Facebook Merges Messenger With Instagram DMs

Instagram DMs just got a big facelift thanks to a new integration with Facebook Messenger!

According to a new announcement, Instagram is in the process of rolling out an update to Instagram DMs by introducing “a new Messenger experience” on the app.

Thanks to the update, users on Facebook Messenger will be able to reach you on Instagram without needing to download the Instagram app, and vice versa.  

It also gives Instagram DM users access to more features, including custom emoji reactions, vanish mode, and more. 

Here’s everything you need to know:

A Single Messaging Experience Across Facebook & Instagram

Facebook’s plans to integrate messaging across Messenger, Instagram Direct, and WhatsApp were first announced back in January 2019. 

And while Facebook only recently began testing the feature, it now says it intends to bring it to everyone who uses Instagram Messenger in the next few months.

But what does this actually mean and look like?

Well, once an Instagram user gets access to the new messaging tool, they’ll be able to communicate with Facebook users (and vice versa) who don’t have an Instagram account from the Instagram app.

You can also control where you receive messages and calls, such as in your chats, in your message requests or not at all.

In addition to cross-platform messaging, once you get the update, you’ll notice that the regular DM icon in the top-right of Instagram has been replaced by the Facebook Messenger logo.

You’ll also get access to a number of new features, including Vanish Mode, where you can set messages to automatically disappear after they’re seen, Watch Together, which lets you watch videos on Facebook Watch, IGTV, Reels, TV shows, movies, and more with friends and family during a video call, custom emoji reactions, and more. 

What the Update Means For You

The new integration clearly offers a bunch of new tools and features, as well as better connectivity across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, but is it worth making the change?

One of the biggest concerns to come out of the update is that people’s Instagram and Facebook accounts will be too connected.

Understandably, some people may not want their “real identity” on Facebook to be linked to or associated with their Instagram account.

According to Loredena Crisan, VP of Product Design for Messenger, the team that handled the update discussed this prior to its rollout. 

“We do not want to even risk leaking the identities across the across the apps,” Crisan said in a recent statement, which is why Facebook is allowing users to disable cross-app messaging if they choose — you just need to update your privacy settings. 

In any case, the update is optional at the moment, meaning that users can still choose to opt-out for the time being. Of course, that could change in the future when Instagram opens the update to users in more countries.

Have you made the switch to Facebook’s new integrated Messenger tool? What do you think of the update?

Let me know in the comments!