Facebook Messenger#Instant Games

File:Facebook Messenger logo 2011.png

File:Facebook Messenger logo 2013.svg

File:Facebook Messenger logo 2018.svg

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File:Facebook Messenger logo 2025.svg

Following tests of a new instant messaging platform on Facebook in March 2008,{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Arrington |author-link=Michael Arrington |title=Facebook To Launch Instant Messaging Service |url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/03/14/facebook-to-launch-instant-messaging-service/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026082759/https://techcrunch.com/2008/03/14/facebook-to-launch-instant-messaging-service/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Caroline |last=McCarthy |title=Report: Facebook IM service will debut soon |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/report-facebook-im-service-will-debut-soon/ |publisher=CNET |date=March 14, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107165358/https://www.cnet.com/news/report-facebook-im-service-will-debut-soon/ |url-status=live }} the feature, then-titled "Facebook Chat", was gradually released to users in April 2008.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Hendrickson |title=Facebook Chat Launches, For Some |url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/04/06/facebook-chat-enters-pre-release-beta/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 6, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017053152/https://techcrunch.com/2008/04/06/facebook-chat-enters-pre-release-beta/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Farber |title=Facebook Chat begins to roll out |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/facebook-chat-begins-to-roll-out/ |publisher=CNET |date=April 6, 2008 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107165342/https://www.cnet.com/news/facebook-chat-begins-to-roll-out/ |url-status=live }} Facebook revamped its messaging platform in November 2010,{{cite web |first=MG |last=Siegler |title=Facebook's Modern Messaging System: Seamless, History, And A Social Inbox |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/15/facebook-messaging/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019030531/https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/15/facebook-messaging/ |url-status=live }} and subsequently acquired group messaging service Beluga in March 2011,{{cite web |first=MG |last=Siegler |title=Facebook Acquires Group Messaging Service Beluga In A Talent AND Technology Deal |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/01/facebook-beluga/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017031722/https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/01/facebook-beluga/ |url-status=live }} which the company used to launch its standalone iOS and Android mobile apps on August 9, 2011.{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Kincaid |title=Facebook Launches Standalone iPhone/Android Messenger App (And It's Beluga) |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/08/09/facebook-launches-standalone-mobile-messenger-app-and-it%E2%80%99s-beluga/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005063853/https://techcrunch.com/2011/08/09/facebook-launches-standalone-mobile-messenger-app-and-it%E2%80%99s-beluga/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Parr |title=Facebook Launches Dedicated Messaging App for iPhone & Android [PICS] |url=http://mashable.com/2011/08/09/facebook-messenger/ |website=Mashable |date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325112753/http://mashable.com/2011/08/09/facebook-messenger/ |url-status=live }} Facebook later launched a BlackBerry version in October 2011.{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Facebook Messenger version 1.5 is out: BlackBerry, iOS 5 support |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/facebook-messenger-version-1-5-is-out-blackberry-ios-5-support/ |publisher=ZDNet |date=October 19, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=May 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528045548/https://www.zdnet.com/article/facebook-messenger-version-1-5-is-out-blackberry-ios-5-support/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Trenholm |title=Facebook Messenger now on BlackBerry in new blow to BBM |url=https://www.cnet.com/au/news/facebook-messenger-now-on-blackberry-in-new-blow-to-bbm/ |publisher=CNET |date=October 21, 2011 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325113041/https://www.cnet.com/au/news/facebook-messenger-now-on-blackberry-in-new-blow-to-bbm/ |url-status=live }} An app for Windows Phone, though lacking features including voice messaging and chat heads, was released in March 2014.{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Fingas |title=Facebook Messenger arrives for Windows Phone sans voice features |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/04/facebook-messenger-arrives-for-windows-phone/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329103608/https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/04/facebook-messenger-arrives-for-windows-phone/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Elyse |last=Betters |title=Facebook Messenger lands for Windows Phone - without voice messaging and chat heads |url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/127701-facebook-messenger-lands-for-windows-phone-without-voice-messaging-and-chat-heads |website=Pocket-lint |date=March 5, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325202711/http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/127701-facebook-messenger-lands-for-windows-phone-without-voice-messaging-and-chat-heads |url-status=live }} In April 2014, Facebook announced that the messaging feature would be removed from the main Facebook app and users will be required to download the separate Messenger app.