Messenger by Facebook is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 1.3 billion monthly active users. Over the years, Facebook has introduced many new features and changes to Messenger to improve the user experience and add new functionality.
Recent Major Changes and Updates
Here are some of the biggest updates to Messenger over the past couple years:
Messenger API for Instagram
In 2020, Facebook launched the Messenger API for Instagram, allowing businesses to manage their communications with customers on both Instagram and Facebook platforms through Messenger.
This provides a unified inbox for businesses to manage conversations across the two apps. Customers can also conveniently message businesses on Instagram without having to switch over to Facebook.
Messenger Rooms
Messenger Rooms was introduced in 2020 as a way to host video calls with up to 50 people. This was Facebook’s answer to the sudden rise in demand for video calling due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Messenger Rooms aim to provide an easier and more spontaneous way to video chat compared to Zoom or Skype. Rooms can be created by individuals or by Facebook Groups and Events.
Cross-App Communication Between Messenger and Instagram
In 2020, Facebook introduced the ability to message between the Messenger and Instagram apps. This allows users to communicate across the platforms without having to switch between apps.
The update merged the messaging infrastructure behind the two apps. But Messenger and Instagram remain separate apps, with different interfaces and features.
Vanishing Messages
Facebook introduced vanishing messages to Messenger in 2019. This feature allows users to set messages in chat to disappear after a certain period of time – like Snapchat.
The sender can choose for messages to disappear after 5 seconds or after 24 hours. This provides more privacy and gives users more control over their message history.
Recent Interface Changes
In addition to new features, Facebook has tweaked the Messenger interface and design in recent years:
Simplified Chats Tab
Facebook simplified the main Chats tab in Messenger by removing the Discover and Games tabs. This cleaned up the interface and put focus on simply chatting.
Dark Mode
Dark mode came to Messenger on iOS and Android in 2020. This dims the interface colors to black and gray to reduce glare in low light.
Chat Bubbles
Messenger added chat bubbles on Android in 2019. This allows conversations to be overlaid as floating bubbles for easy multitasking.
Upcoming Features
Facebook is continually testing and rolling out new Messenger features. Here are some of the changes rumored to be coming soon:
Ads in Messenger
Facebook is exploring adding ads into the Messenger app. This would provide a new placement for advertisers within Messenger’s large audience.
The ads are expected to be for sponsored messages and display ads in the chat list. Facebook will have to tread carefully to avoid disrupting the user experience.
Messenger Kids Expansion
Messenger Kids was launched in 2017 as a safer messaging app controlled by parents. It is expected to expand the age range in the coming year to kids above 6 years old.
This will increase Messenger Kids’ audience and improve Facebook’s child safety protections compared to letting kids use the regular Messenger app.
Messenger Desktop App
Facebook is reportedly developing a desktop app for Messenger. This would complement the existing web version at messenger.com.
A desktop app would allow Messenger to integrate better with operating systems for notifications and calls. It would also parallel desktop apps for WhatsApp and Instagram.
Messenger Usage Statistics
Here are some key statistics on Messenger usage and adoption:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly active users | 1.3 billion |
| Daily active users | 900 million |
| Messages sent per month | 100 billion |
| Group video calls per day (during pandemic) | 150 million |
| Voice/video calls per day | 150 million |
This data illustrates Messenger’s vast scale and reach among global messaging apps. The huge volume of activity shows why Facebook continues to rapidly evolve Messenger’s capabilities and features.
Conclusion
Facebook has transformed Messenger significantly over the past few years with new features like Stories, Rooms, vanishing messages, and support for Instagram messaging. The interface has also gotten cleaner and more visual.
Looking ahead, we can expect continued innovation as Messenger looks to integrate ads, expand its audience to kids, and potentially release a desktop app. While balancing the need for new revenue streams with a quality user experience.
Messenger’s vast reach and huge engagement makes it one of the most important platforms for Facebook. And its continued evolution helps it stay competitive with rivals like iMessage, WhatsApp, and WeChat.