Facebook is planning on integrating the messaging services of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. For example, a WhatsApp user could message an Instagram user, which is something that is currently not possible. Messenger Integration Reason #1: Chatbots Q: Who the heck would ever want to message someone on WhatsApp using Instagram? It would be super-annoying for businesses to have to make separate chatbots for WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. Businesses would like to be able to message their customers regardless of what messaging platform they are using. Integration Reason #2: Alternative to Email Email marketing today is a +$100 Billion dollar industry. Everyone uses email, yet people use so many different messaging platforms. Businesses could reach most internet users, while users could look forward to the elimination of spam, since Facebook requires that users opt into receiving messages from businesses. Integration Reason #3: WeChat In China, there is no “news feed”. If Facebook could consolidate messenger utilization, more and more business could roll out business services (chatbots) on top of that platform.
Exciting news.
Facebook is planning on integrating the messaging services of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger.
While all three apps will continue to work as stand-alone applications, the underlying messaging infrastructure will be integrated.
For example, a WhatsApp user could message an Instagram user, which is something that is currently not possible.
The integration effort will be completed by the end of 2019 or early 2020, according to reporting by the New York Times who interviewed 4 people familiar with the project.
Why is Facebook Integrating the messaging components of Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger?
The integration effort of Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp is reported to have caused some internal strife.
Instagram’s founders, Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom, unexpectedly left Facebook in September 2018 as Mark Zuckerberg began taking more control over what was previously a completely separate application.
And WhatsApp founders, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, also departed for similar reasons.
Facebook hasn’t yet provided specific reasons for why they are making these changes, but there must be some reasons why they would reverse their previous position of allowing Instagram and WhatsApp to operate as independent apps.
Here’s my $0.02.
Messenger Integration Reason #1: Chatbots
Q: Who the heck would ever want to message someone on WhatsApp using Instagram?
A: Businesses!
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