Social networking giant Facebook, Inc. is planning to introduce advertising on its Messenger app, according to a report published Thursday.

TechCrunch quotes from an alleged “leaked” document that details the plan, which will apparently see advertisers being able to send ads via the chat app, but of note only to users who have previously chatted with the company.

While the restriction to users who have previously only corresponded with the advertiser may sound restrictive, Facebook is encouraging businesses to start message threads with users now “so they’ll be able to send them ads when the feature launches.”

The document is also said to include details of Facebook introducing a new URL short link at fb.com/msg to enable users to immediately begin a chat with a business.

Facebook neither denied nor confirmed the report, telling TechCrunch instead that “We don’t comment on rumor or speculation. That said, our aim with Messenger is to create a high quality, engaging experience for 800 million people around the world, and that includes ensuring people do not experience unwanted messages of any type.”

Logical

The move by Facebook to introduce advertising on Messenger is not in the least bit unexpected, and is indeed a logical move; Facebook makes its money from advertising and is entitled to make money from its products.

Messenger, despite it being highly annoying (well, to this writer anyway) has been an epic success for Facebook, with the app passing 800 million users back in January.

The app itself is still somewhat in its infancy and unlike the (Facebook-owned) WhatsApp or competitor LINE, still doesn’t have any add-ons, be it that Facebook is looking at adding extra features in the future.

Going forward though Facebook needs to tread carefully if and when it does introduce advertising; users of chat apps can be fickle and too many ads or intrusive advertising, could push users towards other apps.

In theory limiting advertising to only advertisers who have previously corresponded with the user sounds good on paper, but what form the advertising takes is another matter that is worthy of future consideration.

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