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook Is Forcing All Users To Download Messenger By Ripping Chat Out Of Its Main Apps |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/04/09/facebook-messenger-or-the-highway/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130092020/https://techcrunch.com/2014/04/09/facebook-messenger-or-the-highway/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Ellis |last=Hamburger |title=Facebook will turn off messaging in its mobile app, forcing you to download Messenger |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/4/9/5598440/facebook-will-turn-off-messaging-in-its-mobile-app-forcing-you-to-download-messenger |website=The Verge |date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035342/http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/9/5598440/facebook-will-turn-off-messaging-in-its-mobile-app-forcing-you-to-download-messenger |url-status=live }} An iPad-optimized version of the iOS app was released in July 2014.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook Messenger Finally Gets An iPad Version |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/07/03/facebook-messenger-for-ipad/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=July 3, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021195949/https://techcrunch.com/2014/07/03/facebook-messenger-for-ipad/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Sawers |title=Facebook Messenger is now optimized for iPad |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/07/03/facebook-messenger-now-optimized-ipad/ |website=The Next Web |date=July 3, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025031444/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/07/03/facebook-messenger-now-optimized-ipad/ |url-status=live }} In April 2015, Facebook launched a website interface for Messenger.{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Facebook launches standalone Messenger for web browsers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/8/8371349/facebook-messenger-web-browsers-now-available |website=The Verge |date=April 8, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108140318/http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/8/8371349/facebook-messenger-web-browsers-now-available |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Kurt |last=Wagner |title=Facebook Launches Messenger for Web Browsers |url=http://www.recode.net/2015/4/8/11561236/facebook-launches-messenger-for-web-browsers |website=Recode |date=April 8, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325112926/http://www.recode.net/2015/4/8/11561236/facebook-launches-messenger-for-web-browsers |url-status=live }} A Tizen app was released on July 13, 2015.{{cite web |first=Adnan |last=F. |title=Official Facebook Messenger and Instagram apps arrive for Samsung Z1 |url=https://www.sammobile.com/2015/07/13/official-facebook-messenger-and-instagram-apps-arrive-for-samsung-z1/ |website=SamMobile |date=July 13, 2015 |access-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019065947/https://www.sammobile.com/2015/07/13/official-facebook-messenger-and-instagram-apps-arrive-for-samsung-z1/ |url-status=live }} Facebook launched Messenger for Windows 10 in April 2016.{{cite web |title=Facebook Messenger for Windows 10 PC now live in the Windows Store |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/facebook-messenger-windows-10-pc-launches-windows-store |website=Windows Central |date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017053245/https://www.windowscentral.com/facebook-messenger-windows-10-pc-launches-windows-store |url-status=live }} In October 2016, Facebook released Messenger Lite, a stripped-down version of Messenger with a reduced feature set. The app is aimed primarily at old Android phones and regions where high-speed Internet is not widely available. In April 2017, Messenger Lite was expanded to 132 more countries.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook sidesteps Snapchat by launching Messenger Lite in 132 more countries |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/facebook-sidesteps-snapchat-by-launching-messenger-lite-in-150-more-countries/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427215708/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/facebook-sidesteps-snapchat-by-launching-messenger-lite-in-150-more-countries/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=Facebook's Messenger Lite app launches in 132 more countries today |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/27/15457344/facebook-messenger-lite-150-new-countries-expansion-snapchat |website=The Verge |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428013928/http://www.theverge.com/2017/4/27/15457344/facebook-messenger-lite-150-new-countries-expansion-snapchat |url-status=live }} In May 2017, Facebook revamped the design for Messenger on Android and iOS, bringing a new home screen with tabs and categorization of content and interactive media, red dots indicating new activity, and relocated sections.{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Facebook Messenger debuts a new look focused on improving navigation |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/18/facebook-messenger-debuts-a-new-look-focused-on-improving-navigation/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=May 18, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817194956/https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/18/facebook-messenger-debuts-a-new-look-focused-on-improving-navigation/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Regan |title=Facebook makes Messenger easier to use for social butterflies |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/18/facebook-makes-messenger-easier-to-use-for-social-butterflies/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=May 18, 2017 |access-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518164226/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/18/facebook-makes-messenger-easier-to-use-for-social-butterflies/ |url-status=live }}

