Instagram users missing Messenger’s options for direct messages should be excited now that Facebook is integrating both apps. The company plans to let Instagram users send private messages through Messenger.
Instagram and Messenger in One App
Engadget has reported on Facebook’s plans to unify all of its apps. Under this plan, users can now send messages to their friends across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company is hard at work to realize this plan. If they succeed, they could release the full update suite by the end of the year.
Facebook’s plans also include putting end-to-end encryption to all three apps. WhatsApp already uses this feature. With this move, Facebook could address the privacy issues it has faced for years.
Instagram starts merging chats with Facebook Messenger https://t.co/wrT0TGSxK9 pic.twitter.com/HRSCiW7eSh
— Engadget (@engadget) August 15, 2020
How Did Facebook Combine Instagram and Messenger?
According to The Verge, a pop-up message appeared on Instagram Friday evening. The message read: “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram.” Along with the note were new features like colorful chats, more emojis, swiping to reply, and sending messages to Facebook friends.
If you update Instagram, you’ll see that the Facebook Messenger logo has replaced the old DM icon. Your chats are more colorful. However, you still can’t chat with your Facebook friends.
What Do Facebook’s Moves Mean?
By integrating all three apps, Facebook could pose a challenge to Apple’s popular iMessage app. With Instagram and WhatsApp, Facebook could change social media once again.
Facebook had bought Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion, while it bought WhatsApp two years later for $19 billion.
