They’re two of the most popular social media apps around the world, and now it seems that Facebook Messenger and Instagram are merging.
Users in the US have reported seeing an option on Instagram to merge the chat feature with Facebook Messenger.
The option explains: “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram.
“New colourful look for your chats, react with any emoji, swipe to reply to messages, chat with friends who use Facebook.”
According to The Verge, once you agree to the update, the arrow icon in the top right of Instagram is replaced with the Messenger logo.
It explained: “Chats on Instagram are indeed more colourful than before, with the sender’s messages shifting between blue and purple as you scroll. However, at least for right now, it’s still not possible to message Facebook users from Instagram.”
Facebook has confirmed that it is testing the feature, although it remains unclear when or if it will roll out in the UK.
Speaking to The Verge, a Facebook spokesperson said: “A small set of people were able to update to a new test experience for Instagram messaging.
“We hope they enjoy the experience and we are looking forward to testing it in other countries so we can keep learning from this.”
The news comes shortly after leaks suggested that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger could soon merge.
WhatsApp news website WABetaInfo claims that independent developer @Alex193a has warned of the upcoming integration of the two Facebook-owned platforms.
WABetaInfo explained: “@Alex193a has warned me about the integration of WhatsApp into Facebook Messenger, including several important tracks!
“In particular, we’re talking about the possibility to communicate with a user that uses a different Facebook app, in this case between two users having WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.”
WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring only you and the person you're communicating with can read the messages.
However, messages sent via Facebook Messenger are not end-to-end encrypted.
WABetaInfo added: “WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted and they will stay that way, and WhatsApp is also working to encrypt messages and media when you back up your chat history on iCloud (currently under development).
“Privacy is one of their core principles that will always define the company and we count it will be always so.”
