As per a latest report by The Verge, Facebook has started merging Instagram and Messenger chats. A new update on Instagram, both on iOS and Android, brings this merger to notice.
A report last year hinted that Facebook might combine Instagram and Messenger chats. This would create a massive platform for messaging networks. And a new update has done the same.
The update shows a message “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram.” This new update replaces the Instagram Direct Messages service with Facebook Messenger.
However, one thing to note is that users cannot message their Facebook friends from Instagram, as of now. But this gives us massive hints that Facebook wants to achieve that in the foreseeable future.
Instagram direct message icon is replaced with Messenger icon
Well, as noted by The Verge, the Instagram direct message icon is now replaced with the Messenger icon. Moreover, there are new color accents for your chats as well.
Sender’s messages will turn from Blue to Purple color as you scroll through the messages. This adds a new element of freshness to the Instagram messages or we should say Instagram Messenger.
Besides, this new merger also adds some new emojis and features like swipe-to-reply, chat with friends on Facebook, etc.
This strongly suggests that Facebook will try to unify all of its messaging platforms and create a social bubble, that will have a massive number of users.
Apparently, it will allow its users to send messages across platforms without the need of having the other app installed on the phone. So, we could see a merger of Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram in the near future.
The update is probably live for the users in the US
The report does not clarify as to which regions are getting this update. However, we speculate that the update is live for users in the US.
Facebook has also said that it is not necessary for Instagram users to merge Facebook Messenger with the app. It has left this choice to the users and they can decline it.
Facebook is aiming to build a cross-platform infrastructure were users from one of its apps could communicate with users of other Facebook apps.
Special attention is also given to security which the CEO has already highlighted. Note that Facebook acquired Instagram back in 2012 for $1 billion and then went ahead and bought WhatsApp for $19 billion.
Facebook has already integrated Messenger with the WhatsApp Web platform. This integration allows the WhatsApp web users to do group video calls with up to 50 people via the desktop. The next target here would be to merge WhatsApp mobile with Facebook Messenger.