Other messaging options include video calls, images from the device's camera roll, or videos/pictures taken directly through the app. Tap one of the messaging options to communicate with friends - for example, the phone icon to make a phone call or the microphone icon to send a voice message.

Tap the person you want to contact, and a screen appears that includes your most recent conversations with that person, as well as messaging options. Under this tab, users can also search for specific contacts, create group messages and view friends' Stories. The Chats tab has a running list of messages with the most recent at the top. They also have the option to share their screen with participants in the room, mimicking presentation mode. Users can incorporate effects and backgrounds while in the room. Messenger rooms can host up to 50 participants. When using the sharable link, anyone can join the chat, even without a Facebook account. Users can determine who can join the chat, extending the invitation to people on Facebook or only people who directly receive the link. A notification will alert the creator once friends join the room if they are not actively on that screen. These chat rooms can be initiated via Facebook as well. Essentially, friends can drop in and chat at any time as long as the creator keeps the room open. Under this tab, users can tap on Create a Room, which will direct them to a screen with a sharable link, to invite friends to a drop-in video chat. Under the People tab, view your list of contacts on MESSENGER to see who has the app and who is active.

Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change. 'Vanish Mode' lets friends send messages that disappear after users leave the chat. And users can use 'Watch Together' to view Facebook Watch content with friends. For added security and in an attempt to detect scams, impersonators, and adults targeting underage users, Messenger added an in-app pop-up warning for messages deemed 'potentially harmful.' Minors who receive a message from an adult they don't know will receive an alert cautioning them about the interaction. With regards to safety features, users have the option of blocking people, ignoring incoming messages from certain senders, and reporting inappropriate, offensive, or alarming conversations.

They can also view their friends' Facebook Stories, which is shared content available for 24 hours, directly through Messenger. In addition to sending stickers and GIFs in messages, users can also request or send friends money and instantly share their location. And, if they choose, users can message Instagram contacts and receive messages from Instagram as well. Users can send messages to individuals privately or to groups they've created.

Notifications can be turned off, but the user remains logged in. If notifications are turned on, users' phones make a sound or vibrate when they get a message, and users can see when someone else has viewed the messages they send. This feature is particularly handy for users who want to use Messenger but don't have a Facebook account. They also have the option to upload their contacts to the Messenger server by turning on the feature that allows contacts in the device to sync with the app. The app syncs Facebook contacts, allowing users to message and call friends even if they don't have their actual phone number saved to their device. Users can choose to communicate through text, phone calls, video calls, voice and video messaging by sending photos and videos and/or by creating rooms for group video chat. Parents need to know that Messenger is a social networking app that works in conjunction with Facebook and allows users to connect and communicate with others in a variety of ways.

Messenger app