Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram are all testing a new feature that will allow users to receive notifications for all the apps through any one of them.
Users will also be able to easily switch between the three Facebook-owned apps, which will boost engagement among them and will benefit heavy social media users.
Facebook, Messenger, And Instagram Notifications
The feature was reportedly first spotted by social media analyst Mari Smith, and was later confirmed by Facebook.
"We are conducting a very small test to make it easier for people to discover and connect with the people and things they care about," Facebook said in a statement to TechCrunch, adding that it was exploring ways to make it easier for users to switch between their accounts on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.
The feature will manifest itself through the profile icon in the top corner of the three apps, which will show a number inside a red circle for all the notifications from the other apps. In the Facebook app, the profile icon will replace the Messenger logo that serves as a shortcut to the messaging app.
Tapping on the icon will display the accounts of the users on the three Facebook-owned apps, with the number of unseen notifications for each of the other apps displayed. From there, users can simply tap on one of the other apps to launch it and check the notifications.
How Will This Help Facebook And Its Apps?
The change will greatly help users who spend a lot of time on the three Facebook-owned apps, whether for personal uses or for social media marketing.
Some users also absolutely hate seeing unread notifications on their apps, so they will be forced to check out their Messenger and Instagram notifications while on Facebook. Having all notifications in one place also makes it simpler for users to stay on top of what is happening within their social media universe.
Previously, users who would like to see their notifications had to manually switch between apps by going into the home screen of their smartphones and launching the app. With the new feature being tested, users will not even have to exit any of the Facebook-owned apps, keeping them engaged and boosting activity in their three accounts.
WhatsApp, also owned by Facebook, is currently not among the apps that will be included in the feature. It is unclear if Facebook will eventually integrate WhatsApp into the shared notifications feature or if only Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram will be included.
Facebook App Updates
Facebook has continuously updated its apps to add new features and improve user experience. For example, Facebook just rolled out an update for Messenger that revamps its home screen to make navigation easier for users.
Facebook also just launched face filters for Instagram, which are visual add-ons to pictures that closely resemble the feature popularized by Snapchat.
One of the most discussed changes that Facebook recently made is the addition of flower reactions for Mother's Day, which came alongside personalized cards, masks, and frames.
