It’s no secret that Facebook’s division of Messenger from its main social networking app caused quite a stir among the Internet community.
Just last week, the social network’s CEO explained the reasoning behind the division and it looks like things might be paying off for Facebook after all.
Today, Facebook revealed that more than 500 million people monthly are using its Facebook Messenger app despite the heavy backlash. This is up from about 200 million monthly users back in April, when Facebook first revealed its numbers. This also, of course, does not include WhatsApp Messenger, an application that Facebook purchased earlier this year.
While some disliked downloading a new app, others welcomed messaging without the distraction of the full Facebook experience. Still, Facebook Messenger is not without a slew of messaging competitors so having at least half a million users on two of its messaging apps is a big win for Facebook and any plans it has for Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp down the road.
You can get the latest version of Messenger here.