Facebook Users Will Be Able To Send Cross-platform Messages From Instagram And Messenger

Instagram and Messenger banners (doc. Facebook)

JAKARTA - Facebook continues to strive to integrate all its social media platforms, such as Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Now Facebook plans to test its cross-platform feature that allows users to submit a feed / story upload simultaneously on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger in one application.

"Today, we are announcing the update of DM Instagram by introducing a new Messenger experience in the application," wrote Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, on the official Facebook blog site released Thursday, September 1.

Quoted from The Verge, the new messaging tools on Instagram include a new way to block unwanted messages and the introduction of Messenger's Watch Together feature, which allows users to watch videos with friends during video calls.

"Today, we rely on video calls to hangout with friends, send memes and GIFs to communicate what we really think (but not always say), and share funny photos and voice notes to keep in touch," added Mosseri.

Today we're sharing an update to @instagram DMs that will bring the best of @Messenger to the app. You'll soon be able to communicate across apps with features like watch together, selfie stickers, vanish mode, emoji reactions and more. https://t.co/QOBnvuL8sP pic.twitter.com/i6QGGJyK1p

- Facebook (@Facebook) September 30, 2020

As well as the launch of cross-platform messaging, Instagram is also getting a major overhaul of its DM system, which will be expanded with features taken from Messenger.

Users will be able to reject the update if they choose to. Apart from cross-platform messaging, users on Instagram and Messenger can also search for profiles on both applications simultaneously. Users can opt out of this feature if they wish.

However, it is unclear when and where the cross-platform messaging features of Instagram and Messenger will be available. Previously, Facebook has launched an application for small businesses that allows them to manage their pages and profiles on Facebook, Messenger and Instagram.

Cross Platform Features of Instagram and Messenger (doc. Facebook)

Facebook's merging of services poses a challenge to WhatsApp integration, which is end-to-end encrypted. However, the bigger hurdle is likely to come from regulators, who are wary of Facebook's dominance in mobile messaging.

Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes asked the company to dissolve. Hughes argues that Facebook is a monopoly on social media.

A number of US politicians, including Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, have voiced this concern. Facebook is also currently undergoing antitrust investigations in the US and Europe, with Zuckerberg testifying before the FTC last month.