Facebook starts merging Instagram and Messenger chat systems

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
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in iOS
Facebook is starting to merge the chat systems for Instagram and Facebook Messenger, enabling users on each platform to communicate with people on the other, without needing to switch applications.

The Instagram app notification for its chat system merge with Facebook Messenger [screenshot via The Verge]
The Instagram app notification for its chat system merge with Facebook Messenger [screenshot via The Verge]


On Friday, users of Instagram's app for iOS started to see a new pop-up advising of a "New Way to Message on Instagram." The message explains users updating to use the feature will have changes made to their messaging system, including a new look, the ability to react with any emoji, swiping to reply to messages, and to chat with friends who use Facebook.

Even if users do not agree to update, the notice spotted by The Verge explains they will still receive message requests from Facebook accounts. The notice ends with a link for users to learn more about Facebook's privacy policies, and options to update or to delay the change.

Those electing to update will see the usual direct message icon of an arrow changed to the Facebook Messenger logo. Despite the change in icon, Instagram users are not currently able to message Facebook users within the Instagram app, but this is likely to change as the chat service continues its migration.

Facebook has reportedly been planning to merge together the chat systems of Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp for some time, with the New York Times reporting on the proposals in January 2019. Once completed, the merged service would enable users from one to be able to communicate with those of another directly, pooling the user bases of the three services into one enlarged collective.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    bsnjonbsnjon Posts: 39member
    The purpose of this is to try and prevent any future US Justice Department from pursuing the breakup of the company. 
    skippingrockwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 7
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    I’m using Instagram to post my art and photography. FaceBook buying it made me uncomfortable. I hate FaceBook and do not use it. It’s becoming clear that rather then letting it run in parallel, FaceBook is going to engulf Instagram completely. They are making it into just a feature in their upcoming One App to Rule Them All. At that point I will delete my pictures and my Instagram account. The trouble is that I still want a place to post my photos and art. I chose Instagram because it was big so I would have a large audience, and it has a vibrant community. I need something to replace Instagram. 

    Does anyone have a suggestion for a site to replace Instagram? 
    twokatmewcornchipGG1
  • Reply 3 of 7
    litolooplitoloop Posts: 96member
    time to get off and delete instagram. 
    skippingrockcornchipGG1DAalsethwatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 7
    kestralkestral Posts: 308member
    DAalseth said:
    I’m using Instagram to post my art and photography. FaceBook buying it made me uncomfortable. I hate FaceBook and do not use it. It’s becoming clear that rather then letting it run in parallel, FaceBook is going to engulf Instagram completely. They are making it into just a feature in their upcoming One App to Rule Them All. At that point I will delete my pictures and my Instagram account. The trouble is that I still want a place to post my photos and art. I chose Instagram because it was big so I would have a large audience, and it has a vibrant community. I need something to replace Instagram. 

    Does anyone have a suggestion for a site to replace Instagram? 
    Have you thought of using Pinterest
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 7
    chasmchasm Posts: 3,305member
    DAalseth said:
    Does anyone have a suggestion for a site to replace Instagram? 
    There are loads of such sites, imgur.com and deviantart.com are among those with a lot of artwork, 500px.com and flickr.com are examples of photo-oriented websites. Many, many, many others to choose from.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 7
    svanstromsvanstrom Posts: 702member
    kestral said:
    DAalseth said:
    I’m using Instagram to post my art and photography. FaceBook buying it made me uncomfortable. I hate FaceBook and do not use it. It’s becoming clear that rather then letting it run in parallel, FaceBook is going to engulf Instagram completely. They are making it into just a feature in their upcoming One App to Rule Them All. At that point I will delete my pictures and my Instagram account. The trouble is that I still want a place to post my photos and art. I chose Instagram because it was big so I would have a large audience, and it has a vibrant community. I need something to replace Instagram. 

    Does anyone have a suggestion for a site to replace Instagram? 
    Have you thought of using Pinterest
    The only decent solution is to build one's own website; preferably with native notifications (which requires at least an iOS app).

    It won't give you an audience "for free", but it is the only way to properly own and control one's own content; and if the content is substantial enough you can build an audience based on that.
    cornchip
  • Reply 7 of 7
    cornchipcornchip Posts: 1,950member
    DAalseth said:
    I’m using Instagram to post my art and photography. 

    Does anyone have a suggestion for a site to replace Instagram? 
    Behance and/or coroflot. 

    This is superlame, but not unexpected news. I’ve had an ig account for a while but never really used it until the past couple weeks as I’ve started a new side project which has a big audience/market there. Sucks, but I’ll probably keep using it till I don’t have to. 
    watto_cobra
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