Messenger Lite is a stripped-down version of Facebook’s popular Messenger app. It launched in 2017 as a lightweight alternative to the main Messenger app, designed primarily for users in developing markets who may have slower internet connections and lower-end devices.
Since its launch, Messenger Lite has seen both growth and neglect. On one hand, there are now over 1 billion Messenger Lite users worldwide according to Facebook. The app has been particularly popular in countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. And Facebook continues to update the app, adding new features like fully synced chats and group calling.
However, Messenger Lite has also faced criticism for being outdated and lagging way behind the main Messenger app in terms of features. There’s a sense that Facebook hasn’t given Messenger Lite the resources and attention it deserves, especially compared to WhatsApp which dominates messaging in many developing markets.
So what exactly is going on with Messenger Lite right now? Here’s a deeper look at where the app stands today.
The Upsides of Messenger Lite
First, let’s examine why Messenger Lite has become popular and what it offers users specifically:
- Small app size – The app is just 10MB, far smaller than the main Messenger app which is over 100MB. This helps it run on lower-end devices with less storage.
- Data efficiency – The app uses less mobile data than Messenger. This makes it more affordable to use in areas with limited internet access.
- Speed – Messenger Lite is focused on performance. The simplified interface loads faster on slow networks.
- Core messaging – It provides basic messaging and calling features when that’s all users really need.
- Cross-platform chat – Chats sync across devices so conversations continue seamlessly.
For many users globally, these factors make Messenger Lite an attractive messaging option. It brings them the basics of Messenger in a light, fast, affordable package.
Where Messenger Lite Falls Short
However, Messenger Lite comes with some significant limitations:
- Missing features – It lacks many features from the main Messenger app like games, group video calls, AR filters, and more.
- Fewer customization options – Users have less control over chat colors, wallpapers, nicknames, etc.
- No desktop app – Messenger Lite is mobile-only, with no desktop version.
- Separate friends list – Friends don’t automatically sync over from the main Messenger.
- Abandoned feel – The app visually looks outdated and does not get UI improvements.
For users wanting a more robust messaging experience beyond basic texting and calling, Messenger Lite leaves much to be desired. The app’s stripped-down nature means it lacks the richer features that make Messenger fun and engaging.
Recent Developments
Here are some notable things that have happened with Messenger Lite over the past couple years:
- Bot support – In 2020, Messenger Lite started supporting bots which allow businesses to communicate with customers.
- Group calling – Also in 2020, group audio and video calling was added to bring the app up to par with Messenger.
- 1 billion users – Facebook announced in 2021 that Messenger Lite has over 1 billion monthly active users.
- Updated design – Minor visual changes were introduced in late 2021, though the UI largely remains the same.
These developments show Facebook has not completely abandoned Messenger Lite. It’s still investing just enough to keep the app viable and growing.
However, Messenger Lite remains far behind Messenger in terms of features and updates. And Facebook seems reluctant to devote more resources to seriously upgrade the Lite experience.
Why Facebook Neglects Messenger Lite
This begs the question: why doesn’t Facebook give Messenger Lite more attention? There are a few possible reasons:
- Promotes Messenger adoption – Keeping Lite basic incentivizes upgrading to the full Messenger app when possible.
- Focus on other apps – Facebook is more interested in growing WhatsApp, Instagram, and its TikTok clone Reels.
- Low revenue potential – Messenger Lite lacks opportunities for ads and businesses compared to Messenger.
- Overlap with WhatsApp – In many regions WhatsApp dominates messaging, reducing the need for Messenger Lite.
In short, Facebook has bigger priorities than evolving Messenger Lite. And the company seems content keeping it as a very basic messaging option, even if that frustrates some users.
The Future of Messenger Lite
What does the future look like for Messenger Lite? There are a few possible directions:
- Shutdown – Facebook could discontinue Messenger Lite entirely and focus on growing WhatsApp in developing markets instead.
- Status quo – The app continues getting minor updates but remains secondary to the main Messenger.
- Deeper investment – Facebook provides more resources to improve Messenger Lite and make it more competitive.
- Merged with Messenger – The apps could be combined into one Messenger app optimized for both high-end and low-end devices.
Realistically, Messenger Lite is likely to stay in its current neglected state unless user growth stalls. Facebook has little incentive to drastically improve the app when Messenger and WhatsApp better serve its business interests.
But if Messenger Lite’s popularity begins declining, Facebook may need to re-evaluate its messaging strategy in emerging markets. For now, Lite remains stuck in limbo as a neglected but stillrelevant part of Facebook’s apps ecosystem.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Messenger Lite has found an audience of over 1 billion people seeking a fast, affordable messaging option.
- But the app lacks many features available in the main Messenger and feels outdated.
- Facebook continues to provide minor updates to Messenger Lite, but has not made it a priority.
- Messenger Lite’s future remains uncertain, unless Facebook suddenly decides to invest more resources into elevating the experience.
For now, Messenger Lite fills an important niche in emerging markets but remains a very basic product. As Facebook focuses on its other apps, Lite users may need to temper expectations about significant improvements coming anytime soon.