Facebook to Bring Back In-App Messenger After 9 Years

Facebook is bringing back Messenger to its main social networking app nine years later.

In 2014, about a decade ago, the firm upset many users by separating messaging functions from Facebook's main app and requiring them to download a second app instead.

Aiming for Competitive Edge

Facebook head Tom Alison said that the company is experimenting with re-introducing messaging features into the main Facebook app so that users may more easily share content without switching to the separate Messenger app. According to CNN's report, Facebook is doing this initiative as it wants to better compete with TikTok by providing a better environment for users to both discover and discuss content.

"We believe that content feeds into not just you consuming it but being conversation starters and starting that message thread with your friends or being something that you can share into a group of people who share your same interests," Alison told CNN.

He added, "I think the thing that will differentiate Facebook and Instagram from TikTok and others is just the depth of being able to start a conversation with your friends from this content and have that kind of social dimension."

There is no doubt that Facebook and Instagram have battled to keep up with TikTok, especially with imitation features like Reels. TikTok has an in-app direct messaging system that lets users send each other videos they find.

Nevertheless, Alison contends that Facebook has an advantage over TikTok because of its foundation in helping people interact with their networks.

In addition to the material they upload to platforms like Instagram and TikTok, some producers use Facebook as a hub for fan communities and off-platform discussions. Alison said this feature seems to be assisting people in connecting with their Facebook followers in a manner not possible via other channels.

Beyond Connecting Family and Friends

Prior to this, Facebook's strategic shift happened last year in response to worries about its declining and graying user base.

This would expand the platform's purpose beyond personal relationships. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's creator, rather aimed for the social network to serve as a "discovery engine."

Instead of only displaying posts from a user's network, Facebook's home feed now shows more engaging posts from around the site with content suggestions driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The idea was to keep users interested longer and compete with TikTok's constant supply of suggested content.

This change Alison made nine months ago is now bearing fruit. Only last month, the platform said it had 2 billion daily active users in the December 2022 quarter.