What is the name of Facebook's standalone messaging app?

Facebook's standalone messaging app is Messenger. Facebook launched Messenger as a separate mobile application in 2011 and later required many mobile users to install it separately from the main Facebook app for private chats.

Messenger grew from Facebook's built-in chat feature into a full communications service supporting text messages, voice calls, video calls, group conversations, photos, stickers, and other media. It is operated by Meta alongside Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The main mix-up is WhatsApp, another messaging service owned by Meta. WhatsApp is a separate global app with its own brand and history; Messenger is specifically Facebook's dedicated messaging companion. Signal and Telegram are independent messaging platforms, not Facebook products. Messenger should also not be confused with Facebook Dating or other features embedded inside the Facebook app.