual effects for photos and videos
- Fun FACE filters and AR effects for video chats
- Enhanced group messaging with admin tools and nicknames
- Chat extras like polls, share location, and chat themes
As a standalone messaging app, Messenger offers deeper messaging tools optimized for mobile devices.
Platform Availability
Facebook Chat is only available on Facebook’s platforms:
- facebook.com website
- Facebook mobile apps for iOS and Android
Messenger is available across even more platforms, including:
- Messenger mobile app for iOS, Android, Windows phone, Firefox OS
- Messenger desktop site for Mac, Windows
- Messenger desktop apps for Windows, macOS
So Messenger can be used on smartphones, tablets, computers, and web browsers even without the Facebook app installed. This makes it much more accessible as a messaging option.
User Experience
Facebook Chat delivers a simple messaging experience built into the familiar Facebook interface. You can seamlessly switch between your News Feed and chats without changing screens.
Messenger provides a more immersive, apps-like messaging environment. The focus is entirely on your messages, with a slick interface optimized for chatting. You get useful features like tabs for Active Contacts, Archived Threads, plus shortcuts for Calls, Camera, and People.
Notifications
Facebook Chat sends notifications when you receive new messages. But they are mixed in with all your other Facebook notifications like posts, events, and birthdays.
Messenger has its own dedicated notifications that only alert you to new messages. This makes it easier to distinguish your incoming chats.
Read Receipts
Facebook Chat shows when your message has been delivered to someone’s inbox, but not when it’s been read.
Messenger has optional read receipts, so you can see when your messages have been viewed by the recipient. This adds more clarity to message statuses.
Privacy
Facebook Chat happens within the Facebook app itself. So your chats are associated with your Facebook account and identity.
Messenger allows more separation between your chats and main Facebook activity. You have the option to use Messenger with just a phone number, no Facebook profile needed.
Blocking Contacts
On Facebook Chat, you can only block someone who is already your Facebook friend.
Messenger lets you block anyone by phone number or Facebook ID, even if they aren’t your Facebook friend. This gives you more control over who can message you.
Encryption
Facebook Chat uses basic encryption protocols for security.
Messenger offers optional end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls, as well as Secret Conversations. This enhanced encryption helps keep your private chats secure.
Advertising
Facebook relies heavily on advertising revenue, so both Facebook Chat and Messenger have ads. However, the ad experiences vary:
Facebook Chat Ads
- Appear in the sidebar next to your chat list
- Basically the same as Facebook News Feed ads
- Promoted based on your Facebook profile and activity
Messenger Ads
- Appear within your actual Messenger threads
- Promoted as “Sponsored Messages”
- Targeted based on your messaging behaviors and keywords
So Messenger ads are more conversational and chat-specific, while Facebook Chat ads are simply reused from the Facebook app.
Business Tools
Facebook offers dedicated business messaging tools on both platforms:
Facebook Chat Business Tools
- Facebook Business Suite – Manage chats from your Facebook Business Page
- Chat plugin – Add live chat to your business website
Messenger Business Tools
- Messenger API – Build chatbots and automations
- Messenger Ads – Run targeted ads within Messenger
- Messenger Shops – Create a product catalog for your business
Messenger provides more robust business messaging features optimized for customer service, ecommerce, and marketing.
Conclusion
While Facebook Chat and Messenger share the ability to instantly message people on Facebook, Messenger offers a more feature-rich messaging experience. With dedicated apps, cross-platform availability, enhanced features for messaging and privacy, and deeper business tools, Messenger has evolved far beyond basic Facebook Chat.
In summary, the key differences are:
Facebook Chat
- Built into Facebook app
- Synced with Facebook identity
- Basic messaging features
- Limited platform availability
- Minimal privacy controls
- Simple business tools
Messenger
- Standalone app
- Can use independently from Facebook
- Advanced messaging features
- Cross-platform availability
- Enhanced privacy options
- Robust business tools
So while Facebook Chat serves a purpose, Messenger goes far beyond those capabilities as a dedicated messaging platform with features tailored specifically for chatting.
| Category | Facebook Chat | Messenger |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2008 | 2011 |
| Platforms | Facebook website and app | Apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Desktop, Web |
| Core Features | Text chat, group chat, media sharing | Advanced chat features, visual effects, AR filters, chat bots, games |
| Privacy Controls | Basic | Enhanced |
| Business Tools | Simple integrations | Advanced messaging tools and APIs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Messenger without a Facebook account?
Yes, you can sign up for Messenger just using your phone number. No Facebook account required.
Is Messenger safer than Facebook Chat?
Messenger provides more privacy controls than Facebook Chat, like blocking contacts and encrypted chats. So it offers a safer messaging experience overall.
Do Facebook Chat messages sync to Messenger?
Yes, any messages sent via either platform will show up in both Messenger and Facebook Chat, as they use the same backend messaging system.
What happens if I delete Facebook but keep Messenger?
You can continue using Messenger as normal with just your phone number. Your Messenger contacts and chat history will remain intact.
Can businesses see Facebook Chat messages?
If chatting with a business on Facebook, they can see and manage those chats through Facebook Business Suite. Personal chats are private.
The Bottom Line
While Facebook Chat and Messenger are linked services for messaging Facebook friends, Messenger provides a more robust, customizable messaging experience through standalone apps optimized specifically for chatting. With flexible platform support, enhanced features, and deeper business tools, Messenger goes well beyond basic Facebook Chat capabilities.