If you’re anything like us, the two most used apps on your smartphone are Instagram and WhatsApp. But did you know both apps are owned by Facebook?
If not, don’t worry you’re not alone! A recent survey revealed that 57% of people didn’t know Instagram was owned by Facebook, and another revealed that 50% didn’t know the company also owned WhatsApp.
After several years Facebook has decided it’s time to clear any confusion and let everyone know who’s in charge.
Facebook has recently confirmed plans to change the name of the apps to ‘Instagram from Facebook’ and ‘WhatsApp from Facebook’. This comes as part of a bid to be clearer about the products and services that are part of Facebook.
It’s an interesting move on the site’s behalf considering the fact it has owned both platforms for years already.
However, it demonstrates how Facebook wants to bring together its apps even more. Following a report from earlier this year which revealed that Facebook wants to integrate the messaging services of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger in order to keep engagement levels up within Facebook’s network of users.
The platform hit headlines recently for all the wrong reasons over security concerns, whilst Instagram and WhatsApp remain unscathed. However founder Mark Zuckerberg, has said that the integration will form a ‘privacy-focused social network’ in the future.
How will it affect my day-to-day usage?
Well you’re in luck it shouldn’t really affect your day-to-day usage on both platforms.
Whilst the changes are being made now, you might not see them immediately.
You’ll see the name change on both the Google Play and App Store. You’ll be pleased to know that the ‘From Facebook’ text won’t appear on your home screen as it takes up too much space. But it is likely that in the future it will make an appearance on the app splash screen page.
In the meantime, while we wait for the new changes to kick in why not get up to speed with everything you need to know about Facebook’s new Cryptocurrency.