Facebook announced a Messenger program for Windows 7 in a limited beta test in November 2011.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook Testing Messenger for Windows Ticker+Chat Desktop Client |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/11/21/messenger-for-windows/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=November 21, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021201748/https://techcrunch.com/2011/11/21/messenger-for-windows/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Facebook testing Messenger for Windows desktop client |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/facebook-testing-messenger-for-windows-desktop-client/ |publisher=ZDNet |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326050853/http://www.zdnet.com/article/facebook-testing-messenger-for-windows-desktop-client/ |url-status=live }} The following month, Israeli blog TechIT leaked a download link for the program, with Facebook subsequently confirming and officially releasing the program.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Update: Facebook Officially Releases "Messenger For Windows" Desktop Client Following Leak |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/12/29/facebook-chat-windows/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026071038/https://techcrunch.com/2011/12/29/facebook-chat-windows/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Warren |title=Facebook Messenger for Windows download made official following leak |url=https://www.theverge.com/apps/2011/12/29/2668290/facebook-messenger-for-windows-download |website=The Verge |date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019153023/https://www.theverge.com/apps/2011/12/29/2668290/facebook-messenger-for-windows-download |url-status=live }} The program was eventually discontinued in March 2014.{{cite web |first=Kevin |last=Lee |title=Facebook Messenger on Windows and Firefox will be no more March 3 |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/facebook-phases-out-messenger-apps-for-windows-and-firefox-1229507 |website=TechRadar |date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806084046/https://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/facebook-phases-out-messenger-apps-for-windows-and-firefox-1229507 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Caitlin |last=McGarry |title=Facebook kills Messenger for Windows |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2102543/facebook-kills-messenger-for-windows.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329103618/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2102543/facebook-kills-messenger-for-windows.html |url-status=dead}} A Firefox web browser add-on was released in December 2012,{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Mozilla launches Facebook Messenger for Firefox, lets you IM your friends from anywhere on the Web |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2012/12/03/mozilla-launches-facebook-messenger-for-firefox-lets-you-im-your-friends-from-anywhere-on-the-web/ |website=The Next Web |date=December 3, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017085208/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2012/12/03/mozilla-launches-facebook-messenger-for-firefox-lets-you-im-your-friends-from-anywhere-on-the-web/ |url-status=live }} but was also discontinued in March 2014.{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Facebook gives up on desktop apps: Facebook Messenger for Firefox will also shut down on March 3 |url=http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2014/02/27/facebook-gives-desktop-apps-facebook-messenger-firefox-will-also-shut-march-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114110939/http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2014/02/27/facebook-gives-desktop-apps-facebook-messenger-firefox-will-also-shut-march-3|website=The Next Web |date=February 27, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |url-status=dead }}

In December 2017, Facebook announced Messenger Kids, a new app aimed for persons under 13 years of age. The app comes with some differences compared to the standard version. In 2019, Messenger announced to be the 2nd most downloaded mobile app of the decade, from 2011 to 2019.{{cite web |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/these-apps-were-the-most-downloaded-of-the-decade |title=These apps were the most-downloaded of the decade |date=December 17, 2019 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US |access-date=December 18, 2019}}

In December 2019, Messenger dropped support for users to sign in using only a mobile number, meaning that users must sign in to a Facebook account in order to use the service.{{cite web |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/facebook-no-longer-allows-users-sign-messenger-just-phone-number |title=You can no longer sign up for Facebook Messenger with just a phone number |date=December 27, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918164616/https://www.androidcentral.com/facebook-no-longer-allows-users-sign-messenger-just-phone-number |url-status=live }}

In March 2020, Facebook started to ship its dedicated Messenger for macOS app through the Mac App Store. The app is currently live in regions including France, Australia, Mexico, Poland,{{cite web |title=Facebook kicks off long-awaited Messenger for Mac rollout |url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/04/facebook-messenger-for-mac/ |publisher=9to5Mac |access-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310064145/https://9to5mac.com/2020/03/04/facebook-messenger-for-mac/ |url-status=live }} and many others.

