Facebook introduces usernames and scannable codes to Messenger
Facebook has rolled out an update to Messenger today (7 April), which involves the launch of Messenger Codes, Messenger Usernames and Messenger Links – tools designed to make it easier for users to find and connect with friends and businesses on the app.
The new tools come as Messenger has reached 900m monthly active users.
Messenger Codes are scannable codes designed to make it easier for users to find people in Messenger. When a user scans a code with a phone camera, it instantly starts a conversation with the scanned user or business.
Businesses can use the unique codes to make it easier to people to open a thread with them.
These codes have been designed to be used in many different forms, be it on business cards, online, in-store, or in ads.
Messenger Usernames and Links are personalised names and links for each user to share anywhere online, from an email signature to a website.
Users can now search for a unique username on Facebook or on the Messenger app to help users contact the right person, quickly, while clicking on a Messenger Link will immediately start a thread with a person or business.
The tools have been developed to benefit both businesses and users – by making it easier for people to find businesses, and businesses to increase their reach, via individual page usernames. Each page has a unique username that can be set and edited, helping people to identify an exact business, since many might have similar names.
Businesses can also take advantage of Messenger Links, by making it easier for people to start a message thread with them. Messenger Links use a page’s username to create a short link that, when clicked, opens a direct conversation with the business in Messenger.