This comes as good news as Facebook just announced that Facebook Messenger and Instagram users are now able to communicate between these two apps and it will also bring a number of Facebook Messenger features to the Instagram DM platform to improve the experience on the latter.
“More than a billion people already use Messenger as a place to share, hang out and express themselves with family and friends,” said Facebook. “That’s why we’re connecting the Messenger and Instagram experience to bring some of the best Messenger features to Instagram – so you have access to the best messaging experience, no matter which app you use.”
Facebook said users can also control where they receive messages and calls, such as in their chats, in their message requests or not at all. Instagram users can decide whether to update to this new experience immediately or to keep the traditional platform for now.
Messenger features coming to Instagram
Facebook also detailed the features it will be bringing from Messenger to Instagram, including the ability to reply to a specific message, forward a message, and customise chat colours and themes.
“Over time, you’ll see even more fun ways to connect with friends and family. Some features such as custom emoji reactions and selfie stickers will be available on Instagram first and will come to Messenger soon after,” said Facebook.
The full list of features coming to the new Instagram experience is detailed below.
- Communicate Across Apps – Seamlessly connect with friends and family across Instagram and Messenger by using either app to send messages and join video calls.
- Watch Together – Enjoy watching videos on Facebook Watch, IGTV, Reels (coming soon), TV shows, movies, and more with friends and family during a video call.
- Vanish Mode – Choose a mode where seen messages disappear after they’re seen or when you close the chat.
- Selfie Stickers – Create a series of boomerang stickers with your selfie to use in conversation.
- Chat Colors – Personalize your chats with fun colour gradients.
- Custom Emoji Reactions – Create a shortcut of your favourite emojis to react quickly to messages from friends.
- Forwarding – Easily share great content with up to five friends or groups.
- Replies – Respond directly to a specific message in your chat and keep the conversation flowing.
- Animated Message Effects – Add visual flair to your message with animated send effects.
- Message Controls – Decide who can message you directly, and who can’t message you at all.
- Enhanced Reporting and Blocking Updates – Report full conversations in addition to single messages on Instagram, and receive proactive blocking suggestions across Instagram and Messenger when you add your accounts in the new Accounts Center.
