The Facebook Messaging Empire - Messenger versus WhatsApp
 |
| culturemob.com |
The thing is though, with Messenger increasingly expanding into a platform that's split from Facebook itself, a platform which is constantly having exciting new features bolted on, an internal war is brewing. Most people tend to use both, but are rarely ambidextrous, one will always take precedent over the other and as both apps expand, it's fast becoming a matter of preference, instead of a matter of necessity. But which one is genuinely better? Obviously WhatsApp has no browser function so it loses out immediately there, but focusing purely on the mobile experience, many people prefer it.
One advantage WhatsApp has from the outset is better functionality in areas with poorer signal. Facebook Messenger really needs either a wireless connection or 3/4G to be a viable option for calling or messaging, whetheras WhatsApp messages will still get through when you're limited to E or GPRS, albeit slowly and with much of the other features cordoned off. Since WhatsApp is also mapped to your phone contacts, it is also far easier to call them through the app than it is through Facebook Messenger, which likes to keep everything in-house.
Privacy options are also a big sticking point, WhatsApp allows you to toggle your 'last online' status, with the catch of not being able to see anybody else's when you switch it off. On Messenger you can appear offline, but won't be able to see which contacts are currently available, so it's pretty much a dead heat, with WhatsApp leaning more towards a constant 'message whenever' format, rather than the shorter, thicker conversations that begin when you sign in and end when you sign off, as with Messenger. Crucially though, Messenger only lets you know when a contact has seen your message (which can't be switched off) whilst WhatsApp shows when it has been sent, received and finally when it's been read, a function which can turned off.
Muting is a feature which finds both apps pretty lacking. Messenger has two mute functions: on and off, with no option to mute for a specific amount of time. Annoying, but still better than WhatsApp, which allows you to mute a conversation for 8 hours, a week or a year. That's literally it, no custom time, no on/off, just those 3 options, it's absurd, especially when you're part of a rolling group chat which you need to keep tabs on sometimes, but not all the time.
Contact synergy is one area which heavily favours Messenger if you're any kind of regular Facebook user. You can add your mobile contacts to it as well as having all your FB friends, but the reverse isn't true of WhatsApp. Messenger is also much better looking, if you ask me, the typeface is larger, cleaner and the interface doesn't have so many edges. Messenger also now allows you to transfer money in some parts of the world, which will place it leagues ahead for some people, as well as the file sharing.
Bearing this in mind, Messenger is far better for professional purposes, but WhatsApp is the better option for more casual fare, especially since having someone as a WhatsApp contact also gives you their phone number. Facebook seem to realise this, since both apps are expanding in precisely those directions, but for video calling and conferencing, Skype remains the king.
Callum Davies
Callum is a film school graduate who is now making a name for himself as a journalist and content writer. His vices include flat whites and 90s hip-hop. Follow him @CallumAtSMF
The Facebook Messaging Empire - Messenger versus WhatsApp
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.