Messenger 10th Anniversary: New Features & Future Plans

Messenger Celebrates a Decade with New Features and a Shift in Strategy

In commemoration of its 10-year anniversary, Messenger has unveiled a series of new functionalities, including poll games, dynamic word effects, simplified contact sharing, and birthday gifting options facilitated by Facebook Pay.

Beyond these additions, Facebook is currently evaluating the re-integration of audio and video calling capabilities directly into the core Facebook application, moving away from exclusive availability within Messenger.

Re-envisioning Messenger's Role

A Facebook representative confirmed to TechCrunch that testing is underway to allow users to initiate and receive calls irrespective of the application they are currently utilizing.

This initiative aims to provide Facebook users with convenient methods to connect with their communities within the environment they already frequent.

Facebook now perceives Messenger less as a distinct application and more as a foundational technology powering a range of evolving experiences within the broader Facebook ecosystem.

Focus on Real-Time Experiences

The company has increasingly prioritized real-time interactions, such as Watch Together, Rooms, and Live Audio Rooms.

Messenger is now considered a crucial component, a “connective tissue,” enabling these experiences across various platforms.

The ongoing test reflects a larger vision: unlocking content and communities currently inaccessible within Messenger, and transforming the Facebook app into a hub for shared, real-time engagements.

While details regarding desktop app integration remain undisclosed, the company indicated that this test aligns with its broader strategy of expanding real-time capabilities across its services.

Messenger Remains a Standalone Option

Despite these integrations, the standalone Messenger application will not be discontinued.

Facebook emphasizes that users seeking a “full-featured” messaging and calling experience should continue to utilize the Messenger app.

New Features Enhance Connection

The newly introduced features are designed to strengthen connections between users and their friends and family.

The new poll games can be accessed through the “Polls” section in group chats, offering options like “Most Likely To” questions with customizable participant selections.

Contact sharing simplifies the process of sharing Facebook contacts via Messenger, while birthday gifting allows users to send payments through Facebook Pay.

Additional birthday-themed features include a birthday song soundmoji, a dedicated sticker pack, a balloon background, a message effect, and an augmented reality effect.

Word Effects and Future Developments

The word effects feature allows users to associate emojis with specific phrases, triggering a visual display when the phrase is sent.

For example, typing “happy birthday” could initiate a confetti emoji animation.

While currently in a preview phase, this feature demonstrates potential for creative expression within the messaging platform.

In total, Facebook is launching ten new features, with most becoming available to users today.

A Decade of Evolution

Messenger’s journey began ten years ago with the acquisition of Beluga, a group messaging startup.

The initial Messenger app was launched shortly after, eventually becoming a mandatory component of the Facebook experience.

Facebook removed in-app messaging, directing users to Messenger, citing the need to streamline messaging systems.

Despite initial controversy, the app grew to reach 1.2 billion users by 2017.

Looking Ahead: The Metaverse and Beyond

As Facebook transitions towards becoming a “metaverse” company, technologies like Messenger will remain essential.

Vice President of Messenger, Stan Chudnovsky, emphasized the continued importance of asynchronous communication, even within virtual environments.

He believes messaging will become even more prevalent as it bridges the gap between the physical world, mobile devices, and the metaverse.

“Messaging is that thing that just continues to grow with every new platform leap,” Chudnovsky stated.

Additional reporting: Sarah Perez