Facebook has started unifying the chat systems for Instagram and Messenger, allowing users from one platform to message users from the other.
It was a promise. It’s now a reality. Deal with it.
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Facebook made it clear in the past, it plans to unify the messaging platforms of its popular family of apps. Allowing cross-messaging between Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp seems like a logical step. And now it seems Facebook is ready to roll it out.
Late last week, several users received an update when intending to check direct messages on Instagram. The message explained that “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram” thanks to several new features including a “new colorful look for your chats,” more emoji reactions, swipe-to-reply, and “chat with friends who use Facebook.” The update seems to be available on both iOS and Android devices.
With the update, the regular DM icon (the paper plane icon) which is usually located in the top right of Instagram is being replaced by the Facebook Messenger logo. But while the app does indeed display a new colorful look for chats, it seems that it is not yet offering the promised cross-platform messaging with Facebook.
Facebook announced a while ago its intention to unify its messaging service but the company had warned this required to rebuild the entire messaging infrastructure to allow users who had a profile on only one of its apps to contact users of other Facebook apps. There is a definite advantage for Facebook, but also for users, to be able to start and pick up conversations from one app to another, and to be able to connect with users who may not be using the same app as you.
As a reminder, Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.