In April 2020, Facebook began rolling out a new feature called Messenger Rooms, a video chat feature that allows users to chat with up to 50 people at a time. The feature rivals Zoom, an application that gained a lot of popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Facebook Users Beware: Here's Why Messenger Rooms Is Not Actually That Private |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/04/26/facebooks-messenger-rooms-is-not-actually-all-that-private-heres-why/ |last=O'Flaherty |first=Kate |website=Forbes |language=en |access-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127144958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2020/04/26/facebooks-messenger-rooms-is-not-actually-all-that-private-heres-why/ |url-status=live }} Privacy concerns arose since the feature uses the same data collection policies as mainstream Facebook.

In July 2020, Facebook added a new feature in Messenger that lets iOS users to use Apple's Face ID or Touch ID to lock their chats. The feature is called App Lock and is a part of several changes in Messenger regarding privacy and security.{{cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Facebook Messenger can now lock your chats behind Face ID |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/22/21333945/facebook-messenger-app-lock-security-iphone-ipad-face-id |access-date=July 23, 2020 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722205028/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/22/21333945/facebook-messenger-app-lock-security-iphone-ipad-face-id |url-status=live }} The option to view only "Unread Threads" was removed from the inbox, requiring the account holder to scroll through the entire inbox to be certain every unread message has been seen.{{cite web |url=https://www.techuntold.com/view-only-unread-messages-facebook-messenger |title=How To View Only Unread Messages On Facebook Messenger |last=Mendiratta |first=Hemant |date=August 7, 2020 |website=TechUntold |access-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914162053/https://www.techuntold.com/view-only-unread-messages-facebook-messenger |url-status=live }}

On October 13, 2020, the Messenger application introduced cross-app messaging with Instagram, which was launched in September 2021.{{Cite web |title=Facebook Messenger releases cross-app group chats, further integrating with Instagram |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/30/facebook-messenger-releases-cross-app-group-chats-further-integrating-with-instagram/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001001730/https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/30/facebook-messenger-releases-cross-app-group-chats-further-integrating-with-instagram/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 1, 2021 |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=TechCrunch |date=September 30, 2021 |language=en-US}} In addition to the integrated messaging, the application announced the introduction of a new logo, which should be an amalgamation of the Messenger and Instagram logo.{{cite web |url=https://messengernews.fb.com/2020/10/13/the-future-of-messaging-is-now/ |title=The Future of Messaging is Now |access-date=October 13, 2020 |website=Messenger News |date=October 13, 2020 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013224004/https://messengernews.fb.com/2020/10/13/the-future-of-messaging-is-now/ |url-status=live }}

The following is a table of features available in Messenger, as well as their geographical coverage and what devices they are available on. In addition there is a vanishing message feature. In addition there is an audio recording feature which allows audio recordings of up to one minute which may or may not be vanishing:

It is a video conferencing feature of Messenger. It allows users to add up to 50 people at a time.{{cite web |date=April 25, 2020 |title=Facebook Messenger Rooms launched, supports 50 people video calls |url=https://www.bgr.in/news/facebook-messenger-rooms-launched-supports-50-people-video-calls-887945/ |access-date=August 4, 2020 |website=BGR India |language=en-US |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806015428/https://www.bgr.in/news/facebook-messenger-rooms-launched-supports-50-people-video-calls-887945/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |last=Wiggers |first=Kyle |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Facebook launches Messenger Rooms, group calls for up to 50 people with no time limit |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/24/facebook-launches-messenger-rooms-group-calls-for-up-to-50-people-with-no-time-limit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808181016/https://venturebeat.com/2020/04/24/facebook-launches-messenger-rooms-group-calls-for-up-to-50-people-with-no-time-limit/ |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |access-date=August 4, 2020 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Salvador |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Facebook aims for Zoom by letting users live broadcast large video meetings |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/23/facebook-messenger-rooms-adds-live-broadcast-video-calls.html |access-date=July 30, 2020 |publisher=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727074654/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/23/facebook-messenger-rooms-adds-live-broadcast-video-calls.html |url-status=live }} Messenger Rooms does not require a Facebook account.{{cite web |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Introducing Messenger Rooms and More Ways to Connect When You're Apart |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2020/04/introducing-messenger-rooms/ |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=About Facebook |language=en-US |archive-date=April 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424210506/https://about.fb.com/news/2020/04/introducing-messenger-rooms/ |url-status=live }} Messenger Rooms competes with other services such as Zoom.{{cite web |last=Tillman |first=Maggie |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Messenger Rooms: Facebook's Zoom-like feature explained |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/facebook/151964-what-are-messenger-rooms-and-how-do-they-work-in-facebook-and-whatsapp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917185354/https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/facebook/151964-what-are-messenger-rooms-and-how-do-they-work-in-facebook-and-whatsapp |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |access-date=September 8, 2020 |website=Pocket-lint |language=en-gb |url-status=live }}

