Facebook Messenger (often referred to as Messenger) is an instant messaging application and platform created by Facebook, Inc. in the United States. After first launching as Facebook Chat in 2008, the business redesigned its messaging service in 2010. The company then launched separate iOS and Android apps in August 2011, and also standalone Facebook Portal hardware for Messenger-based calls in Q4 of 2018. The messaging feature of the main Facebook app has been split from the dedicated internet interface (Messenger.com), which allows users to choose between using the online interface or downloading one of the standalone applications. Facebook announced the formal release of Messenger for Desktop in April 2020, which is compatible with Windows 10 and macOS and is available for download from the Microsoft Store and the Apple App Store, respectively.
Users may send and receive messages, as well as share pictures, videos, stickers, music, and files. They can also respond to other users' messages and engage with chatbots, among other features. Video and voice calling are also allowed by the service. The standalone applications allow for the use of numerous accounts, the transmission of chats with optional end-to-end encryption, and the participation in games.