Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

Want to Chat on Facebook? Soon, You'll Need a Second App for That. Users might not be happy about needing another app, but the move could ultimately make Facebook Messenger a much more powerful tool.

By Benjamin Kabin

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Facebook has begun notifying users in Europe that its messaging feature will disappear from the main mobile Facebook app in a couple of weeks, forcing iOS and Android users to download its Facebook Messenger app.

Although the changes won't occur everywhere, for everyone, all at once, eventually all users who wish to use the messaging service on their mobile devices will have to download the free standalone app, with a few exceptions, The Verge reports.

Related: Why Mark Zuckerberg's $1 Salary Means Nothing

People using cheaper Android devices with limited storage and those using Windows phones and tablets will still be able to send and receive messages in the main app. Users with Paper, Facebook's new magazine-style app, will also be able to use the messaging feature, according to The Verge.

Some users will likely be unhappy about needing a separate app, but the split will allow the company to build out its messaging service to compete with the likes of Skype and Viber.

Related: 4 Things to Know About Facebook's Plan for Total World Domination

For instance, Facebook already offers a free calling service in its messaging app -- something that users who only have the main app can't access.

The separation will also probably mean that the main app will become smaller, making up for the extra MBs taken up by Messenger.

Related: Why Your Facebook Page Is Becoming Less Relevant

"Once the while process is complete, we expect the core apps to be faster," a spokesperson told the Verge.

Facebook recently acquired messaging service WhatsApp for more than $15 billion but will continue to operate it as a completely separate service.

Benjamin Kabin

Journalist

Benjamin Kabin is a Brooklyn-based technology journalist who specializes in security, startups, venture capital and social media.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

You Have One Month Left to Buy a House, According to Barbara Corcoran. Here's Why.

"If you are planning on waiting a year and seeing where interest rates go, you are out of your mind," Corcoran said.

Side Hustle

I Made $14,000 in 1 Week With a Spontaneous Halloween Costume Side Hustle — Here's How

Sabba Keynejad was in art school when he started to refine his entrepreneurial skills.

Thought Leaders

These 3 Trends Will Change What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur in 2025

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Meta Fires Employee Making $400,000 Per Year Over a $25 Meal Voucher Issue

Other staff members were fired for the same reason, per a new report.

Business News

These 3 Side Hustles Make the Most Money While Working Fewer Hours, According to a New Survey

The survey also found that having a side hustle doubled as a path to becoming more employable.