Back in 2014, Facebook introduced an unrelated, stand-alone application named Rooms, letting users create places for users with similar interests, with users being anonymous to others.{{cite web |last=Constine |first=Josh |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Facebook Launches Pseudonymous App "Rooms" That Lets You Create Forums About Any Topic |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/10/23/facebook-rooms/ |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}} This was shut down in December 2015.{{cite web |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Introducing Rooms |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2014/10/introducing-rooms/ |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=About Facebook |language=en-US |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805170852/https://about.fb.com/news/2014/10/introducing-rooms/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook revealed video conferencing features for Messenger called Messenger Rooms.{{cite web |title=Facebook Allows Users to Broadcast Live Large Video Calls |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/facebook-messenger-rooms-large-video-calls-can-now-be-broadcast-on-any-profile-page-group-2268094 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360 |date=July 24, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811021129/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/facebook-messenger-rooms-large-video-calls-can-now-be-broadcast-on-any-profile-page-group-2268094 |url-status=live }} This was seen as a response to the popularity of other video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Skype in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=Facebook aims to take on Zoom with launch of Messenger Rooms |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/national/18404813.facebook-aims-take-zoom-launch-messenger-rooms/ |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus |date=April 24, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820134009/https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/national/18404813.facebook-aims-take-zoom-launch-messenger-rooms/ |url-status=live }}

Messenger Rooms allows users to add up to 50 people per room, without restrictions on time.{{cite web |last=Saha |first=Sneha |date=May 18, 2020 |title=Facebook Messenger Rooms is a mix of Houseparty and Zoom; makes video calls fun |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/social/facebook-messenger-rooms-review-6414218/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730092726/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/social/facebook-messenger-rooms-review-6414218/ |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |url-status=live }} It does not require a Facebook account or a separate app from Messenger. When used, it only prompts the user for basic information. Users can add 360° virtual backgrounds, mood lighting, and other AR effects as well as share screens. To prevent unwanted participants from joining, users can lock rooms and remove participants.{{cite web |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Privacy Matters: Messenger Rooms |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2020/04/privacy-matters-messenger-rooms/ |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=About Facebook |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201032039/https://about.fb.com/news/2020/04/privacy-matters-messenger-rooms/ |url-status=live }}

Some have voiced concerns in regards to Messenger Room's privacy and how its parent, Facebook, handles data. Messenger Rooms, unlike some of its competitors, does not use end-to-end encryption.{{cite web |last=Morse |first=Jack |title=Why you shouldn't use Facebook's Messenger Rooms: A non-exhaustive list |url=https://mashable.com/article/facebook-messenger-rooms-privacy-problems/ |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Mashable |date=April 29, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127172500/https://mashable.com/article/facebook-messenger-rooms-privacy-problems/ |url-status=live }} In addition, there have been concerns over how Messenger Rooms collects user data.{{cite web |last=months |first=Jack Morse 7 |date=April 29, 2020 |title=Why you shouldn't use Facebook's Messenger Rooms: A non-exhaustive list |url=https://sea.mashable.com/tech/10387/why-you-shouldnt-use-facebooks-messenger-rooms-a-non-exhaustive-list |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Mashable SEA |language=en-sg |archive-date=December 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217144653/https://sea.mashable.com/tech/10387/why-you-shouldnt-use-facebooks-messenger-rooms-a-non-exhaustive-list |url-status=live }}

