Facebook Messenger has exceeded a total figure of over one billion active monthly users worldwide, bringing the service in line with WhatsApp.
Facebook Messenger has reached a new milestone; the instant messaging platform has officially reached over one billion active monthly users.
Facebook presided over the announcement, and elected to celebrate the achievement in a unique manner, offering:
“We’re grateful for all the people who are sending billions of messages every day and we hope to send 1 billion thank yous in the form of a new floating balloon gift that everyone can use to celebrate. Just send a balloon emoji to your friends to add a touch of whimsy and delight to any conversation.”
Read: Messenger starts testing WhatsApp-style end-to-end encryption
The news that Facebook Messenger is actively used by over 1 billion news comes as an early surprise, as the platform announced earlier this year in April that it had reached 900 million monthly users. In context, the service added over 100 million new active users in just over three months.
Thank you to the more than 1 billion people who are now using #Messenger every month: https://t.co/4mysS6NBVh. pic.twitter.com/FDhQPspFpk
“” Messenger (@messenger) July 20, 2016
A large component of Facebook Messenger’s success lies with the Messenger Platform; the social network’s plan to construct an all-in-one messaging solution that not only serves as an instant messaging client but further works as a payment solution and can connect to third-party applications and services.
Facebook’s stock rose to an all-time high – a figure of $121.86 USD per share – during the announcement. The news places the platform in the same league as its sister client, WhatsApp, which also boasts over 1 billion active users.
Read: You can now request an Uber from Messenger
What are your thoughts on Facebook Messenger’s success? Do you use the service, or do you prefer another instant messaging platform? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
