Facebook In-App Messaging is Back and Better Than Ever After Nine-Year Hiatus

TechKnowableMarch 12, 2023

1 6 minutes read

Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform, has recently relaunched Facebook In-App Messaging service after a nine-year hiatus. The new and improved Facebook Messenger promises to be faster, more secure, and more reliable than ever before. In this article, we will explore the new features of Facebook Messenger, its impact on the social media landscape, and how it can be used for personal and business communication.

Facebook Messenger was first launched in 2011 as a standalone app for messaging on the Facebook platform. It quickly gained popularity, with over one billion users by 2017. However, in 2019, Facebook announced that it would integrate Messenger back into the main Facebook app. This move was met with mixed reactions, with some users welcoming the integration, while others preferred to keep the two separate.

Recently, Facebook announced that Messenger is back as a standalone app, and it comes with a host of new features and improvements that promise to make it the go-to messaging app for millions of people worldwide.

Brief History of Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger was first introduced in August 2011 as a standalone app for messaging on the Facebook platform. The app quickly gained popularity, and by 2014, it had over 500 million users. In 2016, Facebook launched Messenger Lite, a lighter version of the app that was optimized for low-end devices and slow internet connections.

In 2019, Facebook announced that it would integrate Messenger back into the main Facebook app. This move was aimed at streamlining the Facebook experience and making it easier for users to switch between the two apps. However, it was met with mixed reactions, with some users expressing concerns over privacy and security.

What’s New in Facebook Messenger?

The new Facebook Messenger promises to be faster, more secure, and more reliable than ever before. Some of the new features include:

Faster Load Time: Facebook has optimized the app’s code to make it load faster and run smoother.
Cross-Platform Support: Messenger can now be used on multiple devices, including desktop and mobile.
Self-Expression Tools: Messenger now comes with new features that allow users to express themselves better, such as customizable chat colors, emojis, and GIFs.
Vanish Mode: This feature allows users to set messages to disappear after they are read.
Screen Sharing: Users can now share their screens during video calls, making it easier to collaborate and work remotely.
Augmented Reality (AR) Effects: Messenger now comes with a range of AR effects that users can use to enhance their video calls.
Security Features: Messenger now includes end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations and additional privacy features, such as the ability to control who can add you to group conversations.

How to Use Facebook Messenger

Using Facebook Messenger is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to get started:

Download the Messenger app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Log in with your Facebook account or create a new one.
Grant Messenger access to your contacts so you can start chatting with friends and family.
Customize your profile with a profile picture and a chat color.
Start a new conversation by selecting a friend from your contact list or search for them by name.
Type your message in the chat box and hit send. You can also send photos, videos, GIFs, and emojis.
Make a voice or video call by selecting the corresponding icon in the chat window.

Messenger for Personal Communication

Facebook Messenger is an excellent tool for personal communication. Here are some of its features that can help you stay connected with friends and family:

Chatting with Friends and Family

Messenger allows you to send text messages, photos, videos, and voice recordings to your contacts. You can also create group chats with up to 250 people, making it easier to coordinate with friends and family.

Video and Voice Calls

Messenger supports high-quality voice and video calls, making it easy to stay in touch with loved ones even when they’re far away. You can make group video calls with up to 50 people.

Sharing Photos and Videos

Messenger allows you to share photos and videos with your contacts directly from the app. You can also send self-destructing messages that disappear after they’re viewed.

Messenger for Business Communication

Facebook Messenger can also be used for business communication. Here are some of its features that can help businesses connect with customers and clients:

Customer Support

Messenger can be used to provide customer support, allowing customers to contact businesses directly through the app. Businesses can set up automated chatbots to handle common inquiries, or they can have human representatives handle more complex issues.

Marketing and Sales

Messenger can be used to promote products and services, allowing businesses to engage with customers in a more personalized way. Businesses can use Messenger to send promotional messages, offer discounts, and provide product recommendations.

Collaboration and Team Communication

Messenger can be used for team communication, allowing employees to stay in touch with each other and collaborate on projects. Businesses can create group chats for specific teams or projects, making it easy to share files and updates.

Privacy and Security Features

Facebook Messenger comes with a range of privacy and security features that protect users’ personal information. Here are some of its key features:

End-to-End Encryption

Messenger now includes end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read the messages.

Control Over Group Conversations

Messenger now allows users to control who can add them to group conversations, helping to prevent unwanted messages and spam.

Two-Factor Authentication

Messenger supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to users’ accounts.

Integration with Facebook and Other Platforms

Messenger is integrated with Facebook, making it easy to switch between the two apps. Messenger can also be used on other platforms, such as Instagram and WhatsApp, allowing users to stay connected across different apps and services.

Future Developments and Challenges

Facebook has ambitious plans for Messenger, with plans to integrate it with other services and platforms. However, the company faces challenges around privacy and security, as well as competition from other messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal.

Conclusion

Facebook Messenger is back and better than ever, with new features that make it a compelling choice for personal and business communication. Whether you’re looking to stay in touch with friends and family or connect with customers and clients, Messenger has something to offer. With end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and other privacy and security features, Messenger is a safe and secure way to communicate online. Facebook’s plans to integrate Messenger with other services and platforms show that the company is committed to improving the app and keeping it relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

FAQs

Is Facebook Messenger free to use?

Yes, Messenger is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Can I use Messenger without a Facebook account?

No, you need a Facebook account to use Messenger.

Is Messenger safe to use?

Messenger includes a range of privacy and security features, including end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, to protect users’ personal information.