In January 2017, Facebook announced that it was testing showing advertisements in Messenger's home feed. At the time, the testing was limited to a "small number of users in Australia and Thailand", with the ad format being swipe-based carousel ads.{{cite web |first=Kurt |last=Wagner |title=Facebook is testing News Feed-style ads inside Messenger |url=https://www.recode.net/2017/1/25/14378534/facebook-messenger-ads-test |website=Recode |date=January 25, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630162059/https://www.recode.net/2017/1/25/14378534/facebook-messenger-ads-test |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=David |last=Cohen |title=Facebook Testing Ads on Messenger Home Screen in Australia, Thailand |url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/facebook-testing-ads-messenger-home-screen-australia-thailand/ |website=Adweek |publisher=Beringer Capital |date=January 25, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719084223/http://www.adweek.com/digital/facebook-testing-ads-messenger-home-screen-australia-thailand/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Facebook Messenger begins testing ads…and they're big |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/25/facebook-messenger-begins-testing-ads-and-theyre-big/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=January 25, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021102640/https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/25/facebook-messenger-begins-testing-ads-and-theyre-big/ |url-status=live }} In July, the company announced that they were expanding the testing to a global audience. Stan Chudnovsky, head of Messenger, told VentureBeat that "We'll start slow ... When the average user can be sure to see them we truly don't know because we're just going to be very data-driven and user feedback-driven on making that decision".{{cite web |first=Khari |last=Johnson |title=Facebook to expand Messenger home screen ads beta worldwide |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/11/facebook-to-expand-messenger-home-screen-ads-beta-worldwide/ |website=VentureBeat |date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716033351/https://venturebeat.com/2017/07/11/facebook-to-expand-messenger-home-screen-ads-beta-worldwide/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Ads are coming to Facebook Messenger's home screen |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/11/15953828/facebook-messenger-home-screen-ads-coming-soon |website=The Verge |date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712151649/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/11/15953828/facebook-messenger-home-screen-ads-coming-soon |url-status=dead}} Facebook told TechCrunch that the advertisements' placement in the inbox depends on factors such as thread count, phone screen size, and pixel density.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook Messenger globally tests injecting display ads into inbox |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/11/facebook-messenger-display-ads/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719085527/https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/11/facebook-messenger-display-ads/ |url-status=live }} In a TechCrunch editorial by Devin Coldewey, he described the ads as "huge" in the space they occupy, "intolerable" in the way they appear in the user interface, and "irrelevant" due to the lack of context. Coldewey finished by writing "Advertising is how things get paid for on the internet, including TechCrunch, so I'm not an advocate of eliminating it or blocking it altogether. But bad advertising experiences can spoil a perfectly good app like (for the purposes of argument) Messenger. Messaging is a personal, purposeful use case and these ads are a bad way to monetize it."{{cite web |first=Devin |last=Coldewey |title=Facebook's Messenger ads are bad and must be destroyed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/11/facebooks-messenger-ads-are-bad-and-must-be-destroyed/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=July 11, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719085526/https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/11/facebooks-messenger-ads-are-bad-and-must-be-destroyed/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2014, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) listed Messenger (Facebook chat) on its Secure Messaging Scorecard. It received a score of 2 out of 7 points on the scorecard. It received points for having communications encrypted in transit and for having recently completed an independent security audit. It missed points because the communications were not encrypted with keys the provider didn't have access to, users could not verify contacts' identities, past messages were not secure if the encryption keys were stolen, the source code was not open to independent review, and the security design was not properly documented.{{cite web |title=Secure Messaging Scorecard |url=https://www.eff.org/node/82654 |publisher=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=April 5, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728011841/https://www.eff.org/node/82654 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Majority Of Top Messaging Apps And Tools Fail EFF's Security Review |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/05/majority-of-top-messaging-apps-and-tools-fail-effs-security-review/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028003022/https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/05/majority-of-top-messaging-apps-and-tools-fail-effs-security-review/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Stephanie |last=Mlot |title=Only 6 Messaging Apps Are Truly Secure |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/37236/news/only-6-messaging-apps-are-truly-secure |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326050433/http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/37236/news/only-6-messaging-apps-are-truly-secure |url-status=live }}

