In January 2019, Facebook talked about plans to merge it’s three biggest messaging platforms; WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram direct. Within the last few days, a small group of select people on Instagram got to experience this new update first-hand. Facebook messenger is now merging with Instagram direct messages, allowing users to access both inboxes from the same place. Now, of course, this merge shouldn’t come as much of a shock to anyone considering Facebook bought Instagram in 2012.
Not overly excited about this new change? The good news is that in the meantime, this merge will be optional for the end-user. On top of the new way to message across these two major platforms, Instagram is rolling out some other enhancements. These include a new “colorful” look, updated emoji reactions, and being able to swipe to reply to messages.
So, what are people saying? Well, Matt Southern from Search Engine Journal had a fairly strong opinion on the new update. He said the new update changes the entire look and feel of Instagram, making it seem much more like Messenger on Facebook.
Up next? Facebook merging WhatsApp and Facebook messenger, which would account for approximately 43% of the worlds population on one messaging service. Talk a about a large social platform!
