Facebook Merges Messenger, Instagram for Cross-Platform Communication

Facebook is making it easier than ever to slide into someone's DMs. The social network—which last year announced plans to merge its three major messaging services—now lets users connect Instagram and Messenger.

Rolling out first to select countries, the feature syncs both platforms, "so you have access to the best messaging experience, no matter which app you use," a Facebook blog post said. This way, people partial to Messenger can still reach folks who prefer Instagram without downloading a separate app—and vice versa.

"With this update, it will be easier to stay connected without thinking about which app to use to reach your friends and family," Instagram head Adam Mosseri and Messenger lead Stan Chudnovsky wrote. The team also added more than 10 fresh features, including access to selfie stickers, Watch Together, and the new ephemeral Vanish Mode.

Messenger fans will feel right at home in Instagram Direct Messages, now with the ability to reply directly to a specific message, forward a post, and customize chat colors and themes. Added perks like a shortcut of your favorite emoji reactions and animated message effects are coming soon.

Once activated, users can control where they receive messages and calls: in chats, in message requests, or not at all. The app also offers tools to report suspicious activity and block unwanted communication. "This is only the start to making it easier to stay in touch with friends and family across our apps," Chudnovsky and Mosseri said. "Stay tuned for even more fun ways to connect in the future."

:story: PC Magazine