As stated by Facebook in its Help Center, there is no way to log out of the Messenger application. Instead, users can choose between different availability statuses, including "Appear as inactive", "Switch accounts", and "Turn off notifications".{{cite web |title=Can I log out of Messenger? |url=https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/719351428125983 |website=Facebook Help Center |via=Facebook |access-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815122900/https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/719351428125983 |url-status=live }} Media outlets have reported on a workaround, by pressing a "Clear data" option in the application's menu in Settings on Android devices, which returns the user to the log-in screen.{{cite web |first=Loie |last=Favre |title=How to log out of Facebook Messenger |url=https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-log-out-of-facebook-messenger |website=Android Pit |date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406201531/https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-log-out-of-facebook-messenger |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Lori |last=Kaufman |title=How to Log Out of Facebook Messenger on Your Android Device |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/197431/how-to-log-out-of-facebook-messenger-on-your-android-device/ |website=How-To Geek |date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731043015/https://www.howtogeek.com/197431/how-to-log-out-of-facebook-messenger-on-your-android-device/ |url-status=live }}

After being separated from the main Facebook app, Messenger had 600 million users in April 2015. This grew to 900 million in June 2016, 1 billion in July 2016,{{cite web |first=Micah |last=Singleton |title=Facebook Messenger hits 1 billion users |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/20/12235476/facebook-messenger-1-billion-users-milestone-ios-app |website=The Verge |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108092031/http://www.theverge.com/2016/7/20/12235476/facebook-messenger-1-billion-users-milestone-ios-app |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Kurt |last=Wagner |title=Facebook Messenger now has one billion active users |url=http://www.recode.net/2016/7/20/12232130/facebook-messenger-one-billion-users |website=Recode |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325203147/http://www.recode.net/2016/7/20/12232130/facebook-messenger-one-billion-users |url-status=live }} and 1.2 billion in April 2017.{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Constine |title=Facebook Messenger hits 1.2 billion monthly users, up from 1B in July |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/12/messenger/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 12, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725062117/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/12/messenger/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first1=Kurt |last1=Wagner |first2=Rani |last2=Molla |title=Facebook Messenger has 1.2 billion users and is now twice the size of Instagram |url=https://www.recode.net/2017/4/12/15263312/facebook-messenger-app-billion-users |website=Recode |date=April 12, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423095605/https://www.recode.net/2017/4/12/15263312/facebook-messenger-app-billion-users |url-status=live }}

In March 2020, total messaging traffic increased by 50% in countries that were on quarantine due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Group calls grew by more than 1,000%.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52029737 |title=Facebook group calls soar 1,000% in Italy lockdown |date=March 25, 2020 |work=BBC News |access-date=March 25, 2020 |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017083212/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52029737 |url-status=live }}

