Facebook Messenger review: 56 facts and highlights

These services are ideal if you want to use the app while sat down at your computer, as well as on-the-go.

You can download the app for free, from platforms such as Google Play or the App Store.

Adverts can be distracting and obtrusive. Apps and blogs without ads are more aesthetically pleasing, nicer to use, and make the content stand out.

It is compatible with a range of Android devices such as smartphones and tablets.

It is compatible with a range of iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch.

You can personalize the appearance of the app - for example, choosing a different theme or colors.

This means that it has been designed especially for professional use. It offers a more serious design, often with tailored features and increased security.

You can add widgets to the home screen. This allows you to have more flexibility and to see information at a glance, without going into the app.

End-to-end encryption protects data between two communicating parties and ensures that only the intended receiver can access the unencrypted information.

End-to-end encryption is enabled on all chats by default. This differs from other apps which only encrypt messages if the user specifically turns it on.

Screenshot detection is a safety feature that allows users to receive notifications when someone screenshots their messages. Often used in secure messaging apps, screenshot detection ensures that your messages and data stay safe.

The app supports end-to-end encryption in group chats.

Signing in with your Facebook account can be faster and easier if you don’t want to spend time filling in a registration page.

Signing in with your Twitter account can be faster and easier if you don’t want to spend time on a registration page.

You can change your privacy settings so that not all content is available for public viewing.

The app is not connected to your phone number, so you can use it on devices such as tablets without needing a SIM card.

The app doesn't require you to make an account in order to log in and use the app.

You can see when someone has opened your message, so you know whether or not it has been read yet.

You can see when someone is typing a reply, which can prevent confusion.

You can see the activity history – e.g., “User last active yesterday at 9:30.”

You can delete past messages, for example if they contain confidential or private information.

You can show that you are, for instance, busy or away. This is ideal if you are working but want to stay available for important messages.

You can send a pre-recorded voice message.

You can send a text message which will delete itself after a short time, so that it won't be saved on the other person’s device.

You can send an image which will delete itself after a short time, so that it won't be saved on the other person’s device.

You can have a one-on-one conversation with video.

You can send documents using the app.

You can see a small thumbnail of an image before opening it.

You can send videos with the app.

You can share music files with your friends.

You can create and share fun pictures with your own doodles on.

You can add captions and titles to your photos.

When you archive old data, it will go into a special folder in case you ever need it. This means it is out of the way, but not deleted forever.

Stickers are a quick and fun way to communicate.

The largest file size you can share. The higher the limit, the less restricted you are when sharing content.

This means that you have to add or accept contacts before being able to message. It prevents strangers sending you unwanted messages.

This means you can easily access and communicate with contacts from your existing phonebook.

You can quickly and conveniently forward a person’s contact details on. This is a lot easier than finding their number and typing it into a message.

You can browse and contact any of your fellow app users.

With favorite contacts you have quick access to the people who you communicate with most.