TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – More than a year ago, Facebook announced its plan to merge chats Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger into one application. And the first signs of that effort have emerged with the latest update, namely the direct message feature on Instagram that links to Facebook Messenger.
Reportedly, GSM Arena reported that on August 16, 2020, Instagram iOS and Android users in America received the update. The contents, they can send messages to friends on Facebook through the Instagram application even though they do not have an Instagram account. The update also makes direct messages more colorful, in line with the current Messenger chat aesthetic.
Users can also see a notification when they open the Instagram app notifying them of this update. “There is a New Way to Send Messages on Instagram,” the notification sounded, as quoted from the Search Engine Journal page, August 17, 2020.
The notification further emphasizes the benefits of combining the two chat platforms owned by Facebook, such as a new colorful interface for chats, reacting with any emoji, swiping to reply to messages, and chatting with friends using Facebook from Instagram.
Before choosing to update, be aware that it will change the entire look and feel of your Instagram direct message inbox. Direct messages on Instagram will suddenly look more like Facebook Messenger, even the icon at the top right of the screen will be replaced with the Messenger icon.
Those who prefer things as they are will be happy to know this update is completely optional. If the user likes Instagram’s classic direct message design, or wants to keep the two inboxes separate, select the ‘Not Now’ option at the very bottom of the warning.
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Users who wish to merge two inboxes can go ahead and select ‘Update’. Even if you don’t update it, users can still receive message requests on Instagram from their Facebook account.
This may change in the future, but it is currently not possible to start conversations with Facebook users from Instagram. Having said that, this update appears to be of most use to Instagram users who are not active on Facebook.
It also provides non-Facebook a way to stay in touch with friends and family who prefer to communicate via Messenger. Now, no compromise is needed on either side. Messenger users can communicate with Instagram users without ever leaving the platform of their choice.
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