In early 2018, the US Department of Justice went to court to attempt to force Facebook to modify its Messenger app to enable surveillance by third parties so that agents could listen in on encrypted voice conversations over Messenger.{{ r | R_E-1 | p=1 | q=The U.S. government is trying to force Facebook Inc to break the encryption in its popular Messenger app so law enforcement may listen to a suspect's voice conversations in a criminal probe, three people briefed on the case said, resurrecting the issue of whether companies can be compelled to alter their products to enable surveillance. The previously unreported case in a federal court in California is proceeding under seal, so no filings are publicly available, but the three people told Reuters that Facebook is contesting the U.S. Department of Justice's demand. ... Facebook says it can only comply with the government's request if it rewrites the code relied upon by all its users to remove encryption or else hacks the government's current target, according to the sources.}} The court decided against the Justice Department, but sealed the case.{{ r | WP_E-1 | p=1 | q=A federal judge in California ruled this month that the government cannot force Facebook to break the encryption on its popular Messenger voice app in a criminal case in which agents wanted to intercept a suspect's conversations, according to several individuals familiar with the case. The decision, which remains under seal, dealt a setback to the Justice Department, which sought to compel Facebook to figure out how to give it access to the encrypted communications. }} In November 2018, the ACLU and EFF filed suit to have the case unsealed so that the public can be informed about the encryption/surveillance debate.{{ r | EFF_Opening_Brief }}{{ r | EFF_Public_Statement }}{{ r | TC_ACLU | p=1 | q=Earlier this year, the U.S. government tried to force Facebook to secretly recode its Messenger app to allow the feds to listen into an encrypted, real-time voice call on suspected members associated with the notorious MS-13 gang. Facebook declined, and the feds pushed the court to hold the company in contempt. The case collapsed, but details of the case remain under seal and out of the public eye. Now, the ACLU wants to know how the feds tried to pull it off. The rights and civil liberties group filed a motion in California on Wednesday to ask the judge to unseal the case to reveal exactly what the government asked that was enough to convince the court to demand Facebook dismantle Messenger's encryption in the first place. The motion also wants to know what legal grounds the Justice Department had to compel Facebook to undermine the security in its own product — and for what reason the court pushed back. }} This motion was denied in February 2019, and an appeal was filed in April 2020.{{Cite news |date=February 12, 2019 |title=U.S. judge keeps documents secret in Facebook encryption case |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-encryption-idUSKCN1Q100X |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221152752/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-encryption-idUSKCN1Q100X |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=April 28, 2020 |title=ACLU, EFF still trying to get documents unsealed in Facebook encryption case |url=https://www.cyberscoop.com/facebook-encryption-doj-eff-aclu/ |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=CyberScoop |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221152844/https://www.cyberscoop.com/facebook-encryption-doj-eff-aclu/ |url-status=live }} The appeals court confirmed the original denial on July 22, 2020.{{cite web |title=Memorandum, Case No. 19-15472 |author=United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit |date=July 22, 2020 |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2020/07/29/2020-07-22_9th_circuit_decision.pdf |access-date=2025-04-17}}

{{Portal|Internet}}

• Messenger Kids
• Comparison of cross-platform instant messaging clients
• Comparison of VoIP software

{{Reflist|refs=

{{Cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Dan |last2=Menn |first2=Joseph |date=August 17, 2018 |title=U.S. government seeks Facebook help to wiretap Messenger |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-encryption-exclusive/u-s-government-seeks-facebook-help-to-wiretap-messenger-sources-idUSKBN1L226D |url-status=live |access-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001044432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-encryption-exclusive/u-s-government-seeks-facebook-help-to-wiretap-messenger-sources-idUSKBN1L226D |archive-date=October 1, 2018}}

{{Cite news |last=Nakashima |first=Ellen |date=September 28, 2018 |title=Facebook wins court battle over law enforcement access to encrypted phone calls |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/facebook-wins-court-battle-over-law-enforcement-access-to-encrypted-phone-calls/2018/09/28/df438a6a-c33a-11e8-b338-a3289f6cb742_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003103518/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/facebook-wins-court-battle-over-law-enforcement-access-to-encrypted-phone-calls/2018/09/28/df438a6a-c33a-11e8-b338-a3289f6cb742_story.html |archive-date=October 3, 2018}}

{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2019 |title=American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Riana Pfefferkorn, Movants–Appellants, v. United States Department of Justice, et al., Respondents–Appellees. |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2019/06/12/e.c.f._9th_cir._19-15472_dckt_000_filed_2019-06-12.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613000802/https://www.eff.org/files/2019/06/12/e.c.f._9th_cir._19-15472_dckt_000_filed_2019-06-12.pdf |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2019}}

{{Cite web |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Details of Justice Department Efforts To Break Encryption of Facebook Messenger Must Be Made Public, EFF Tells Court - Ruling Blocking DOJ Should Be Unsealed To Keep Public Informed About Anti-Encryption Tactics |url=https://www.eff.org/press/releases/details-justice-departments-efforts-break-encryption-facebook-messenger-must-be-made |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624092158/https://www.eff.org/press/releases/details-justice-departments-efforts-break-encryption-facebook-messenger-must-be-made |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2019 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}

{{Cite news |last=Whittaker |first=Zack |date=November 28, 2018 |title=ACLU asks court to release a secret order forcing Facebook to wiretap Messenger |work=TechCrunch |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/28/aclu-secret-order-facebook-messenger-wiretap/ |url-status=live |access-date=September 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201111650/https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/28/aclu-secret-order-facebook-messenger-wiretap/ |archive-date=December 1, 2018}}

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