Meta’s messaging app that began as Facebook Messenger is called Messenger.
Facebook introduced messaging features within its main social network before developing Messenger as a distinct mobile application. The standalone Messenger app appeared in 2011, allowing users to exchange messages without relying entirely on Facebook’s main app interface.
Over time, Messenger expanded beyond simple text conversations. It gained voice and video calling, group chats, stickers, media sharing, payments in some markets, and integrations with Facebook services. Meta later simplified the branding by generally referring to the product as Messenger rather than Facebook Messenger.
Messenger is sometimes confused with WhatsApp because both are owned by Meta and support internet messaging. They remain separate services with different histories, applications, and user networks. Instagram also has direct messaging, but that feature is part of Instagram rather than the Messenger app.